The Los Angeles Chargers clinched their first win of the season beating the New York Giants 27-22.
Game BallsOffense: Melvin Gordon – Gordon got it done both on the ground and through the air on Sunday. His 20 rushes went for 105 yards, and he seemed to essentially break through tackles. Through the air, Gordon had six receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns. His second TD ultimately proved to be the game-winning score.
Defense: Melvin Ingram – Ingram was a force to be reckoned with once again. His two sacks bring him to 7.5 on the season. His second was most notable as he took down Eli Manning, forced a fumble and recovered the ball to set his offense up at the Giants 11. On the ensuing drive, Philip Rivers connected with Melvin Gordon for the go-ahead touchdown and lead.
Unsung Hero: Drew Kaser – Punts were aplenty for most of Sunday's game, and Kaser proved to be a weapon. He equaled his career-high with six on the day. In the fourth quarter, he boomed a 68-yard punt which is the second-longest of his career. He finished the game with a 55.5 yards per punt average.
Stat of the Game:
Philip Rivers passed Fran Tarkenton in the second quarter to move into 10th place all-time in career passing yards.
Play of the Game:
Facing a 3rd-and-7 from their own 23 with four minutes left in the game, Manning stepped back to throw. Within a split second, Melvin Ingram came bursting through the line to sack and strip Manning. As the ball rolled around, numerous players attempted to dive for it, but it ultimately ended up in the arms of Ingram to set the Bolts offense up at the NYG 11.
Turning Point:
On that ensuing offensive drive, Philip Rivers and company faced a 3rd-and-9 from the Giants' 10. Rivers dropped back and found an open Melvin Gordon, who cut right to get in the end zone. The touchdown gave the Chargers the lead and eventual win.
It Was Over When:
The Giants got the ball back with just under two minutes left in the game. They drove downfield and got to the Chargers' 48 with 49-seconds left in the game. However, on fourth down, Manning's pass for Evan Engram was picked off by Tre Boston, who sealed the win for the Bolts.
Bolt Quotebook
"This is a very resilient team. I saw that in training camp. I saw that in OTAs. This is a high character group, and they don't quit. They just keep coming, and coming, and coming. Even when it's not pretty, I'm just so happy that we found a way to get one. I think this can help us get over the hump." – Head Coach Anthony Lynn
"I think it's justified to be excited and celebrate it just for a little while and then realize we have plenty of play-things to get better at. We didn't play our best game, but I think it's a good sign that you cannot play your best game and find a way to win." – QB Philip Rivers
"Everything is better when you get a win. We've been searching for one for a long time now and it feels good to win. Now we just have to keep it rolling." – RB Melvin Gordon
"Can't really say enough (about Melvin Ingram). It's just great playing with him. To be able to run some plays with him and have him come up with the sack is just almost as good of a feeling as getting one yourself. To come out both with two this game was huge for us." – DE Joey Bosa
Odds and Ends
The Chargers outgained the Giants 382 to 335 total yards. They had a 258-183 advantage through the air, but New York had a 152 to 124 edge on the ground.
Philip Rivers recorded his 50th career game with three or more passing touchdowns.
Hunter Henry caught his 10th career touchdown. He ranks second among tight ends since the start of the 2016 season.
Joey Bosa recorded two sacks on the day, giving him 4.5 for the season. That is his fifth multi-sack game, equaling his single-game career high.
Melvin Ingram tallied two sacks on Sunday. He now has 7.5 sacks on the season, and has recorded three multi-sack games this season.
Darius Philon recorded a sack for the second straight game.
Tre Boston game-pick was his first interception of the season and fourth of his career.
With four receptions for 67 yards, Keenan Allen surpassed 3,000 career receiving yards.
Inactives for the Chargers included Cardale Jones, Branden Oliver, Korey Toomer, Tyler Marz, Sean Culkin, Mike Williams and Jeremiah Attaochu.
