After coming oh-so-close through the first three games, the Chargers defense was finally able to break through with a pair of interceptions on Sunday.
Safety Eric Weddle and cornerback Brandon Flowers each had a pick in the 33-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the team forced three turnovers without committing any. That brings the team’s turnover ratio to a sparking plus-five through the first quarter of the season.
“Creating three turnovers was big,” Chargers coach Mike McCoy said. “On the back end, we really didn’t give up too many plays.”
Both interceptions came at critical times. Flowers’ pick came on the first defensive series of the second half. He jumped Cecil Shorts’ route at midfield, stepping in front of the pass and taking it back into Jaguars territory.
Weddle’s came midway through the fourth quarter as Jacksonville drove into Bolts territory, squelching the last chance the Jags had to get back into the game.
"I think they come in bunches at times," McCoy said of creating turnovers. "You do certain things, you force teams to throw the football when you stop the run. You get good pressure up front. We’ve had our hands on plenty of balls this year. We might not have caught every one of them, obviously, but they made the plays today when they were there."
“When we had a chance to make plays, we made plays,” said Flowers. “I made it my duty to get one today.”
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After Sunday’s catch, he now has 18 interceptions in his seven-year career. Defending Shorts – the Jags’ top receiver – for most of the day, Flowers played in all but three defensive snaps.
“Show ‘em one thing and play another,” he said of his strategy on the play.
