Jacksonville, FL — Phillip Rivers led the Los Angeles Chargers (5-8) to a dominating 45-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-9) on his 38th birthday.
Before the game in Jacksonville, Rivers and the Chargers had fallen to their past opponents by one score or less. However, taking the field today, Los Angeles seemed relentless to have a different end result, at the end of the 60-minute game.
Coming out with a spark, Charger running back, Austin Ekeler rushed his way to the 48 yard-line, on a 27-yard carry. The Chargers achieved three first-downs on their first three drives of the game. Scoring a touchdown using less than four minutes of game clock.
Rivers was sure to make this day special for everyone, including his team. On this day, Rivers became the oldest quarterback to consecutively start a significant amount of games, since 1950.
Rivers finished the game with 16 completed passes, on 22 attempts; as well as three touchdowns combining for a total of 314 yards.In addition, his 84-yard pass to running back Austin Ekeler was the longest completion of the quarterback’s 16-year career.
He completely dissected the Jacksonville defense, and his energy proliferated the Chargers. Ultimately, helping them dominate the entire game. Despite entering the contest having thrown a bundle of interceptions, he was unafraid of making mistakes and that was shown when the 38-year-old completed a 44-yard pass to Mike Williams, who stretched out for the touchdown.
As a whole, the Chargers achieved 27 first-downs, and a season-high 525 yards on the afternoon. Defensively, Los Angeles held the Jaguars to 252 total yards and 88 yards on the ground. It was simply a dominating effort from the first kick.
“A little too little, too late in terms of our postseason hopes and the expectations coming into this season,” said Rivers, whose team was officially eliminated from the postseason. “But we still talk about finishing strong. Every game matters. … All around a good day. It was a fun day.”
WHAT SHOULD THE CHARGERS TAKE AWAY FROM THIS GAME?
The biggest take away from this substantial win is momentum, and confidence.
Offensively and defensively Los Angeles played charged up. Tackles totaled to 55, with defensive end Joey Bosa contributing two sacks on the game.
The team follows as Rivers leads. In order to spark a winning streak, the Chargers must carry over the intensity brought into tonight’s game.
WHO’S UP NEXT
Next up, the (5-8) Bolts will host the Minnesota Vikings on December 15th, in the StubHub center in Carson, CA.
By Nakiah Black