OVERVIEW …
SAN DIEGO, California – This was way too familiar.
That wasn't a good thing for the Jaguars, who fell behind way too far way too early against the San Diego Chargers Sunday before losing their second consecutive game to start to a season that began with high expectations.
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers threw two first-half touchdowns and two more in the second half as San Diego (1-1) built a three-touchdown halftime lead in what became a 38-14 victory over the Jaguars (0-2) at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.
The victory was the sixth in seven seasons for the Chargers over the Jaguars. The Jaguars are 0-4 all-time at Qualcomm Stadium and have not won in the Pacific Time Zone since 2004.
Rivers, 6-1 all-time against Jacksonville, completed 17 of 24 passes for 220 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.
Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles completed 31 of 50 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. The first interception led to a San Diego first-half score and Bortles also lost a fumble in the second quarter.
Bortles threw two first-half interceptions and his second ended a Jaguars scoring threat late in the second quarter with San Diego leading by three touchdowns.
San Diego led 21-0 at halftime after dominating the first two quarters
The Chargers blitzed through the Jaguars' defense for an early lead, rushing for 58 yards on a 75-yard, game-opening drive. Running back Melvin Gordon's three-yard run made it 7-0, with Gordon and running back Danny Woodhead rushing for 28 and 23 yards on back-to-back plays to set up the score.
The deficit grew to 14 points two series later when wide receiver Travis Benjamin caught a six-yard pass from Rivers. The score came seven plays after Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward intercepted a pass from Bortles that bounced off wide receiver Marqise Lee's hands. Bortles threw behind Lee on the play, with Hayward's interception giving San Diego possession at the Jaguars 34.
San Diego's third touchdown of the half came on a 2-yard pass from Rivers to tight end Antonio Gates. It came five plays after a missed 54-yard field goal by kicker Jason Myers and made it 21-0, Chargers, with 9:54 remaining in the second quarter.
Rivers extended the lead to 28-0 with a 44-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyrone Williams on the first Chargers second-half possession. The lead became 35-0 with Rivers'45-yard third-quarter touchdown pass to Benjamin.
Bortles' four-yard touchdown to tight end Marcedes Lewis made it 35-7 with 12:54 remaining in fourth quarter.
PLAYER OF THE GAME …
Julius Thomas, tight end.This went to Thomas because it had to go to someone. He caught four passes for 71 yards with a long of 24 yards.
OFFENSIVELY …
The Jaguars produced 388 yards and 20 first downs, with Bortles committing three first-half turnovers. The Jaguars were 0-for-4 on third downs in the first half.
DEFENSIVELY …
The Jaguars allowed 357 yards and 25 first downs. The Jaguars' defense got its first takeaway late in the first half when defensive end Yannick Ngakoue stripped Rivers and safety Johanthan Cyprien recovered at the Jaguars 6. Defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. registered his first two career sacks.
SPECIALLY …
Jaguars kicker Jason Myers missed a 54-yard field goal that would have made it 14-3, after which the Chargers drove 56 yards for a touchdown and a 21-0 lead.
INJURY UPDATES …
Offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum sustained a blow to the head in the fourth quarter and was carted from the field after an extended stoppage of play. He was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Defensive end Jared Odrick sustained an elbow injury in the first quarter and returned in the second quarter. Wide receiver Arrelious Benn sustained a laceration in the first quarter but returned.
Defensive tackle Roy Miller III sustained a hand injury in the second quarter and returned.
Cornerback Prince Amukamara (hamstring) and running back Chris Ivory (general medical issue) were among seven players ruled inactive before kickoff Sunday. The others: quarterback Brandon Allen, defensive end Tyson Alualu, defensive end Chris Smith, wide receiver Bryan Walters and offensive guard Chris Reed.
Running back T.J. Yeldon started a second consecutive game with Ivory out. Rookie Jalen Ramsey and veteran Davon House started at cornerback.
STANDING OUT …
*Yeldon rushed for 28 yards on seven carries. …
*Wide receiver Allen Hurns caught five passes for 64 yards. …
*Wide receiver Marqise Lee caught five passes for 75 yards. …
