San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - Philip Rivers threw for 306 yards and three touchdowns as the San Diego Chargers dominated the New England Patriots, 30-10, exacting some revenge in a rematch of last season's AFC Championship game from Qualcomm Stadium.
Rivers hit on 18-of-27 pass attempts, and the Chargers' receivers stepped up in the absence of the team's top wideout, Chris Chambers, who was sidelined with an ankle injury. Vincent Jackson hauled in five receptions for 134 yards and a score while Malcolm Floyd caught three passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. Antonio Gates grabbed Rivers' other scoring throw.
LaDainian Tomlinson, who continues to battle a nagging turf toe injury, gained 74 yards on 20 carries and caught three passes for 44 yards, but much of his contribution came with the game already decided.
San Diego (3-3) had stumbled in the early-going this season and was coming off a disappointing 17-10 loss to the Dolphins in Miami. However, with a Denver loss to Jacksonville earlier Sunday, the Bolts now sit only one game behind the Broncos for first place in the AFC West, with a road test against the AFC East-leading Bills next on the schedule.
Matt Cassel struggled to generate an offensive threat, with eight of 12 possessions going for 20 yards or less. Cassel completed 22-of-38 passes for 203 yards, with an interception and a lost fumble, and he missed opportunities on drives that did progress downfield.
Wes Welker had nine grabs for 73 yards while Sammy Morris scored a rushing TD for New England (3-2), which recovered from an ugly loss to Miami in Week 3 to defeat the 49ers coming off the bye week. Having now fallen into a tie for second with the New York Jets in the AFC East, the Pats will next host Denver on Monday night.
