Packers vs Chargers: 3 Things We Learned About San Diego in 45-38 Loss

The San Diego Chargers had an opportunity to rebound from a three-game losing streak in a huge way on Sunday.

A victory over the undefeated Green Bay Packers at home would not only be a statement win—crucial at this juncture in the season—but also an indication of hope in a season that has been underwhelming thus far. 

But the upset was not to be.

The Chargers fell behind early through mistakes on the offensive end that the Packers, in vintage Super Bowl form, took advantage of.

Points were aplenty, with both teams combining to amass over 900 yards and 80 points on the day. When San Diego roared back in the fourth quarter with Green Bay nursing a one touchdown lead, the comeback fell short when Philip Rivers's pass was intercepted by Charlie Peprah.

In what was predicted to be a resurgent season for San Diego after missing the playoffs in 2010, the Chargers have reverted to their under-performing ways.

The 2011 team continues to play down to lesser opponents, while falling behind to superior ones because of a maddening combination of general ineffectiveness and egregious mistakes.

A three-way tie at the top of the AFC West means the division remains up for grabs, but the Chargers will be grabbing an early draft spot if this disappointing play continues.

Philip Rivers's Mistakes Proved to Be the Difference

After leading the Chargers on a perfect opening drive, Philip Rivers came back into the game with the score tied. The game had every indication of a shootout that would come down to the wire.

Just when it seemed Rivers was figuring things out, however, his pass was deflected for a pick-six.

A few plays later, his throw suffered a similar fate: another Green Bay defensive touchdown. Suddenly, the Packers had a 14-point advantage that they would never relinquish.

In Rivers's defense, the Chargers D did him no favors on Sunday.

Trying to match a 45-point outing against a defending champion Packers defense might be the most difficult task for any quarterback to undertake. Nevertheless, Rivers threw for four touchdowns and nearly 400 yards in what was a decidedly valiant effort.

But Rivers's interceptions swung 14 points to Green Bay and ended the game on the Chargers' final drive. A few less throws into Packer defenders and more into the ground (although he had plenty of those today) may have resulted in a Chargers victory.

We've seen Rivers struggle early and often in 2011.

The Chargers’ current three-game losing streak has a lot to do with their quarterback’s miscues in the fourth quarter. If he does not shape up soon, the Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chief will happily take the division crown.

Elite Quarterbacks Continue to Have Their Way with the San Diego Secondary

After Tom Brady put on an quarterbacking clinic earlier in the season, Aaron Rodgers knew he had to one-up him.

What resulted was another virtuoso performance from Rodgers, who is making a case to be crowned the best quarterback on the best team in the league. On Sunday he was immaculate, throwing for four touchdown and just five incompletions.

The Chargers knew what was coming, but they did not have many answers for the reigning Super Bowl MVP.

The San Diego defense generated a pass rush early and forced Rodgers to go short, but that success was short-lived. By the second half, the pressure on the edge was non-existent and the Packers’ offense exploited their matchup advantages, especially with Jermichael Finley out wide.

Rodgers made a fool out of Chargers’ defensive back Marcus Gilchrist all day long. In his second start since replacing Antoine Cason, the rookie Gilchrist gave up two touchdowns and got burned on multiple occasions, switching off between Finley and slot receiver Jordy Nelson.

The Chargers obviously have coverage issues that their opponents will continue to game plan for. It seems the defensive coaching staff has no answers.

Turnovers and Penalties Doomed a Chargers Comeback Again

Is there a stat that combines a team’s turnover and penalty margin? If so, the Chargers would be next-door neighbors with the Indianapolis Colts.

San Diego managed to beat Green Bay on the majority of the stat sheet: total net yards, total first downs, and time of possession. Unfortunately, the Chargers were trounced in the turnover column, with three to the Packers' zero.

And whether it is a lack of preparedness or execution, San Diego continued its love affair with the yellow flag. San Diego had eight penalties for 65 yards, many of them in crucial points of the game.

However, no miscue was more significant than cornerback Quentin Jammer’s holding penalty when the Chargers looked to keep their comeback bid alive.

On third-and-2 with just over two minutes left, the San Diego defense knocked Aaron Rodgers to the ground, forcing an incompletion.

But Jammer’s defensive holding call gave the Packers a first down, costing his team over a minute of offense in the game’s waning moments. The penalty call forced Rivers and Co. to resort to using riskier long pass patterns that would eventually prove to be the team’s undoing.

The Chargers continue to beat themselves with their sloppy play. These mistake-filled games have become a trend for this squad.