Quarter by Quarter Predictions for Chargers vs. Jets

There are always predictions. Whether it's experts, fans or even Madden simulations, there are always people who want to try and predict the outcome of sports games. Usual predictions are the outcomes and final scores. There are rarely predictions that cover the entire game, quarter by quarter.

Before I start, I want to share with you a quote from the Chargers beat writer, Kevin Acee.

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"I'm picking the Jets. They have to prove that they can make plays, and so far, they haven't."

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He has his opinion. Here's mine.

1st Quarter

It's going to be an emotional day for both LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers organization. Tomlinson could very well be the best player in Chargers history. It's still football, though, so both sides will put it beside them and start the game just like any other.

The first quarter will be very offensive. Darrelle Revis will shut down Vincent Jackson early, which will lead to running the ball. Mathews will get the fair share of carries and will start off hot. Gates will also get involved early. For the Jets, Dustin Keller will get a lot of targets down the field, including one touchdown. The run game will be almost non-existent, and Mark Sanchez starts looking to the air.

Scoring: Philip Rivers to Antonio Gates, 10 yards. (0-7)  Nick Folk, 27 yards. (3-7) Nick Novak, 30 yards. (3-10) Mark Sanchez to Dustin Keller, seven yards. (10-10)
    
A tied game after one quarter. Both teams will start to buckle down on defense and limit the scoring in the second.

2nd Quarter

Both teams will struggle to move the ball. Punts, after punts, after punts. It takes them a while to start getting down the field, and when they finally do, they settle for field goals.

Scoring: Nick Folk, 40 yards. (13-10), Nick Novak, 23 yards. (13-13), Nick Folk, 35 yards. (16-10)

The score would be tied at halftime if it wasn't for a Mike Tolbert fumble inside the Chargers' own territory.

Halftime Stats: Philip Rivers: 173 yards, one touchdown. Mark Sanchez: 100 yards, one touchdown. Ryan Mathews: 65 yards, 25 receiving yards. LaDainian Tomlinson: 22 yards, 15   receiving yards. Antonio Gates: 40 yards, one touchdown. Dustin Keller: 43 yards, one touchdown.

3rd Quarter

The second half starts off with a bang.

On his first run in the third quarter, Ryan Mathews goes for a 34-yard gain. It lights a spark in the Chargers offense. Philip Rivers completes five passes in a row to get down to the five-yard line, where Mathews runs in a touchdown. The Jets get the ball and immediately go to the pass game. They get to about mid-field until they are stopped three downs in a row. San Diego gets the ball back, and Mathews gets right back to work.

Scoring: Ryan Mathews, five yards. (16-20) Ryan Mathews, 10 yards. (16-27) Nick Folk, 42 yards. (19-27)

The Chargers outscore New York 14-3 in the third and start to run away with the game.

4th Quarter

San Diego seems to think the game is over in the fourth. Rex Ryan, on the other hand, thinks the opposite.

On their first drive, the Jets look very sharp. Mark Sanchez completes two big passes to Santonio Holmes. One of them goes for a 35 yard touchdown. The Chargers get the ball back, but get stopped on a three and out. New York then marches down the field once again, but this time, they settle for a field goal. With two minutes left, down by two, Philip Rivers leads the Chargers to a game winning touchdown.

Scoring - Mark Sanchez to Santonio Holmes, 35 yards. (26-27) Nick Folk, 30-yard field goal. (29-27) Philip Rivers to Vincent Jackson, 15 yards. (29-34)

Final Stats - Philip Rivers: 335 yards, two touchdowns. Mark Sanchez: 240 yards, two touchdowns. Ryan Mathews: 156 yards, 45 receiving yards, two touchdowns. LaDainian Tomlinson: 56 yards, 42 receiving yards. Vincent Jackson: 82 yards, one touchdown. Santonio Holmes: 55 yards, one touchdown. Antonio Gates: 65 yards, one touchdown. Dustin Keller: 47 yards, one touchdown.

The Chargers win the game and become 5-1. The Jets fall to 3-4 and are searching for answers. Norv Turner will get the last laugh.

Final Score: Chargers 34 Jets 29

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