A record-setting performance by quarterback Philip Rivers propelled the Los Angeles Chargers to a 45-10 win over the Arizona Cardinals Sunday from ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Rivers set a single-game NFL record by completing his first 25 passes, most of which came during a stretch where the Chargers scored 45 unanswered points. He finished 28-of-29 for 259 yards and three touchdowns before giving way to Geno Smith in the fourth quarter.
Rivers has thrown multiple touchdown passes in all 11 games in 2018. Only quarterbacks Johnny Unitas, Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers have thrown at least two touchdown passes in their first 11 games to start a season.
Running back Melvin Gordon had 10 carries for 61 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game in the third quarter with a knee injury. Wide receiver Mike Williams scored two touchdowns and Keenan Allen caught seven balls for 72 yards and a touchdown – his third consecutive game with a score.
The offensive explosion was complemented by a dominating defensive performance. Defensive end Joey Bosa notched his first two sacks of the season and safety Derwin James nabbed his second interception of the year. Arizona was held to just 149 yards of total offense.
The Chargers improved to 8-3 on the season and finished 3-1 against the NFC West. They've outscored their opponents 124-41 in the second quarter this season.
Browse through the top game action photos as the Bolts take on the Arizona Cardinals during Week 12 at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Travis Benjamin catches a pass from Philip Rivers during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen runs after catching a pass from Philip Rivers during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Mike Williams makes a touchdown catch over cornerback Bene' Benwikere during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif.
Keenan Allen points to the crowd during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Casey Hayward and Derwin James slap hands on the field during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Jatavis Brown tackles Cardinals RB David Johnson during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Joey Bosa celebrates sacking Cardinals QB Josh Rosen during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Joey Bosa celebrates sacking Cardinals QB Josh Rosen during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Joey Bosa celebrates sacking Cardinals QB Josh Rosen during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Joey Bosa and Derwin James celebrate Bosa's sack of Cardinals QB Josh Rosen during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Philip Rivers calls a play during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Derwin James swats the ball away from Cardinals TE Ricky Seals-Jones during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Derwin James and Melvin Ingram celebrate James' interception during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Derwin James and Casey Hayward celebrate James' interception during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Melvin Gordon runs through the middle during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen celebrates catching a pass from Philip Rivers during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen catches a pass from Philip Rivers during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Philip Rivers smiles on the sideline during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Melvin Gordon runs into the end zone for a touchdown as Haason Reddick attempts a tackle during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif.
Austin Ekeler catches a pass from Philip Rivers during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Mike Williams leaps up to grab his second touchdown of the day during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, right, makes a touchdown catch next to Arizona Cardinals defensive back David Amerson during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Michael Schofield, Mike Pouncey, Antonio Gates and Mike Williams celebrate Williams' touchdown during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Travis Benjamin runs downfield after catching a pass from Philip Rivers during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Austin Ekeler runs downfield during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Derwin James makes a tackle during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Keenan Allen celebrates after a catching a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif.
Travis Benjamin runs downfield during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Justin Jackson runs downfield during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Philip Rivers throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif.
Austin Ekeler runs downfield during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Philip Rivers throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif.
Joey Bosa records his second sack of Cardinals QB Josh Rosen during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa celebrate Bosa's second sack of the day during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
The Bolts bring down Cardinals RB David Johnson during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
The Bolts bring down Cardinals RB David Johnson during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Isaac Rochell tackles during the Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at ROKiT Field at StubHub Center.
Philip Rivers pumps his fist after his team scored during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif.
Philip Rivers smiles on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif.
Arizona struck first on its opening possession. A nine-play, 76-yard drive ended with a 25-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Josh Rosen to future Hall of Fame wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
After a Chargers three-and-out, Arizona got the ball back at Los Angeles' 44-yard line thanks to a 26-yard punt return by rookie wide receiver Christian Kirk. Eight plays later, Phil Dawson kicked a 30-yard field goal to increase the Cardinals lead to 10-0.
Los Angeles, in need of an early spark, got it right away in the form of a 40-yard Desmond King kick return. On the next play, Rivers found wide receiver Travis Benjamin for a 27-yard reception. Rivers finished the eight-play drive with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Williams to cut Arizona's lead to 10-7.
L.A.'s next two scores would come from its all-everything running back. Gordon had touchdown rushes of 26 and five yards – the latter set up by James' interception of Rosen. A Williams two-yard touchdown reception capped a 28-point second quarter for Los Angeles.
Running back Austin Ekeler caught a career high 10 passes for 68 yards and added 35 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Rookie running back Justin Jackson rushed for 57 yards on seven carries.
James and linebacker Jatavis Brown led the team with seven tackles each. Kicker Michael Badgley converted all six of his extra-point attempts and a 31-yard field goal.
UP NEXT
The Chargers travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers in Week 13. Kickoff from Heinz Field is on Sunday, Dec. 2 at 5:20 p.m. Pacific (NBC).
