The Chargers were outstanding on offense in this football game.  Philip Rivers was very efficient, completing 15 of 23 passes for 206 yards and a TD.  LaDainian Tomlinson was out of this world against the Rams.  Tomlinson carried the ball 25 times for 183 yards (7.3 ypc) and 2 TDs.  Tomlinson also caught 3 passes for 57 yards and a TD.  Michael Turner carried the ball 5 times for 28 yards and a TD.  TE Antonio Gates caught 5 passes for 66 yards and WR Eric Parker chipped in 4 catches for 56 yards.

At least three of the Chargers defenders came to play today against the Rams.  LB Donnie Edwards led the team with 12 tackles.  OLB Shawne Merriman had 2 tackles and 3 sacks.  FS Marlon McCree had 7 tackles and returned a Steven Davis fumble 79 yards for a TD!  The Rams did run the ball well, carrying the rock 21 times for 101 yards (4.8 ypc).  The Rams completed 27 of 40 passes for 311 net yards passing.

The Chargers offense has been much better than anyone could have forecasted.  The Chargers are averaging a robust 29.7 points per game this season.  The running game has been pretty good this season, averaging 148.0 yards rushing per game.  The passing game has generated 214.2 net yards passing and 65.8% completions.

The defense has been outstanding and is only allowing 14.2 points per game.  The Chargers are only allowing 82.0 yards per game rushing, but 4.0 yards per carry.  The Chargers defense has been outstanding vs. the pass, allowing 159.2 net yards passing and 52.5% completions.

Both of these football teams are 4-2 and coming off of devastating last-second losses.  At least the Rams had a week off to get it out of their system.

The Rams will look to run a balanced offense against the Chargers.  RB Steven Jackson could have a good game running the ball against a Charger defense that only allows 82.0 yards rushing per game, but 4.0 yards per carry.  The big issue with the Rams offense will be pass protection, because if Bulger gets time to throw he could have a big game.  The Rams O-Line has already allowed 19 sacks and the Chargers defense already has 23 sacks!  The Chargers will be without starting OLB Shaun Phillips, who already had six sacks this season, with a calf injury.  Torry Holt (37 rec, 526 yards, 7 TDs) and Isaac Bruce (27 rec, 388 yards) could cause huge problems for the secondary of the Chargers.

The Rams defense has been soft against the run allowing 121.3 yards rushing and 4.5 yards per carry, which is bad news when facing the Chargers.  LaDainian Tomlinson has 473 yards rushing and 7 TDs so far this season, but he hasn’t had a huge game yet……but that could change this week.  QB Philip Rivers has been fantastic this season and he should have a little fun throwing against the Rams defense which allows 218.0 yards passing per game.  Look for Antonio Gates to have a huge game against the Rams safeties.

This should be a great football game, but I have to angle towards the Chargers winning this game because of their defense.  I wouldn’t be shocked if the Rams pulled an upset though.

The strength of the Charger defense looks like it will be seriously weakened for at least a month.  OLB Shaun Phillps was injured Sunday and will be out 4-6 weeks.  The other starting OLB Shawne Merriman was suspended by the NFL for four games for violating the league’s steroid policy.  Look for Marques Harris and Carlos Polk to replace the Chargers impact OLBs.

The Chargers offense led a furious comeback after the Chiefs built up a lead and tried to grind out a win.  Philip Rivers led the comeback completing 25 of 43 passes for 266 yards with 2 TDs and an INT.  LaDainian Tomlinson did a little of everything, carrying the ball 15 times for 66 yards (4.4 ypc), caught 6 passes for 72 yards and a TD, and threw a 1 yard TD pass.  TE Antonio Gates caught 9 passes for 63 yards and a TD and TE Brandon Manumaleuna caught 4 passes for 23 yards and a TD from Tomlinson.  WR Keenan McCardell pitched in 4 catches for 51 yards.

LB Donnie Edwards looked like one of the only guys that came to play with 9 tackles.  The Chiefs ran the ball 30 times for 134 yards (4.5 ypc).  The Chiefs completed 15 of 27 passes for 221 net yards passing.