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20:05, 20 April 2019: 216.231.158.89 (talk) triggered filter 172, performing the action "edit" on 2014 San Diego Chargers season. Actions taken: Tag; Filter description: Section blanking (examine | diff)

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Old page wikitext, before the edit (`old_wikitext`)	'{{Infobox NFL season \| logo = \| team = San Diego Chargers \| year = 2014 \| record = 9–7 \| division_place = 3rd [[AFC West]] \| coach = [[Mike McCoy (American football coach)\|Mike McCoy]] \| owner = [[Alex Spanos]] \| general manager = [[Tom Telesco]] \| stadium = [[Qualcomm Stadium]] \| radio = [[KIOZ]], [[KLSD]] \| playoffs = ''Did not qualify'' \| pro bowlers = [[Darrell Stuckey]], ST<br>[[Eric Weddle]], FS \| uniform = \| colors = Navy, Gold, Powder Blue, White {{Color box\|#002244}} {{Color box\|#FFB612}} {{Color box\|#0073CF}} {{Color box\|white}} \| shortnavlink = Chargers seasons }} The '''{{nfly\|2014}} [[San Diego Chargers]] [[List of San Diego Chargers seasons\|season]]''' was the franchise's 45th season in the [[National Football League]] (NFL), the 55th overall, and the second under [[List of San Diego Chargers head coaches\|head coach]] [[Mike McCoy (American football coach)\|Mike McCoy]]. After former Chargers' [[offensive coordinator]], [[Ken Whisenhunt]], was hired by the [[Tennessee Titans]] to become their new [[Head coach#National Football League\|head coach]], the Chargers promoted [[Frank Reich]] to replace him. Reich spent last season as the Chargers' [[quarterback]] coach. The Chargers began the season 5–1, winning five straight after losing their season opener. It was followed by a three-game losing streak, and they finished 4–4 in the second half. They won just two of their final five games, coming back from double-digit fourth quarter deficits twice to remain in playoff contention. They lost the final game of the season when a win would have secured a playoff berth.<ref name=acee_12282014/> In three of their last four games, and five of their last eight, the Chargers did not score more than one [[touchdown]] (TD).<ref>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=No offense, Chargers defense can't do it \|date=December 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-defense-chiefs-red-zone/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VChjOJhW?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-defense-chiefs-red-zone/ \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Compared to [[2013 San Diego Chargers season\|2013]], the offense dropped in [[point (American football)\|point]]s (from 12th in the league to 17th), yards (5th to 18th), [[first down]]s (3rd to 15th), net yards per pass (2nd to 8th), [[rushing yards]] (13th to 30) and yards per rush (21st to 31st).<ref>{{cite news\|last=Krasovic \|first=Tom \|title=Did foes figure out Chargers offense? \|date=December 29, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-mccoy-reich-rivers-krasovic-nfl/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VCfHMr0u?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-mccoy-reich-rivers-krasovic-nfl/ \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> It was the second time in three years the team finished second-to-last in yards per carry.<ref name=gehlken_12292014/> San Diego was just 2–4 against teams in their division in the [[AFC West]], and were swept by both the [[2014 Denver Broncos season\|Denver Broncos]] and the [[2014 Kansas City Chiefs season\|Kansas City Chiefs]]. It was their worst intradivision record since they were 1–5 in [[2003 San Diego Chargers season\|2003]].<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Antonio Gates ends year with milestone \|date=December 29, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/antonio-gates-record-sister-pamela/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VCd90Tjo?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/antonio-gates-record-sister-pamela/all/?print \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=yes \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers were only 3–6 against teams with winning records.<ref name=williams_12282014/> They matched their 9–7 record from 2013, but missed the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons. [[Safety (American and Canadian football position)\|Safety]] [[Eric Weddle]] was the team's lone selection to the [[2015 Pro Bowl\|Pro Bowl]]. [[Quarterback]] [[Philip Rivers]] was voted by the Chargers as their [[most valuable player]] after finishing the season with 4,286 [[yards passing]], 31 TDs and 18 [[interception]]s. During weeks 2–6, he became the first NFL player ever to have a [[passer rating]] over 120 for five consecutive games.<ref name=gehlken_12292014/> Later in the season, Rivers suffered from sore ribs and a back injury, but he denied that they affected his performance. The team lost [[center (gridiron football)\|center]] [[Nick Hardwick (American football)\|Nick Hardwick]] and [[running back]] [[Danny Woodhead]] early in the season when they were placed on [[injured reserve]]. Running back [[Ryan Mathews (American football)\|Ryan Mathews]] also missed seven games early in the season. He and [[wide receiver]] [[Keenan Allen]] were sidelined during the final games of the season. For the season, the Chargers started five different players at center.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Surgery not ruled out for Philip Rivers \|date=December 29, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-philip-rivers-back-surgery/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VCauWFqs?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-philip-rivers-back-surgery/ \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> {{TOC limit\|3}} ==NFL Draft== {{NFL team draft start \| year = 2009 \| teamname = San Diego Chargers }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 1 \| pick = 25 \| player = [[Jason Verrett]] \| position = [[Cornerback\|CB]] \| college = [[2013 TCU Horned Frogs football team\|TCU]] \| notes = \| maderoster = yes \| hof = \| probowl = yes }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 2 \| pick = 50 \| player = [[Jeremiah Attaochu]] \| position = [[Linebacker\|LB]] \| college = [[2013 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team\|Georgia Tech]] \| notes = from miami \| maderoster = yes \| hof = \| probowl = }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 3 \| pick = 89 \| player = [[Chris Watts]] \| position = [[Guard\|G]] \| college = [[2013 Notre Dmae Fighting Irish football team\|Notre Dame]] \| notes = \| maderoster = yes \| hof = \| probowl = }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 5 \| pick = 165 \| player = [[Ryan Carrethers]] \| position = [[Defensive Tackle\|DT]] \| college = [[2013 Arkansas State Red Wolves football team\|Arkansas State]] \| notes = \| maderoster = yes \| hof = \| probowl = }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 6 \| pick = 201 \| player = [[Marion Grice]] \| position = [[Running Back\|RB]] \| college = [[2013 Arizona State Sun Devils football team\|Arizona State]] \| notes = \| maderoster = \| hof = \| probowl = }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 7 \| pick = 240 \| player = [[Tevin Reese]] \| position = [[Wide Receiver\|WR]] \| college = [[2013 Baylor Bears football team\|Baylor]] \| notes = \| maderoster= \| hof = \| probowl = }} {{NFL team draft end}} ====Draft notes==== {{reflist\|group=source}} {{reflist\|group=R2 -}} ==Staff== {{NFL final staff \|Year=2014 \|TeamName=San Diego Chargers \|Front Office= Owner – [[Alex Spanos]] Chairman/President – [[Dean Spanos]] Executive Vice President – [[Michael Spanos]] Executive Vice President/CEO – [[A. G. Spanos]] General Manager – [[Tom Telesco]] Executive Vice President of Football Operations – [[John Spanos (American football)\|John Spanos]] Executive Vice President of Football Administration/Player Finance – [[Ed McGuire]] Senior Executive – [[Randy Mueller]] Director of Pro Scouting – [[Dennis Abraham]] Director of Player Personnel – [[JoJo Wooden]] Director of College Scouting – [[Kevin Kelly (American football executive)\|Kevin Kelly]] Assistant Director of Pro Scouting – [[Bryan Cox (American football scout)\|Bryan Cox]] Director of Security – [[Bill Stetson]] \|Head Coaches= Head Coach – [[Mike McCoy (American football coach)\|Mike McCoy]] \|Offensive Coaches= Offensive Coordinator – [[Frank Reich]] Quarterbacks – [[Nick Sirianni]] Running Backs – [[Ollie Wilson]] Wide Receivers – [[Fred Graves]] Tight Ends – [[Pete Metzelaars]] Offensive Line – [[Joe D'Alessandris]] Assistant Offensive Line – [[Andrew Dees]] Offensive Quality Control – [[Shane Steichen]] \|Defensive Coaches= Defensive Coordinator – [[John Pagano]] Defensive Line – [[Don Johnson (American football)\|Don Johnson]] Linebackers – [[Joe Barry]] Assistant Linebackers – [[Bobby King]] Secondary – [[Ron Milus]] Assistant Secondary – [[Greg Williams (football coach)\|Greg Williams]] Defensive Quality Control – [[Chad Grimm]] \|Special Teams Coaches= Special Teams Coordinator – [[Kevin Spencer (American football)\|Kevin Spencer]] Assistant Special Teams – [[Craig Aukerman]] \|Strength and Conditioning= Strength and Conditioning – [[Kent Johnson (American football)\|Kent Johnson]] Assistant Strength and Conditioning – [[Rick Lyle]] Coaching Administrative Assistant – [[Mark Ridgley]] }} ==Final roster== {{NFL final roster \|Year=2014 \|TeamName=San Diego Chargers \|Active=53 \|Inactive=13 \|PS=9 \|Quarterbacks= {{NFLplayer\|10\|Kellen Clemens}} {{NFLplayer\|17\|Philip Rivers}} \|Running Backs= {{NFLplayer\|34\|Donald Brown\|d=American football}} {{NFLplayer\|30\|Ronnie Brown}} {{NFLplayer\|24\|Ryan Mathews\|d=American football}} {{NFLplayer\|43\|Branden Oliver\|rookie=y}} \|Wide Receivers= {{NFLplayer\|16\|Seyi Ajirotutu}} {{NFLplayer\|13\|Keenan Allen}} {{NFLplayer\|80\|Malcom Floyd}} {{NFLplayer\|15\|Dontrelle Inman}} {{NFLplayer\|11\|Eddie Royal}} \|Tight Ends= {{NFLplayer\|85\|Antonio Gates}} {{NFLplayer\|89\|Ladarius Green}} {{NFLplayer\|88\|David Johnson\|d=tight end\|FB}} {{NFLplayer\|83\|John Phillips\|d=American football}} \|Offensive Linemen= {{NFLplayer\|62\|Jeff Baca\|C}} {{NFLplayer\|77\|King Dunlap\|T}} {{NFLplayer\|76\|D. J. Fluker\|T}} {{NFLplayer\|78\|Chad Rinehart\|G}} {{NFLplayer\|60\|Trevor Robinson\|d=American football\|C}} {{NFLplayer\|75\|Jeremiah Sirles\|rookie=y\|G/T}} {{NFLplayer\|69\|Willie Smith\|d=offensive tackle\|T}} {{NFLplayer\|79\|Kenny Wiggins\|T}} {{NFLplayer\|65\|Chris Watt\|rookie=y\|C/G}} \|Defensive Linemen= {{NFLplayer\|92\|Ryan Carrethers\|rookie=y\|NT}} {{NFLplayer\|98\|Sean Lissemore\|NT}} {{NFLplayer\|94\|Corey Liuget\|DE}} {{NFLplayer\|90\|Ricardo Mathews\|DE}} {{NFLplayer\|72\|Tenny Palepoi\|rookie=y\|DE}} {{NFLplayer\|91\|Kendall Reyes\|DE}} {{NFLplayer\|71\|Damion Square\|NT}} \|Linebackers= {{NFLplayer\|97\|Jeremiah Attaochu\|rookie=y\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|53\|Kavell Conner\|ILB}} {{NFLplayer\|93\|Dwight Freeney\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|59\|Andrew Gachkar\|ILB}} {{NFLplayer\|54\|Melvin Ingram\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|96\|Jarret Johnson\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|99\|Cordarro Law\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|50\|Manti Te'o\|ILB}} {{NFLplayer\|52\|Reggie Walker\|d=American football\|ILB/OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|58\|Tourek Williams\|OLB}} \|Defensive Backs= {{NFLplayer\|37\|Jahleel Addae\|SS}} {{NFLplayer\|20\|Chris Davis\|d=cornerback\|rookie=y\|CB/KR}} {{NFLplayer\|33\|Greg Ducre\|rookie=y\|CB}} {{NFLplayer\|26\|Brandon Flowers\|d=American football\|CB}} {{NFLplayer\|38\|Marcus Gilchrist\|SS}} {{NFLplayer\|25\|Darrell Stuckey\|FS}} {{NFLplayer\|32\|Eric Weddle\|FS}} {{NFLplayer\|23\|Steve Williams\|d=cornerback\|CB}} {{NFLplayer\|29\|Shareece Wright\|CB}} \|Special Teams= {{NFLplayer\| 1\|Mat McBriar\|P}} {{NFLplayer\| 9\|Nick Novak\|K}} {{NFLplayer\|47\|Mike Windt\|LS}} \|Practice Squad= {{NFLplayer\|27\|D.J. Adams\|rookie=y\|RB\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|70\|Chas Alecxih\|DT}} {{NFLplayer\| 3\|Torrence Allen\|rookie=y\|WR}} {{NFLplayer\| 8\|Javontee Herndon\|rookie=y\|WR}} {{NFLplayer\|81\|David Paulson\|TE}} {{NFLplayer\|68\|Bryce Quigley\|G}} {{NFLplayer\| 4\|Brad Sorensen\|QB}} {{NFLplayer\|49\|Colton Underwood\|rookie=y\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|64\|Craig Watts\|rookie=y\|G}} \|Reserve Lists= {{NFLplayer\|56\|Donald Butler\|ILB\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|66\|Jeromey Clary\|G/T\|PUP}} {{NFLplayer\|61\|Nick Hardwick\|d=American football\|C\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|57\|Doug Legursky\|C\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|73\|Ryan Miller\|G/T\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|74\|Rich Ohrnberger\|C/G\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|75\|Damik Scafe\|DE\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|48\|Alvin Scioneaux\|rookie=y\|ILB\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\| 5\|Mike Scifres\|P\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|73\|Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe\|rookie=y\|NT\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|63\|Johnnie Troutman\|G\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|22\|Jason Verrett\|rookie=y\|CB\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|39\|Danny Woodhead\|RB\|IR}} }} ==Schedule== ===Preseason=== {\| class="wikitable" style="align=center" \|- ! Week !! Date !! Opponent !! Result !! Record !! Game site !! NFL.com<br>recap \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 1 \| August 7 \| [[2014 Dallas Cowboys season\|Dallas Cowboys]] \| '''W''' 27–7 \| 1–0 \| [[Qualcomm Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014080705/2014/PRE1/cowboys@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 2 \| August 15 \| at [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season\|Seattle Seahawks]] \| '''L''' 14–41 \| 1–1 \| [[CenturyLink Field]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014081504/2014/PRE2/chargers@seahawks Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 3 \| August 24 \| at [[2014 San Francisco 49ers season\|San Francisco 49ers]] \| '''L''' 7–21 \| 1–2 \| [[Levi's Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014082400/2014/PRE3/chargers@49ers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 4 \| August 28 \| [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season\|Arizona Cardinals]] \| '''W''' 12–9 \| 2–2 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014082815/2014/PRE4/cardinals@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" \|} ===Regular season=== {\| class="wikitable" style="align=center" \|- ! Week !! Date !! Opponent !! Result !! Record !! Game site !! NFL.com<br>recap \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 1 \| {{tooltip\|September 8\|Monday Night Football}} \| at [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season\|Arizona Cardinals]] \| '''L''' 17–18 \| 0–1 \| [[University of Phoenix Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014090801/2014/REG1/chargers@cardinals Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 2 \| September 14 \| [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season\|Seattle Seahawks]] \| '''W''' 30–21 \| 1–1 \| [[Qualcomm Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014091408/2014/REG2/seahawks@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 3 \| September 21 \| at [[2014 Buffalo Bills season\|Buffalo Bills]] \| '''W''' 22–10 \| 2–1 \| [[Ralph Wilson Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092100/2014/REG3/chargers@bills Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 4 \| September 28 \| [[2014 Jacksonville Jaguars season\|Jacksonville Jaguars]] \| '''W''' 33–14 \| 3–1 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092808/2014/REG4/jaguars@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 5 \| October 5 \| [[2014 New York Jets season\|New York Jets]] \| '''W''' 31–0 \| 4–1 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014100510/2014/REG5/jets@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 6 \| October 12 \| at '''[[2014 Oakland Raiders season\|Oakland Raiders]]''' \| '''W''' 31–28 \| 5–1 \| [[O.co Coliseum]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014101209/2014/REG6/chargers@raiders Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 7 \| October 19 \| '''[[2014 Kansas City Chiefs season\|Kansas City Chiefs]]''' \| '''L''' 20–23 \| 5–2 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014101909/2014/REG7/chiefs@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 8 \| {{tooltip\|October 23\|Thursday Night Football}} \| at '''[[2014 Denver Broncos season\|Denver Broncos]]''' \| '''L''' 21–35 \| 5–3 \| [[Sports Authority Field at Mile High]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014102300/2014/REG8/chargers@broncos Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 9 \| November 2 \| at [[2014 Miami Dolphins season\|Miami Dolphins]] \| '''L''' 0–37 \| 5–4 \| [[Sun Life Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014110205/2014/REG9/chargers@dolphins Recap] \|- ! 10 \| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"\| ''[[Bye (sports)\|Bye]]'' \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 11 \| November 16 \| '''[[2014 Oakland Raiders season\|Oakland Raiders]]''' \| '''W''' 13–6 \| 6–4 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014111609/2014/REG11/raiders@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 12 \| November 23 \| [[2014 St. Louis Rams season\|St. Louis Rams]] \| '''W''' 27–24 \| 7–4 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014112308/2014/REG12/rams@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 13 \| November 30 \| at [[2014 Baltimore Ravens season\|Baltimore Ravens]] \| '''W''' 34–33 \| 8–4 \| [[M&T Bank Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014113000/2014/REG13/chargers@ravens Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 14 \| {{tooltip\|December 7\|Sunday Night Football}} \| [[2014 New England Patriots season\|New England Patriots]] \| '''L''' 14–23 \| 8–5 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014120713/2014/REG14/patriots@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 15 \| December 14 \| '''[[2014 Denver Broncos season\|Denver Broncos]]''' \| '''L''' 10–22 \| 8–6 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014121410/2014/REG15/broncos@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 16 \| {{tooltip\|December 20\|Saturday}} \| at [[2014 San Francisco 49ers season\|San Francisco 49ers]] \| '''W''' 38–35 {{small\|(OT)}} \| 9–6 \| [[Levi's Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122001/2014/REG16/chargers@49ers Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 17 \| December 28 \| at '''[[2014 Kansas City Chiefs season\|Kansas City Chiefs]]''' \| '''L''' 7–19 \| 9–7 \| [[Arrowhead Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122804/2014/REG17/chargers@chiefs Recap] \|} '''Note:''' Intra-division opponents are in '''bold''' text. ===Game summaries=== ====Week 1: at Arizona Cardinals==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week One: San Diego Chargers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary \|date={{tooltip\|September 8\|Monday}} \|time=7:20 p.m. [[Pacific Time Zone\|PDT]] \|road=Chargers \|R1=0\|R2=3\|R3=14\|R4=0 \|home='''Cardinals''' \|H1=0\|H2=6\|H3=0\|H4=12 \|stadium=[[University of Phoenix Stadium]], [[Glendale, Arizona]] \|attendance=61,292 \|weather=Played indoors ([[retractable roof]] closed) \|referee=[[Bill Vinovich]] \|TV=[[Monday Night Football\|ESPN]] \|TVAnnouncers=[[Chris Berman]], [[Trent Dilfer]] and [[Lindsay Czarniak]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014090801/2014/REG1/chargers@cardinals Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56185/ARI_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''Second quarter''' * ARI – 12:42 [[Chandler Catanzaro]] 22-yard FG. '''''Drive:''' 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:28.'' (ARI 3–0) * SD – 6:00 [[Nick Novak]] 36-yard FG. ''''Drive:''' 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:18.'' (TIE 3–3) * ARI – 0:00 Chandler Catanzaro 44-yard FG. '''''Drive:''' 3 plays, 30, yards, 0:16.'' (ARI 6–3) '''Third quarter''' * SD – 11:38 [[Malcom Floyd]] 6-yard TD pass from [[Philip Rivers]], Nick Novak kick. '''''Drive:''' 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:22.'' (SD 10–6) * SD – 5:26 [[Ryan Mathews (American football)\|Ryan Mathews]] 20-yard TD run, Nick Novak kick. '''''Drive:''' 3 plays, 29 yards, 1:17.'' (SD 17–6) '''Fourth quarter''' * ARI – 12:30 [[Stepfan Taylor]] 5-yard TD pass from [[Carson Palmer]], run failed. '''''Drive:''' 10 plays, 64 yards, 4:43.'' (SD 17–12) * ARI – 2:25 [[John Brown (wide receiver)\|John Brown]] 13-yard TD pass from Carson Palmer, pass failed. '''''Drive:''' 11 plays, 91 yards, 4:25.'' (ARI 18–17) \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – Philip Rivers 21/36, 238 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT * ARI – Carson Palmer 24/37, 304 yards, 2 TD '''Top rushers''' * SD – Ryan Mathews 12 rushes, 40 yards, 1 TD * ARI – [[Andre Ellington]] 13 rushes, 53 yards '''Top receivers''' * SD – [[Antonio Gates]] 6 receptions, 81 yards * ARI – Michael Floyd 5 receptions, 119 yards '''Top tacklers''' * SD – [[Shareece Wright]] 8 tackles * ARI – [[Larry Foote]] 8 tackles }} [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season\|Arizona Cardinals]] rookie receiver [[John Brown (wide receiver)\|John Brown]] scored on a 13-yard pass from [[Carson Palmer]] with 2:25 left in the game to defeat San Diego 18–17 on [[Monday Night Football\|Monday night]].<ref name=ap_09092014>{{cite news\|title=Carson Palmer, Cardinals rally to tip Chargers on late TD \|date=September 9, 2014 \|agency=Associated Press \|work=ESPN.com \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554301 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6ST0kaajH?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554301 \|archivedate=September 9, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers led 17–6 after three periods, but did not convert on multiple opportunities throughout the game. It was the fifth loss for San Diego over the prior three seasons in which they led by a touchdown or more in the fourth quarter, tied for the most in the NFL.<ref name=acee_09092014>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=For starters, Bolts have long way to go \|date=September 9, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/09/chargers-cardinals-mistakes-long-way-acee/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6ST0atco7?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/09/chargers-cardinals-mistakes-long-way-acee/all/?print \|archivedate=September 9, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Rookie [[Jeremiah Attaochu]] set up the Chargers only first-half score with a blocked punt off [[Drew Butler]]. San Diego trailed 6–3 at halftime when Chargers quarterback [[Philip Rivers]] went 6-for-6 for 82 yards and threw a 6-yard touchdown to [[Malcom Floyd]] for a 10–6 lead. Attaochu forced a Palmer fumble on a [[strip sack]] to set up a 20-yard touchdown run by [[Ryan Mathews (American football)\|Ryan Mathews]] for a 17–6 Charger advantage.<ref name=ap_09092014/><ref>{{cite news \|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers' Jerry Attaochu finds Comfort \|date=September 11, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:-B0EBjiOCQoJ:www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/11/chargers-jerry-attaochu-comfort-paul-nfl/+&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VDnDzZX6?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/11/chargers-jerry-attaochu-comfort-paul-nfl/ \|archivedate=2014-12-31 \|deadurl=no \|df= \|access-date=2018-09-16 }}</ref> The Cardinals pulled to 17–12 after a 10-play, 64-yard touchdown drive with 12:30 remaining; their [[two-point conversion]] failed.<ref name=ap_09092014/> On San Diego's following drive, they were in [[field goal\|field-goa]]l range at the Arizona 29-yard line when a mishandled snap from backup center [[Rich Ohrnberger]]—replacing an injured [[Nick Hardwick (American football)\|Nick Hardwick]] who left the game—to Rivers pushed the Chargers back to the 43 and forced a [[punt (gridiron football)\|punt]]. Arizona then went on their 11-play, 91-yard game-winning drive, which was extended by a slow-footed Palmer scrambling 12 yards on a third-and-10 play.<ref name=acee_09092014/> The Chargers offense, which ranked fifth in the NFL in yards in [[2013 San Diego Chargers season\|2013]], suffered from uncharacteristic dropped passes. Arizona's late field goal in the second quarter came after a Chargers interception set up by [[Eddie Royal]] stopping on his route as a Rivers pass went to the Chiefs [[Jerraud Powers]]. The Chargers' [[Marcus Gilchrist]] dropped an apparent sure interception in the third quarter.<ref name=acee_09092014/> ====Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Two: Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=September 14 \|time=1:05 p.m. PDT \|road=Seahawks \|R1=7\|R2=7\|R3=7\|R4=0 \|home='''Chargers''' \|H1=3\|H2=17\|H3=7\|H4=3 \|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]] \|attendance=67,916 \|weather={{convert\|94\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Pete Morelli]] \|TV=[[NFL on Fox\|Fox]] \|TVAnnouncers=[[Thom Brennaman]], [[David Diehl]] and [[Laura Okmin]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014091408/2014/REG2/seahawks@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56195/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SEA – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * SEA – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * SEA – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * SEA – * SD – }} [[Antonio Gates]] caught three touchdowns from Rivers to lead the Chargers to a 30–21 win over the defending [[Super Bowl]] champion [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season\|Seattle Seahawks]].<ref name=ap_09142014>{{cite news\|title=Antonio Gates' 3 TD catches carry Chargers to upset of Seahawks \|date=September 14, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554278 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6SvzLu0tW?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554278 \|archivedate=September 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> San Diego held a 42:15 to 17:45 advantage in time of possession under hot weather conditions. The official game-time temperature was {{convert\|94\|F\|C}}, while readings at field level read closer to {{convert\|115\|F\|C}}. The Chargers had six drives of eight plays or more—including possessions of 14, 12, and 10 plays—while the Seahawks had one eight-play drive.<ref name=gehlken_09142014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers wear out Seahawks in win \|date=September 14, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/14/seattle-seahawks-san-diego-chargers/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Svyjf6zA?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/14/seattle-seahawks-san-diego-chargers/ \|archivedate=September 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> San Diego's first possession was a 14-play drive that led to a 50-yard field goal by [[Nick Novak]], ending the Seahawks' 20-game streak without allowing a score on the opening possession. Following a 10-play field goal drive by the Chargers in the second quarter, linebacker [[Kavell Conner]] forced a fumble on the kickoff, which led to a six-play touchdown drive; the two drives combined to keep the Seahawks offense off the field for almost nine minutes.<ref name=gehlken_09142014/> Gates' third touchdown came after he split two defenders and made a spectacular one-handed grab to give the Chargers a 27–14 lead late in the third quarter.<ref name=ap_09142014/> Rivers was 28-of-37 for 284 yards. He had thrown 65 touchdowns to Gates, the most between a quarterback and tight end in NFL history.<ref name=ap_09142014/> The Chargers were 10-for-17 on third-down conversions, while the Seahawks were 3-for-8.<ref name=gehlken_09142014/> ====Week 3: at Buffalo Bills==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Three: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills – Game summary \|date=September 21 \|time=1:00 p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone\|EDT]]/10:00 a.m. PDT \|road='''Chargers''' \|R1=7\|R2=6\|R3=7\|R4=2 \|home=Bills \|H1=0\|H2=3\|H3=7\|H4=0 \|stadium=[[Ralph Wilson Stadium]], [[Orchard Park, New York]] \|attendance=68,611 \|weather={{convert\|72\|F\|C}}, partly cloudy \|referee=[[John Parry (American football official)\|John Parry]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Andrew Catalon]], [[Steve Beuerlein]] and [[Steve Tasker]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092100/2014/REG3/chargers@bills Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56203/BUF_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * BUF – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * BUF – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * BUF – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * BUF – }} Rivers threw two touchdowns to Royal and spread the ball to multiple receivers to lead San Diego to a 22–10 victory over the [[2014 Buffalo Bills season\|Buffalo Bills]].<ref name=ap_09212014>{{cite news\|title=Rivers leads Chargers to 22-10 win over Bills \|date=September 21, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554195 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Sw2oaCOF?url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554195 \|archivedate=September 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers' defense held the Bills to just 19 yards and forced a [[safety (gridiron football score)\|safety]] in their first four series in the fourth quarter,<ref name=gehlken_09212014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers stave off Bills late in win \|date=September 21, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/21/san-diego-chargers-buffalo-bills-0921/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Sw3j4O0A?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/21/san-diego-chargers-buffalo-bills-0921/ \|archivedate=September 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> denying Buffalo their third 3–0 start since 1993.<ref name=ap_09212014/> The Chargers led throughout the game after a 3-yard TD pass from Rivers to Royal with 9:45 left in the first quarter. They took control of the game after a 37-yard Novak field goal 21 seconds before the half, and a 5-yard TD catch by Royal to cap a 14-play, 80-yard drive to start the third quarter for a 20–3 lead, their largest of the game.<ref name=ap_09212014/><ref name=gehlken_09212014/> San Diego held on for their third 2–1 start in five years.<ref name=ap_09212014/> They did not have a [[first down]] in their final five drives after 20 in their first five.<ref name=gehlken_09212014/> After losing running back Mathews to a sprained ankle the previous week, the Chargers' [[Danny Woodhead]] did not return after his first carry of the game {{frac\|3\|1\|2}} minutes into the contest. [[Donald Brown (running back)\|Donald Brown]] filled in with 89 yards offense (62 rushing and 27 receiving). Rivers completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, including two 49-yard catches by Floyd. Royal had four receptions for 42 yards, and backup tight end [[Ladarius Green]] finished with four catches for 64 yards. Novak extended his streak of consecutive successful field goal attempts to 23, passing [[Nate Kaeding]] for second in team history.<ref name=ap_09212014/> ====Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Four: Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=September 28 \|time=1:05 p.m. PDT \|road=Jaguars \|R1=0\|R2=14\|R3=0\|R4=0 \|home='''Chargers''' \|H1=3\|H2=14\|H3=10\|H4=6 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=56,553 \|weather={{convert\|73\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Clete Blakeman]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092808/2014/REG4/jaguars@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56226/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * JAX – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * JAX – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * JAX – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * JAX – * SD – }} The Chargers defeated the winless [[2014 Jacksonville Jaguars season\|Jacksonville Jaguars]] 33–14 as Rivers threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns. Royal caught two of the scoring passes for his second straight two-touchdown game. San Diego extended its winning streak to three.<ref name=ap_09282014>{{cite news\|title=Rivers' 3 TD passes carry Chargers over Jags 33-14 \|date=September 28, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554290 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6SwLmo25M?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554290 \|archivedate=September 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> After Jacksonville took a 7–3 lead on a [[Toby Gerhart]] 1-yard TD run early in the second quarter, Rivers spotted Royal—guarded by linebacker [[Geno Hayes]]—who got open for a 47-yard touchdown reception. Jaguars rookie [[Blake Bortles]], making his first start, followed with a scoring pass to [[Nic Jacobs]]. Before halftime, Rivers found Royal on third-and-10 as the receiver outran defenders for 43-yard TD pass, staking San Diego to a 17–14 lead.<ref name=ap_09282014/> Rivers connected with Floyd on a 24-yard TD pass to open the third quarter, and the Chargers' defense held the Jaguars scoreless in the second half. Cornerback [[Brandon Flowers]] and safety [[Eric Weddle]] each intercepted Bortles in the second half after the Jacksonville quarterback began the game 13-for-15 with 144 yards.<ref name=adams_09282014>{{cite news\|last=Adams \|first=Todd \|title=Chargers settle down, subdue Jaguars \|date=September 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/san-diego-chargers-jacksonville-jaguars/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6SwL3jGAb?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/san-diego-chargers-jacksonville-jaguars/ \|archivedate=September 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Rivers completed 29 of his 37 passes and had a 130.0 [[passer rating]], his highest ever in a game in which he threw over 31 passes.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=Rivers turns tide, more than Bolts' MVP \|date=September 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/philip-rivers-chargers-jaguars-mvp-acee/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6SwOHH81j?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/philip-rivers-chargers-jaguars-mvp-acee/all/?print \|archivedate=September 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> [[Keenan Allen]] established career-highs of 10 catches for 135 yards, and Royal had five receptions for 105 yards, his first 100-yard game with the Chargers.<ref name=adams_09282014/> Novak made four field goals.<ref name=ap_09282014/> Earlier in the week on Tuesday, the Chargers had made 10 player transactions largely due to injuries.<ref name=adams_09282014/> Playing without Mathews and Woodhead, San Diego ran for just 42 yards on 20 carries; the team entered the game averaging a league-low 2.4 yards per carry. "We've got to work on the running game. We'll get better," Chargers head coach [[Mike McCoy (American football coach)\|Mike McCoy]] said.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Calkins \|first=Matt \|title=Chargers' running game is a problem \|date=September 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/chargers-jaguars-nfl-running-game-problem/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6SwN9wZpG?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/chargers-jaguars-nfl-running-game-problem/ \|archivedate=September 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> ====Week 5: vs. New York Jets==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Five: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=October 5 \|time=1:25 p.m. PDT \|road=Jets \|R1=0\|R2=0\|R3=0\|R4=0 \|home='''Chargers''' \|H1=7\|H2=14\|H3=7\|H4=3 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=63,471 \|weather={{convert\|91\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Ron Torbert]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Greg Gumbel]], [[Trent Green]] and [[Evan Washburn]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014100510/2014/REG5/jets@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56242/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * NYJ – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * NYJ – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * NYJ – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * NYJ – * SD – }} Mike McCoy's desire to improve the run game came to fruition against the New York Jets. The Chargers ran for 162 yards against the Jets, who came into the game ranked number one in the NFL in rush defense. [[Donald Brown (running back)\|Donald Brown]] was knocked out of the game with a concussion in the first half and [[Branden Oliver]], their fourth-string running back, played. Oliver ran 19 times for 114 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 4 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. These were the first two NFL touchdowns for the rookie. Philip Rivers completed 20 throws on 28 attempts for 288 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Two of his touchdown throws were to [[Antonio Gates]]. With 65 touchdowns, Rivers and Gates set the NFL record for most between a quarterback and tight end duo. It was Gates' 91 and 92 career TD catches, moving him into 10th place all-time. After the game, Rivers stressed this year's toughness of the team as its success. The offense of the Jets on the other hand, crossed the 50-yard line for the first time with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter. [[Geno Smith]] threw only four completions on 12 attempts for 27 yards and an interception. In the first offensive possession for the Jets in the second half, he was benched for [[Michael Vick]]. Vick did only a little better by throwing 8 completions on 19 attempts for 27 yards and ran twice for 14 yards. The Chargers were the first team to win by a [[shutout]] in the 2014 season (week five). The Chargers' last shutout victory was 31-0 against Kansas City on December 12, 2010. The Jets were shut out for the first time since losing 34-0 against San Francisco on September 30, 2012. With the day's loss, the Jets had lost four straight games. ====Week 6: at Oakland Raiders==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Six: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary \|date=October 12 \|time=1:05 p.m. PDT \|road='''Chargers''' \|R1=7\|R2=7\|R3=7\|R4=10 \|home=Raiders \|H1=7\|H2=7\|H3=7\|H4=7 \|stadium=[[O.co Coliseum]], [[Oakland, California]] \|attendance=53,329 \|weather={{convert\|77\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Tony Corrente]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Kevin Harlan]], [[Rich Gannon]] and [[Scott Kaplan]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014101209/2014/REG6/chargers@raiders Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56256/OAK_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * OAK – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * OAK – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * OAK – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * OAK – }} Rookie [[cornerback]] [[Jason Verrett]] intercepted [[2014 Oakland Raiders season\|Oakland Raiders]] rookie quarterback [[Derek Carr (American football)\|Derek Carr]] at the San Diego 5 with 1:13 remaining in the game to seal a 31–28 Chargers win on the road. San Diego had gone ahead with 1:56 to play on a 1-yard touchdown run by Oliver. Verrett's first career interception helped the Chargers extend their winning streak to five, while Oakland suffered its 11th straight defeat.<ref name=ap_10122014>{{cite news\|title=Chargers rally past Raiders 31-28 \|date=October 12, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554302 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6THtH4JP7?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554302 \|archivedate=October 13, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref><ref name=gehlken_10122014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Jason Verrett caps wild Chargers win \|date=October 12, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/12/chargers-oakland-raiders-nfl/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6THtPIFy8?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/12/chargers-oakland-raiders-nfl/all/?print \|archivedate=October 13, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers 5–1 start to begin the season was their best since [[2002 San Diego Chargers season\|2002]].<ref name=gehlken_10132014/> Carr threw a 77-yard TD pass to [[Andre Holmes]] in the opening minute of the game, and he and Rivers both threw two touchdowns in the first half for a 14-14 tie at halftime. In the third quarter, a 54-yard Novak field goal was nullified by a Chargers [[holding (American football)\|holding]] penalty. On fourth-and-35, Weddle threw an incomplete pass on a [[fake punt]], giving the Raiders excellent field position; Oakland then scored on a 47-yard TD pass from Carr to [[Brice Butler]]. The Chargers responded with a Gates score on a 1-yard pass from Rivers, and the game was tied at 21 to begin the fourth quarter. Oakland took the lead again after Carr found Holmes for a 6-yard TD with 10 minutes left.<ref name=ap_10122014/> On the following possession, Rivers completed the first four passes for 70 yards, which led to a 30-yard field goal by Novak. The Chargers defense forced a [[three-and-out]], when Allen—filling in for an injured Royal—returned the punt 29 yards to the Oakland 39. With 4:49 remaining, Rivers led the six-play game-winning TD drive which culminated with four straight runs by Oliver for 29 yards.<ref name=gehlken_10122014/> The Raiders had the ball on the Chargers 45 on second-and-one, when Carr threw deep for Butler, but Verrett leaped for an acrobatic sideline interception.<ref name=ap_10122014/><ref name=gehlken_10122014/> Verrett had left the game earlier in the third quarter after tearing his left [[Glenoid labrum\|labrum]] in three places while diving for a pass.<ref name=gehlken_11152014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Cornerback Jason Verrett out for year \|date=November 15, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/15/chargers-jason-verrett-shoulder-injured-reserve/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VDl7UDsc?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/15/chargers-jason-verrett-shoulder-injured-reserve/ \|archivedate=December 31, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Oliver ran for 101 yards in the game, and Rivers threw for 313 yards and three touchdowns. For Rivers, it was an NFL-record fifth straight game with at least a 120 passer rating.<ref name=ap_10122014/> Verrett grew up a Raiders fan in nearby [[Fairfield, California]]. About 100 of his friends and family attended the game, including his brother, who works for the Raiders.<ref name=gehlken_10122014/> ====Week 7: vs. Kansas City Chiefs==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Seven: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=October 19 \|time=1:05 p.m. PDT \|road='''Chiefs''' \|R1=0\|R2=10\|R3=3\|R4=10 \|home=Chargers \|H1=7\|H2=7\|H3=0\|H4=6 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=65,260 \|weather={{convert\|75\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Bill Vinovich]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Spero Dedes]] and [[Solomon Wilcots]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014101909/2014/REG7/chiefs@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56271/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * KC – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * KC – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * KC – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * KC – * SD – }} A late field goal of 48 yards by rookie [[Cairo Santos]] gave the [[2014 Kansas City Chiefs season\|Kansas City Chiefs]] a 23–20 win over the Chargers. The Chiefs ran 70 plays to the Chargers' 49, and controlled the ball for 39 minutes during the game to San Diego's 21.<ref name=krasovic_10192014>{{cite news\|last=Krasovic \|first=Tom \|title=Chiefs exploit bye, Chargers' soft pass D \|date=October 19, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chiefs-chargers-reid-bowe-alex-smith-krasovic/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TWjcc5gx?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chiefs-chargers-reid-bowe-alex-smith-krasovic/ \|archivedate=October 23, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref><ref name=gehlken_10192014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Bolts suffer backward loss to KC \|date=October 19, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chargers-kansas-city-chiefs-nfl/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TWjmBhwj?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chargers-kansas-city-chiefs-nfl/ \|archivedate=October 23, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> San Diego was just 3-for-10 on third down conversions after entering the game with a 53.8% success rate, the highest in the league.<ref name=gehlken_10192014/> The loss ended the team's six-game home winning streak over the Chiefs.<ref name=krasovic_10192014/> The Chargers got out to a 7–0 lead after tight end [[John Phillips (American football)\|John Phillips]]' first catch of the season, a 1-yard TD from Rivers.<ref name=ap_10192014/> They regained the lead, 14–10, after Gates' 27-yard TD off a tipped pass 14 seconds before halftime.<ref name=ap_10192014>{{cite news\|title=Cairo Santos' late FG helps Chiefs snap Chargers' winning streak \|date=October 19, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554297 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TY6RysgT?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554297 \|archivedate=October 23, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref><ref name=loh_10192014>{{cite news\|last=Loh \|first=Stephanie \|title=Day of season lows for Chargers' offense \|date=October 19, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chargers-offense-misfired-philip-rivers-problems/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TY6ahCxV?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chargers-offense-misfired-philip-rivers-problems/ \|archivedate=October 23, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> San Diego was limited to just one offensive drive in the third quarter, a three-and-out series that lasted just 1:02,<ref name=loh_10192014/> and Kansas City led 20–14 after an [[Alex Smith]] 11-yard TD pass to [[Anthony Sherman]] with 14:50 left in the fourth.<ref name=ap_10192014/> The Chargers responded with a 12-play drive, driving all the way to the Chiefs 6, but settled for a Novak 24-yard field goal.<ref name=gehlken_10192014/><ref name=ap_10192014/> After a defensive stop, Novak kicked a 48-yarder to tied the game at 20 with 1:57 remaining.<ref name=gehlken_10192014/> It was his 31st straight field goal, breaking Carney's team record of 29 set from [[1992 San Diego Chargers season\|1992]] to [[1993 San Diego Chargers season\|1993]].<ref name=ap_10192014/> However, the Chiefs drove 62 yards on nine plays on their game-winning drive.<ref name=ap_10192014/> Rivers was 17 of 31 for 205 yards and two touchdowns with an 83.4 rating, breaking his streak of games with 120 or higher.<ref name=ap_10192014/> The Chargers' offense had season lows of 205 passing yards and 251 total yards.<ref name=loh_10192014/> Smith, the first established quarterback the Chargers had faced in four games, was 19 of 28 passes for 221 yards. Chiefs coach [[Andy Reid]], in his second year with the team, improved his career record to 14–2 coming off a [[bye week]].<ref name=ap_10192014/> Retired defensive end [[Leslie O'Neal]] was inducted into the [[San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame\|Chargers Hall of Fame]] at halftime. This was the first of two games in which the Chargers wore their alternate powder blue jerseys — the other was against the [[2014 New England Patriots season\|New England Patriots]] on December 7.<ref name=gehlken_10132014>{{cite news \|author=Gehlken, Michael \|title=Chargers to wear powder blue Sunday \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/13/chargers-powder-blue-uniforms-blackout/ \|newspaper=[[U-T San Diego]] \|date=October 13, 2014 \|accessdate=October 13, 2014}}</ref> ====Week 8: at Denver Broncos==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary \|date={{tooltip\|October 23\|Thursday}} \|time=6:25 p.m. [[Mountain Time Zone\|MDT]]/5:25 p.m. PDT \|road=Chargers \|R1=0\|R2=7\|R3=7\|R4=7 \|home='''Broncos''' \|H1=0\|H2=14\|H3=14\|H4=7 \|stadium=[[Sports Authority Field at Mile High]], [[Denver, Colorado]] \|attendance=76,907 \|weather={{convert\|68\|F\|C}}, partly cloudy \|referee=[[Terry McAulay]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Jim Nantz]], [[Phil Simms]] and [[Tracy Wolfson]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014102300/2014/REG8/chargers@broncos Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56276/DEN_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * DEN – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * DEN – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * DEN – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * DEN – }} [[Peyton Manning]] connected with [[Emmanuel Sanders]] for three touchdowns to lead the [[2014 Denver Broncos season\|Denver Broncos]] to a 35–21 win over San Diego. Rookie [[Juwan Thompson]] also ran for two TDs to help the Broncos (6–1) expand their lead over the Chargers (5–3) in the [[AFC West]]. A year earlier, San Diego had handed Denver their only home loss of the season.<ref name=ap_10232014>{{cite news\|title=Emmanuel Sanders breaks out with 3 TDs as Broncos dump Chargers \|date=October 23, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554218 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TZOf2u6k?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554218 \|archivedate=October 24, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The game was tied 7–7 in the second quarter after Rivers capped a 13-play, 84-yard drive with a 2-yard TD to Allen. On the following [[kickoff (gridiron football)\|kickoff]], the Chargers appeared to recover a fumble by Denver, but the play was overturned. Manning then drove his team eight plays for a 31-yard TD to Sanders past cornerback [[Richard Marshall (defensive back)\|Richard Marshall]]. The Chargers were trailing 28–14 in the fourth quarter with the Broncos on the San Diego 2, when Weddle intercepted Manning; however, the play was nullified by a holding penalty against Gilchrist, and Thompson scored on a 1-yard run the next play.<ref name=gehlken_10232014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers haunted by plays not made \|date=October 23, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/23/chargers-denver-broncos-nfl-week-8/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TZPTvciu?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/23/chargers-denver-broncos-nfl-week-8/ \|archivedate=October 24, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers followed with an eight-play, 80-yard TD drive in less than two minutes, with Gates scoring for the second time for a 35–21 game with {{frac\|9\|1\|2}} minutes left.<ref name=ap_10232014/><ref name=gehlken_10232014/> Weddle forced a Denver fumble on the first play of the following drive, but San Diego was unable to recover the ball.<ref name=gehlken_10232014/> Denver kicker [[Brandon McManus]] missed a 53-yard attempt with six minutes remaining, and the Chargers received the ball with excellent field position. San Diego's drive ended with a [[Rahim Moore]] interception of a Rivers pass intended for Floyd at the Denver 4.<ref name=ap_10232014/> Rivers ended the game 30 of 41 for 252 yards with three TDs and two interceptions. Gates become the team leader in career [[yards receiving]] after passing [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] receiver [[Lance Alworth]] (9,584). Manning finished 25 of 35 for 286 yards with three TDs and no interceptions.<ref name=ap_10232014/> The Chargers were playing without injured cornerbacks Flowers (concussion) and [[Steve Williams (cornerback)\|Steve Williams]] (groin); Verrett played despite a hurt shoulder injured during the Raiders game, but was unable to play after a few series in the second quarter.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Injured Jason Verrett did what he could \|date=October 23, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/23/broncos-beat-chargers-jason-verrett/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TZRkG55v?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/23/broncos-beat-chargers-jason-verrett/ \|archivedate=October 24, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> ====Week 9: at Miami Dolphins==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Nine: San Diego Chargers at Miami Dolphins – Game summary \|date=November 2 \|time=1:00 p.m. EST/10:00 a.m. PST \|road=Chargers \|R1=0\|R2=0\|R3=0\|R4=0 \|home='''Dolphins''' \|H1=7\|H2=13\|H3=17\|H4=0 \|stadium=[[Sun Life Stadium]], [[Miami Gardens, Florida]] \|attendance=70,222 \|weather={{convert\|70\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Brad Allen]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Ian Eagle]], [[Dan Fouts]] and [[Jenny Dell]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014110205/2014/REG9/chargers@dolphins Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56297/MIA_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * MIA – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * MIA – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * MIA – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * MIA – }} The Chargers committed four turnovers and lost 37–0 to the [[2014 Miami Dolphins season\|Miami Dolphins]] for their most lopsided defeat since [[1996 San Diego Chargers season\|1996]]. The Dolphins front four dominated the Chargers' offensive line, forcing three interceptions and a lost fumble by Rivers. It was San Diego's third straight loss, and the first time they had been shut out since [[1999 San Diego Chargers season\|1999]].<ref name=ap_11022014>{{cite news\|title=Ryan Tannehill throws 3 TDs as Dolphins win 3rd straight \|date=November 2, 2014 \|work=ESPN \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554347 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6U4MQDgAN?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554347 \|archivedate=November 14, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> On the opening possession of the game, San Diego gambled on fourth and 1 from the Miami 22, but Oliver was stopped for a 1-yard loss. It was the only time the Chargers crossed midfield during the game. Miami led 17–0 after the first 21 minutes. They scored on all but one of their seven possessions in the first half, the exception being [[Caleb Sturgis]]' miss on a 45-yard field goal attempt to end the half. Rivers was limited to 138 yards passing in the game, and was twice intercepted by [[Brent Grimes]]. His quarterback rating of 31.0 was his lowest since [[2007 San Diego Chargers season\|2007]].<ref name=ap_11022014/> San Diego remained winless in South Florida since the [[Epic in Miami]] in January 1982, a string of eight straight losses to the Dolphins. Running back Donald Brown returned from his concussion in Week 5, and ran four times for 23 yards.<ref name=ap_11022014/> ====Week 11: vs. Oakland Raiders==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Eleven: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=November 16 \|time=1:05 p.m. PST \|road=Raiders \|R1=3\|R2=0\|R3=0\|R4=3 \|home='''Chargers''' \|H1=7\|H2=3\|H3=3\|H4=0 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=66,720 \|weather={{convert\|72\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Jeff Triplette]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots and Scott Kaplan \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014111609/2014/REG11/raiders@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56327/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * OAK – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * OAK – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * OAK – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * OAK – * SD – }} Floyd caught a 22-yard touchdown from Rivers on the game's third play from [[line of scrimmage\|scrimmage]], and San Diego held on for a lackluster 13–6 win over Oakland.<ref name=ap_11162014>{{cite news\|title=Rivers leads Chargers over winless Raiders 13-6 \|date=November 16, 2014 \|work=ESPN \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554391 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6UF7b0YVr?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554391 \|archivedate=November 21, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Both teams punted nine times, with Chargers punter [[Mike Scifres]] pinning the Raiders inside the 20 on five of his kicks.<ref name=gehlken_11162014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Scifres, Chargers kick Raiders to curb \|date=November 16, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/16/oakland-raiders-at-chargers/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6UF8YPfz6?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/16/oakland-raiders-at-chargers/all/?print \|archivedate=November 21, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> ''[[U-T San Diego]]'' lauded Scifres' performance, stating that he "arguably was the team MVP."<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken\|first=Michael\|title=Mike Scifres undergoes clavicle surgery\|date=December 8, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/08/chargers-mike-scifres-fractured-clavicle-injury/\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209014307/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/08/chargers-mike-scifres-fractured-clavicle-injury/\|archivedate=December 9, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> San Diego was a season low 27% (4-for-15) on third-down conversions, after entering the game fourth best in the league (48%).<ref name=ap_11162014/> Gates made a difficult catch late in the fourth quarter to extend a drive and help seal the game.<ref name=gehlken_11162014/> San Diego linebacker [[Donald Butler]] recovered a fumble on the opening play of the game after Carr mishandled the snap from the [[shotgun formation]].<ref name=gehlken_11162014/> Two plays later, River lobbed a pass to Floyd, who leaped over [[T. J. Carrie]] for the score.<ref name=ap_11162014/><ref name=gehlken_11162014/> The Chargers went up 10–3 after Novak kicked a 23-yard field goal to extend his team record to 32 consecutive field goals; however, he was wide left on a 48-yard attempt as the half ended. Rivers was injured after completing a 28-yard pass to Floyd in the third quarter, but the play was called back on a holding call against tackle [[King Dunlap]]. The Chargers settled on a 52-yard field goal by Novak for a 13–3 lead. The Raiders [[knocked the wind out]] of Rivers in the fourth, but he remained in the game after Oakland pulled with a touchdown with a 25-yard field goal from [[Sebastian Janikowski]] with four minutes remaining. On the following drive, Gates converted a key third-and-3 with a 15-yard catch at the Oakland 45 after tipping the pass to himself between safeties [[Charles Woodson]] and [[Brandian Ross]].<ref name=ap_11162014/> An incompletion would have forced a punt with 2:32 left; instead, Oakland need to use their remaining timeouts before receiving the ball back with 65 seconds to go.<ref name=gehlken_11162014/> Carr threw a desperation pass that was incomplete short of the end zone as the game clock expired.<ref name=ap_11162014/> Scifres' nine punts, which were the second most of his career, included ones that pinned the Raiders at their 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-, and 12-yard line.<ref name=gehlken_11162014/> Oakland crossed midfield just twice in the game.<ref name=ap_11162014/> San Diego started four drives on their 41-yard line or better, which netted only three punts and a field goal.<ref name=gehlken_11162014/> Rivers was 22 of 34 for 193 yards. After saying that Rivers had been suffering a "very severe rib injury" for weeks, Gates later said he was "taken out of context".<ref name=ap_11162014/><ref name=gehlken_11172014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Antonio Gates backs off Rivers comments \|date=November 17, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/17/antonio-gates-philip-rivers-rib-injury-chargers/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6UFDAYlav?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/17/antonio-gates-philip-rivers-rib-injury-chargers/ \|archivedate=November 21, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> According to McCoy, Rivers had not missed any practice time nor received any treatment from the team trainer.<ref name=gehlken_11172014/> After being out since September, [[Ryan Mathews (American football)\|Ryan Mathews]], [[Manti Te'o]] and [[Melvin Ingram]] played for the Chargers.<ref name=ap_11162014/> After missing seven games, Mathews ran 16 times for 70 yards, bolstering a running game that was averaging a league-low 3.1 yards per carry.<ref name=ap_11162014/><ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken\|first=Michael\|title=Chargers run game looks to lead push\|date=November 30, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/30/chargers-offensive-line-ryan-mathews-playoffs/all/?print\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208033828/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/30/chargers-offensive-line-ryan-mathews-playoffs/all/?print \|archivedate=December 8, 2014 \|deadurl=no}}</ref> ====Week 12: vs. St. Louis Rams==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Twelve: St. Louis Rams at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=November 23 \|time=1:05 p.m. PST \|road=Rams \|R1=3\|R2=7\|R3=7\|R4=7 \|home='''Chargers''' \|H1=3\|H2=3\|H3=14\|H4=7 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=66,040 \|weather={{convert\|72\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Carl Cheffers]] \|TV=Fox \|TVAnnouncers=[[Chris Myers]], [[Ronde Barber]] and [[Jennifer Hale (sportscaster)\|Jennifer Hale]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014112308/2014/REG12/rams@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56340/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * STL – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * STL – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * STL – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * STL – * SD – }} Gilchrist intercepted [[2014 St. Louis Rams season\|St. Louis Rams]] quarterback [[Shaun Hill]]'s pass at the Chargers' goal line with a minute left in the game to secure a 27–24 win for San Diego.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Acee\|first=Kevin\|title=Bolts hold on at end, aren't finished\|date=November 23, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/23/chargers-rams-playoffs-ending-acee/all/?print\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208043647/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/23/chargers-rams-playoffs-ending-acee/all/?print\|archivedate=December 8, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> ====Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Thirteen: San Diego Chargers at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary \|date=November 30 \|time=1:00 p.m. EST/10:00 a.m. PST \|road='''Chargers''' \|R1=7\|R2=3\|R3=3\|R4=21 \|home=Ravens \|H1=10\|H2=6\|H3=7\|H4=10 \|stadium=[[M&T Bank Stadium]], [[Baltimore, Maryland]] \|attendance=71,060 \|weather={{convert\|54\|F\|C}}, partly cloudy \|referee=[[Walt Anderson (American football)\|Walt Anderson]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Jenny Dell \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014113000/2014/REG13/chargers@ravens Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56349/BAL_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * BAL – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * BAL – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * BAL – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * BAL – }} Rivers passed to Royal for the go-ahead touchdown with 38 seconds left in the game to defeat the [[2014 Baltimore Ravens season\|Baltimore Ravens]] on the road, 34–33, for their third straight win.<ref name=calkins_11302014>{{cite news\|last=Calkins\|first=Matt\|title=Chargers' resilience was incredible\|date=November 30, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/30/chargers-resilience-ravens-nfl-/all/?print\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208044839/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/30/chargers-resilience-ravens-nfl-/all/?print\|archivedate=December 8, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> The Chargers had trailed the entire game, including 30–20 with 6:13 left and 33–27 with 2:22 to go. Rivers completed 34 of 45 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns, including two scores to Allen.<ref name=ap_11302014>{{cite news\|title=Philip Rivers tosses last-minute TD to lift Chargers over Ravens\|date=November 20, 2014\|work=ESPN.com\|agency=Associated Press\|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554323\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226211356/http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554323\|archivedate=December 26, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> Rivers was intercepted on the Chargers' first drive of the game, and Baltimore led 10–0 almost eight minutes into the contest. On their next possession, San Diego went 80 yards on 13 plays for their first TD, a 12-yard pass from Rivers to Allen.<ref name=calkins_11302014/><ref name=ap_11302014/> The Chargers pulled to 16–13 early in the third quarter after a 59-yard pass by Rivers to Floyd set up a 26-yard Novak field goal. On the following drive, a [[roughing the passer]] penalty by Weddle led to a TD pass by the Ravens' [[Joe Flacco]] for a 23–20 lead. Flacco later scored on a [[quarterback sneak]] after a [[pass interference]] penalty on [[Shareece Wright]]. The Chargers responded with a 77-yard drive, culminating in a 23-yard TD from Rivers to Allen with 3:40 remaining. [[Jacoby Jones]] returned the ensuing kickoff 72 yards to the San Diego 30, setting up [[Justin Tucker]]'s fourth field goal of the game for the Ravens. Rivers then led the 80-yard game-winning drive. After an interference call against [[Anthony Levine]] in the end zone, Rivers connected with Royal for a TD.<ref name=ap_11302014/> Rivers moved to 20th among [[List of National Football League passing yards leaders\|NFL leaders in career passing yards]], passing [[Carson Palmer]] (35,365) and [[Jim Kelly]] (35,467). The Chargers had four players—Gates, Allen, Royal, and Floyd—with over 80 yards receiving in the game for the first time in team history.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Henne \|first=Ricky \|title=Another Game, Another Pair of Milestones for Philip Rivers \|date=December 1, 2014 \|work=Chargers.com \|url=http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Another-Game-Another-Pair-of-Milestones-for-Philip-Rivers/ba785011-ce0a-442f-b906-b9c6893f4761 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VDFzeH5c?url=http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Another-Game-Another-Pair-of-Milestones-for-Philip-Rivers/ba785011-ce0a-442f-b906-b9c6893f4761 \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Each team punted only once in the game. It was the Ravens first loss in November since 2009. They had also been 11–0 at home against West Coast teams. The Chargers used their fifth different center of the season, [[Trevor Robinson (American football)\|Trevor Robinson]], after their fourth center, [[Chris Watt]], left the game with an injury.<ref name=ap_11302014/> ====Week 14: vs. New England Patriots==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Fourteen: New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=December 7 \|time=5:30 p.m. PST \|road='''Patriots''' \|R1=3\|R2=10\|R3=0\|R4=10 \|home=Chargers \|H1=0\|H2=14\|H3=0\|H4=0 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=68,815 \|weather={{convert\|67\|F\|C}}, partly cloudy \|referee=[[Bill Leavy]] \|TV=[[NBC Sunday Night Football\|NBC]] \|TVAnnouncers=[[Al Michaels]], [[Cris Collinsworth]] and [[Michele Tafoya]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014120713/2014/REG14/patriots@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56376/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * NE – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * NE – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * NE – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * NE – * SD – }} The Chargers contained the [[2014 New England Patriots season\|New England Patriots]] offense for a 1-point lead through three quarters before losing 23–14. After being held without a first down in the third quarter, the Patriots went ahead with a field goal in the fourth quarter, and capped the scoring with [[Tom Brady]] connecting with [[Julian Edelman]] for a 69-yard TD.<ref name=acee_12072014>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=No defense for Chargers' wasted effort \|date=December 7, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/07/chargers-defense-watse-patriots-acee/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6V6GikhTW?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/07/chargers-defense-watse-patriots-acee/all/?print \|archivedate=December 26, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> San Diego was shut out in the second half. The win gave New England their 12th straight 10-win season, the second-longest such streak in NFL history.<ref name=ap_12072014>{{cite news\|title=Patriots defense, timely TD help N.E. to 12th straight 10-win season \|date=December 7, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554432 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6V6H74ZsE?url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554432 \|archivedate=December 26, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers led 14–3 after scoring twice within 2 minutes, 33 seconds in the second quarter. Floyd made a diving catch for a 15-yard TD, and safety [[Darrell Stuckey]] returned a fumble for a 53-yard score. After Patriots kicker [[Stephen Gostkowski]]'s second field goal, [[Brandon Bolden]] blocked a punt by Scifres, and New England recovered the ball at the San Diego 28. Scifres was carted off the field after injuring his left shoulder on the play. Four plays later, Brady hit [[Rob Gronkowski]] on a 14-yard TD pass to trail 14–13. Before halftime, Te'o leaped for his first career interception on a pass intended for Gronkowski, preserving the Chargers' lead. In the third quarter, [[Devin McCourty]] returned a Rivers interception for a touchdown, but the play was wiped out by a personal foul on [[Brandon Browner]] for San Diego's Ladarius Green in the head.<ref name=ap_12072014/> The Chargers' offense crossed midfield just once in the second half, getting as far as the Patriots 42. Their defense held New England to just 35 yards in the third quarter, forcing a three-and-out on four consecutive drives, before Brady engineered the 32nd fourth-quarter comeback of his career.<ref name=acee_12072014/> Rivers completed 20 of his 33 passes for 189 yards. He fell to 0–6 against Brady, who was 28-of-44 for 317 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.<ref name=ap_12072014/> The Patriots entered the game scoring an average of 31.5 points, the third highest in the league. Novak took over as punter after Scifres' injury; he filled in after starting with a couple of short kicks.<ref name=acee_12072014/> Scifres required season-ending surgery for a broken collarbone.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Geklken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers sign center, put Scifres on IR \|date=December 27, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/27/chargers-mike-scifres-trevor-robinson/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VACU6gW4?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/27/chargers-mike-scifres-trevor-robinson/ \|archivedate=December 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Mathews entered the locker room early before halftime after limping following a tripping penalty by New England. After rushing nine times for 52 yards in the first half, he had just two carries for minus 8 yards the rest of the game.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken\|first=Michael\|title=Offense sputters in loss to Pats\|date=December 7, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/07/chargers-new-england-patriots/\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228104224/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/07/chargers-new-england-patriots/\|archivedate=December 28, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> The ankle sprain sidelined Mathews for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Krasovic \|first=Tom \|title=Ryan Mathews: will return 'as fast as I can' \|date=December 26, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/26/ryan-mathews-chargers-patriots-chiefs-krasovic/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VAJrdX1E?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/26/ryan-mathews-chargers-patriots-chiefs-krasovic/ \|archivedate=December 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> ====Week 15: vs. Denver Broncos==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Fifteen: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=December 14 \|time=1:05 p.m. PST \|road='''Broncos''' \|R1=3\|R2=6\|R3=7\|R4=6 \|home=Chargers \|H1=0\|H2=3\|H3=0\|H4=7 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=68,682 \|weather={{convert\|64\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Craig Wrolstad]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014121410/2014/REG15/broncos@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56389/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * DEN – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * DEN – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * DEN – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * DEN – * SD – }} San Diego lost 22–10 to the Broncos after struggling offensively for the second consecutive week. After entering the game with the 6th best record in the AFC, the loss was a blow to the Chargers' (8–6) playoff chances. It was their second consecutive home loss to the two teams tied for the best record in their conference.<ref name=wilson_12142014>{{cite news\|last=Wilson\|first=Bernie\|title=Offensive woes continue for Chargers in 22-10 loss\|date=December 14, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/offensive-woes-continue-for-chargers-in-22-10-loss/all/?print\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227235120/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/offensive-woes-continue-for-chargers-in-22-10-loss/all/?print\|archivedate=December 27, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> Denver's Manning threw a scoring pass to [[Demaryius Thomas]] at the end of the third quarter for their only touchdown of the game.<ref name=calkins_12142014>{{cite news\|last=Calkins\|first=Matt\|title=Chargers' defense goes to waste\|date=December 14, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/chargers-defense-broncos-nfl-waste/all/?print\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227235736/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/chargers-defense-broncos-nfl-waste/all/?print\|archivedate=December 27, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> The Chargers pulled to within six points at 16–10 after a TD catch by Gates with 10 minutes left.<ref name=wilson_12142014/> The Chargers trailed only 9–3 at the half after holding the Broncos to a field goal each time they entered the red zone.<ref name=calkins_12142014/> Manning was sick coming into the game, and left late in the second quarter with a thigh injury. Set up by a 58-yard punt return by Royal, Novak kicked a 30-yard field goal before the half ended for the Chargers' first score. Manning began the third quarter, and finished the game completing 14 of 20 passes for 233 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.<ref name=wilson_12142014/> Novak missed two field goals in the game: a 46-yard attempt that was tipped by [[Derek Wolfe]] in the second quarter, and a 37-yard attempt that hit the left upright in the third. The Chargers were using a new [[holder (American football)\|holder]] with punter [[Mat McBriar]], who was replacing the injured Scifres, but Novak refused to use it as an excuse. Novak placed the blame of the loss on himself, whose missed kicks would have tied the score and kept the game in reach.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Loh\|first=Stephanie\|title=Novak pins Chargers' defeat on himself\|date=December 14, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/chargers-nick-novak-assumes-blame-denver-defeat/\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228003705/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/chargers-nick-novak-assumes-blame-denver-defeat/\|archivedate=December 28, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> Rivers completed 24 of 41 attempts for 232 yards with two interceptions. Gates' touchdown was his 10th of the season, tying him with Gronkowski for most seasons with at least 10 touchdown catches by a tight end.<ref name=wilson_12142014/> Allen exited the game in the third quarter after suffering both a broken right collarbone and an injured right ankle in the second quarter;<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken\|first=Michael\|title=Keenan Allen has broken collarbone\|date=December 16, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/16/chargers-keenan-allen-broken-collarbone-ankle/\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228102124/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/16/chargers-keenan-allen-broken-collarbone-ankle/\|archivedate=December 28, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> the collarbone sidelined him for the final two games of the season.<ref name=acee_12282014/> The Chargers' defense limited Denver to 111 yards on 39 carries, an average of 2.8 yards per rush. They also held the Broncos to 3-for-12 on third-down conversions.<ref name=calkins_12142014/> ====Week 16: at San Francisco 49ers==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary \|date={{tooltip\|December 20\|Saturday}} \|time=5:25 p.m. PST \|road='''Chargers''' \|R1=0\|R2=7\|R3=14\|R4=14\|R5=3 \|home=49ers \|H1=7\|H2=21\|H3=7\|H4=0\|H5=0 \|stadium=[[Levi's Stadium]], [[Santa Clara, California]] \|attendance=70,699 \|weather={{convert\|61\|F\|C}}, cloudy \|referee=Jeff Triplette \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Jenny Dell \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122001/2014/REG16/chargers@49ers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56395/SF_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * SF – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * SF – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * SF – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * SF – }} The Chargers rallied from a 21-point deficit, and Novak kicked the game-winning 40-yard field goal in [[overtime (sports)\|overtime]] to defeat the [[2014 San Francisco 49ers season\|San Francisco 49ers]] 38–35.<ref name=gehlken_12202014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken\|first=Michael\|title=Buried alive: Chargers survive 49ers\|date=December 20, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/20/chargers-san-francisco-49ers/\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222004908/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/20/chargers-san-francisco-49ers/\|archivedate=December 22, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> Rivers, who sat out practice earlier in the week with back and chest injuries, overcame three interceptions to throw for 356 yards and four TDs. The Chargers, who played the game without injured offensive stars Allen and Mathews, outscored the 49ers 31–7 after halftime.<ref name=ap_12202014/> The win kept San Diego's slim playoff chances alive.<ref name=ap_12202014>{{cite news\|title=Chargers erase 21-point deficit, beat 49ers on Nick Novak's OT FG\|date=December 20, 2014\|work=ESPN.com\|agency=Associated Press\|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554361\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221084618/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554361\|archivedate=December 21, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Playoff picture: If Chargers win, they're in \|date=December 22, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/21/chargers-afc-playoffs-chiefs-scenario/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6UzzGXWIo?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/21/chargers-afc-playoffs-chiefs-scenario/ \|archivedate=December 22, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The 49ers led 28–7 at halftime, aided by a 49-yard TD return of a Rivers interception by [[Antoine Bethea]].<ref name=ap_12202014/> San Francisco rushed for 365 yards, the most the Chargers had surrendered since [[Adrian Peterson]] set a single-game record of 296 in [[2007 San Diego Chargers season\|2007]]. Running back [[Frank Gore]] had 158, and quarterback [[Colin Kaepernick]] added 151, including a 90-yard TD run in the third quarter.<ref name=gehlken_12202014/> In the fourth, Gates caught one of his two touchdowns in the second half, and Rivers connected with Floyd with 29 seconds remaining for the game-tying score, set up by two long fourth-down conversions earlier in the drive.<ref name=gehlken_12202014/><ref name=ap_12202014/> The game went into overtime after 49ers kicker [[Phil Dawson]] missed a 60-yard field goal attempt at the end of regulation.<ref name=ap_12202014/> On the opening drive in overtime, Weddle forced a fumble by receiver [[Quinton Patton]], which was recovered by San Diego's [[Sean Lissemore]].<ref name=gehlken_12202014/> The Chargers drove, and Novak hit the game-winner nearly five minutes into the extra period.<ref name=ap_12202014/> Rivers completed 33 of 54 passes in the game.<ref name=ap_12202014/> The Chargers were playing with their fifth-string center, and rookie right guard [[Jeremiah Sirles]] was making his NFL debut.<ref name=gehlken_12202014/> The offense converted all three of their fourth-down conversions after entering the game with the worst conversions rate at 20% (1-of-5). It was the 49ers fourth consecutive loss. It was only the second time ever that San Francisco had lost after leading by 21 or more at the half.<ref name=ap_12202014/> ====Week 17: at Kansas City Chiefs==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Seventeen: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary \|date=December 28 \|time=12:00 p.m. CST/10:00 a.m. PST \|road=Chargers \|R1=0\|R2=7\|R3=0\|R4=0 \|home='''Chiefs''' \|H1=3\|H2=13\|H3=3\|H4=0 \|stadium=[[Arrowhead Stadium]], [[Kansas City, Missouri]] \|attendance=73,952 \|weather={{convert\|31\|F\|C}}, clear \|referee=[[Pete Morelli]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Jenny Dell \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122804/2014/REG17/chargers@chiefs Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56414/KC_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * KC – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * KC – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * KC – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * KC – }} Needing a win to secure a playoff spot, San Diego lost 19–7 to Kansas City, who started backup quarterback [[Chase Daniel]] in place of an injured [[Alex Smith]].<ref name=williams_12282014>{{cite news\|last=Williams \|first=Eric D. \|title=Loss exposes age and depth issues for San Diego Chargers \|date=December 28, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/san-diego-chargers/post/_/id/9221/loss-exposes-age-depth-issues-for-chargers \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VB4tVk0c?url=http://espn.go.com/blog/san-diego-chargers/post/_/id/9221/loss-exposes-age-depth-issues-for-chargers \|archivedate=December 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref><ref name=ap_12282014>{{cite news\|title=Chiefs eliminate rival Chargers from AFC playoffs \|date=December 28, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554413 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VB7AJS07?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554413 \|archivedate=December 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> [[Justin Houston]] had four of the Chiefs' seven sacks against Rivers.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Calkins \|first=Matt \|title=Chargers' O-line let Rivers down \|date=December 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-line-offensive-rivers-nfl-chiefs/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VB6jB3y4?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-line-offensive-rivers-nfl-chiefs/all/?print \|archivedate=December 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers were shut out in the final 41 minutes of the game,<ref name=acee_12282014>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=In the end, Chargers didn't have enough \|date=December 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-chiefs-not-enough-playoffs-acee/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VB7Zb7At?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-chiefs-not-enough-playoffs-acee/all/?print \|archivedate=December 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> which included three trips inside the Chiefs red zone in the fourth quarter.<ref name=gehlken_12282014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers miss playoffs, lose to Chiefs \|date=December 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-chiefs-nfl-week-17/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VB7gGRO5?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-chiefs-nfl-week-17/ \|archivedate=December 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Kansas City swept the season series against San Diego.<ref name=williams_12282014/> The Chiefs went ahead 10–0 two minutes into the second quarter before the Chargers quickly pulled to 10–7, their only score of the game.<ref name=acee_12282014/> During one stretch, from the first through third quarter, Rivers was sacked six times while dropping back to pass 13 times, which also included a lost fumble and an interception.<ref name=gehlken_12282014/> The Chargers' offensive line included Robinson, their fifth starting center of the season, and undrafted rookie Sirles, making his first start at right guard.<ref name=williams_12282014/><ref name=gehlken_12282014/> The Chargers seemingly closed the deficit to 19–14 with eight minutes remaining in the fourth when Rivers found Royal for a 3-yard TD, but the play was overturned after a [[Instant replay in American and Canadian football\|replay]] ruled that the ball touched the ground while Royal was securing the catch. The Chargers then turned the ball over on downs after two incompletions.<ref name=gehlken_12282014/> Later, with roughly four minutes left, another drive was stalled when Donald Brown was stopped on fourth-and-1 at the Kansas City 20.<ref name=ap_12282014/> Rivers threw his second interception of the day on the game's final play.<ref name=gehlken_12282014/> With the loss, the Bolts had finished 9-7 and were swept by the Chiefs for the first time since 2003. Rivers was 20-of-34 passing for 291 yards, and finished the season with over 4,000 yards for the sixth time.<ref name=ap_12282014/> The seven sacks against him were a career-high.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=Chargers, let Rivers throw or let him go \|date=December 29, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-rivers-extension-line-acee/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VCcUuzWf?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-rivers-extension-line-acee/all/?print \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Oliver ran for 71 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers lost right tackle [[D. J. Fluker]], safety [[Michael Gilchrist]] , cornerback [[Shareece Wright]], and receiver Royal to injuries during the game.<ref name=ap_12282014/> ==Standings== ===Division=== {{2014 AFC West standings\|team=SD}} ===Conference=== {{2014 AFC standings\|team=SD}} ==Honors and awards== Safety [[Eric Weddle]] was the Chargers' only selection to the [[2015 Pro Bowl\|Pro Bowl]]. It was the second straight year he was picked, and the third time in four seasons. Voted as first alternates were tight end [[Antonio Gates]] and special teams player [[Darrell Stuckey]], while [[Philip Rivers]] was selected as a second alternate.<ref name=gehlken_12292014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Eric Weddle selected to Pro Bowl again \|date=December 23, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/23/chargers-eric-weddle-pro-bowl/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VDQW070d?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/23/chargers-eric-weddle-pro-bowl/ \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Following are the winners of team awards, which are based on voting by Chargers players:<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Mike McCoy: Coordinators coming back \|date=December 29, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-mike-mccoy-frank-reich-john-pagano/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VDPiuBjg?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-mike-mccoy-frank-reich-john-pagano/ \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> MVP: Philip Rivers Lineman of the Year: [[King Dunlap]] Offensive Player of the Year: Antonio Gates Defensive Player of the Year: Eric Weddle * Special Teams Player of the Year: [[Seyi Ajirotutu]] Most Inspirational: [[Malcom Floyd]] and [[Jarret Johnson]] ==References== {{reflist\|30em}} ==External links== {{official website\|http://www.chargers.com}} * [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2014.htm 2014 San Diego Chargers] at pro-football-reference.com {{Los Angeles Chargers}} {{Los Angeles Chargers seasons}} {{2014 NFL season by team}} [[Category:2014 National Football League season by team\|San Diego]] [[Category:San Diego Chargers seasons]] [[Category:2014 in sports in California\|San Diego]]'
New page wikitext, after the edit (`new_wikitext`)	'{{Infobox NFL season \| logo = \| team = San Diego Chargers \| year = 2014 \| record = 9–7 \| division_place = 3rd [[AFC West]] \| coach = [[Mike McCoy (American football coach)\|Mike McCoy]] \| owner = [[Alex Spanos]] \| general manager = [[Tom Telesco]] \| stadium = [[Qualcomm Stadium]] \| radio = [[KIOZ]], [[KLSD]] \| playoffs = ''Did not qualify'' \| pro bowlers = [[Darrell Stuckey]], ST<br>[[Eric Weddle]], FS \| uniform = \| colors = Navy, Gold, Powder Blue, White {{Color box\|#002244}} {{Color box\|#FFB612}} {{Color box\|#0073CF}} {{Color box\|white}} \| shortnavlink = Chargers seasons }} The '''{{nfly\|2014}} [[San Diego Chargers]] [[List of San Diego Chargers seasons\|season]]''' was the franchise's 45th season in the [[National Football League]] (NFL), the 55th overall, and the second under [[List of San Diego Chargers head coaches\|head coach]] [[Mike McCoy (American football coach)\|Mike McCoy]]. After former Chargers' [[offensive coordinator]], [[Ken Whisenhunt]], was hired by the [[Tennessee Titans]] to become their new [[Head coach#National Football League\|head coach]], the Chargers promoted [[Frank Reich]] to replace him. Reich spent last season as the Chargers' [[quarterback]] coach. The Chargers began the season 5–1, winning five straight after losing their season opener. It was followed by a three-game losing streak, and they finished 4–4 in the second half. They won just two of their final five games, coming back from double-digit fourth quarter deficits twice to remain in playoff contention. They lost the final game of the season when a win would have secured a playoff berth.<ref name=acee_12282014/> In three of their last four games, and five of their last eight, the Chargers did not score more than one [[touchdown]] (TD).<ref>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=No offense, Chargers defense can't do it \|date=December 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-defense-chiefs-red-zone/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VChjOJhW?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-defense-chiefs-red-zone/ \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Compared to [[2013 San Diego Chargers season\|2013]], the offense dropped in [[point (American football)\|point]]s (from 12th in the league to 17th), yards (5th to 18th), [[first down]]s (3rd to 15th), net yards per pass (2nd to 8th), [[rushing yards]] (13th to 30) and yards per rush (21st to 31st).<ref>{{cite news\|last=Krasovic \|first=Tom \|title=Did foes figure out Chargers offense? \|date=December 29, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-mccoy-reich-rivers-krasovic-nfl/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VCfHMr0u?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-mccoy-reich-rivers-krasovic-nfl/ \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> It was the second time in three years the team finished second-to-last in yards per carry.<ref name=gehlken_12292014/> San Diego was just 2–4 against teams in their division in the [[AFC West]], and were swept by both the [[2014 Denver Broncos season\|Denver Broncos]] and the [[2014 Kansas City Chiefs season\|Kansas City Chiefs]]. It was their worst intradivision record since they were 1–5 in [[2003 San Diego Chargers season\|2003]].<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Antonio Gates ends year with milestone \|date=December 29, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/antonio-gates-record-sister-pamela/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VCd90Tjo?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/antonio-gates-record-sister-pamela/all/?print \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=yes \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers were only 3–6 against teams with winning records.<ref name=williams_12282014/> They matched their 9–7 record from 2013, but missed the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons. [[Safety (American and Canadian football position)\|Safety]] [[Eric Weddle]] was the team's lone selection to the [[2015 Pro Bowl\|Pro Bowl]]. [[Quarterback]] [[Philip Rivers]] was voted by the Chargers as their [[most valuable player]] after finishing the season with 4,286 [[yards passing]], 31 TDs and 18 [[interception]]s. During weeks 2–6, he became the first NFL player ever to have a [[passer rating]] over 120 for five consecutive games.<ref name=gehlken_12292014/> Later in the season, Rivers suffered from sore ribs and a back injury, but he denied that they affected his performance. The team lost [[center (gridiron football)\|center]] [[Nick Hardwick (American football)\|Nick Hardwick]] and [[running back]] [[Danny Woodhead]] early in the season when they were placed on [[injured reserve]]. Running back [[Ryan Mathews (American football)\|Ryan Mathews]] also missed seven games early in the season. He and [[wide receiver]] [[Keenan Allen]] were sidelined during the final games of the season. For the season, the Chargers started five different players at center.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Surgery not ruled out for Philip Rivers \|date=December 29, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-philip-rivers-back-surgery/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VCauWFqs?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-philip-rivers-back-surgery/ \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> {{TOC limit\|3}} ==NFL Draft== {{NFL team draft start \| year = 2009 \| teamname = San Diego Chargers }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 1 \| pick = 25 \| player = [[Jason Verrett]] \| position = [[Cornerback\|CB]] \| college = [[2013 TCU Horned Frogs football team\|TCU]] \| notes = \| maderoster = yes \| hof = \| probowl = yes }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 2 \| pick = 50 \| player = [[Jeremiah Attaochu]] \| position = [[Linebacker\|LB]] \| college = [[2013 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team\|Georgia Tech]] \| notes = from miami \| maderoster = yes \| hof = \| probowl = }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 3 \| pick = 89 \| player = [[Chris Watts]] \| position = [[Guard\|G]] \| college = [[2013 Notre Dmae Fighting Irish football team\|Notre Dame]] \| notes = \| maderoster = yes \| hof = \| probowl = }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 5 \| pick = 165 \| player = [[Ryan Carrethers]] \| position = [[Defensive Tackle\|DT]] \| college = [[2013 Arkansas State Red Wolves football team\|Arkansas State]] \| notes = \| maderoster = yes \| hof = \| probowl = }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 6 \| pick = 201 \| player = [[Marion Grice]] \| position = [[Running Back\|RB]] \| college = [[2013 Arizona State Sun Devils football team\|Arizona State]] \| notes = \| maderoster = \| hof = \| probowl = }} {{NFL team draft entry \| round = 7 \| pick = 240 \| player = [[Tevin Reese]] \| position = [[Wide Receiver\|WR]] \| college = [[2013 Baylor Bears football team\|Baylor]] \| notes = \| maderoster= \| hof = \| probowl = }} {{NFL team draft end}} ==Staff== {{NFL final staff \|Year=2014 \|TeamName=San Diego Chargers \|Front Office= Owner – [[Alex Spanos]] Chairman/President – [[Dean Spanos]] Executive Vice President – [[Michael Spanos]] Executive Vice President/CEO – [[A. G. Spanos]] General Manager – [[Tom Telesco]] Executive Vice President of Football Operations – [[John Spanos (American football)\|John Spanos]] Executive Vice President of Football Administration/Player Finance – [[Ed McGuire]] Senior Executive – [[Randy Mueller]] Director of Pro Scouting – [[Dennis Abraham]] Director of Player Personnel – [[JoJo Wooden]] Director of College Scouting – [[Kevin Kelly (American football executive)\|Kevin Kelly]] Assistant Director of Pro Scouting – [[Bryan Cox (American football scout)\|Bryan Cox]] Director of Security – [[Bill Stetson]] \|Head Coaches= Head Coach – [[Mike McCoy (American football coach)\|Mike McCoy]] \|Offensive Coaches= Offensive Coordinator – [[Frank Reich]] Quarterbacks – [[Nick Sirianni]] Running Backs – [[Ollie Wilson]] Wide Receivers – [[Fred Graves]] Tight Ends – [[Pete Metzelaars]] Offensive Line – [[Joe D'Alessandris]] Assistant Offensive Line – [[Andrew Dees]] Offensive Quality Control – [[Shane Steichen]] \|Defensive Coaches= Defensive Coordinator – [[John Pagano]] Defensive Line – [[Don Johnson (American football)\|Don Johnson]] Linebackers – [[Joe Barry]] Assistant Linebackers – [[Bobby King]] Secondary – [[Ron Milus]] Assistant Secondary – [[Greg Williams (football coach)\|Greg Williams]] Defensive Quality Control – [[Chad Grimm]] \|Special Teams Coaches= Special Teams Coordinator – [[Kevin Spencer (American football)\|Kevin Spencer]] Assistant Special Teams – [[Craig Aukerman]] \|Strength and Conditioning= Strength and Conditioning – [[Kent Johnson (American football)\|Kent Johnson]] Assistant Strength and Conditioning – [[Rick Lyle]] Coaching Administrative Assistant – [[Mark Ridgley]] }} ==Final roster== {{NFL final roster \|Year=2014 \|TeamName=San Diego Chargers \|Active=53 \|Inactive=13 \|PS=9 \|Quarterbacks= {{NFLplayer\|10\|Kellen Clemens}} {{NFLplayer\|17\|Philip Rivers}} \|Running Backs= {{NFLplayer\|34\|Donald Brown\|d=American football}} {{NFLplayer\|30\|Ronnie Brown}} {{NFLplayer\|24\|Ryan Mathews\|d=American football}} {{NFLplayer\|43\|Branden Oliver\|rookie=y}} \|Wide Receivers= {{NFLplayer\|16\|Seyi Ajirotutu}} {{NFLplayer\|13\|Keenan Allen}} {{NFLplayer\|80\|Malcom Floyd}} {{NFLplayer\|15\|Dontrelle Inman}} {{NFLplayer\|11\|Eddie Royal}} \|Tight Ends= {{NFLplayer\|85\|Antonio Gates}} {{NFLplayer\|89\|Ladarius Green}} {{NFLplayer\|88\|David Johnson\|d=tight end\|FB}} {{NFLplayer\|83\|John Phillips\|d=American football}} \|Offensive Linemen= {{NFLplayer\|62\|Jeff Baca\|C}} {{NFLplayer\|77\|King Dunlap\|T}} {{NFLplayer\|76\|D. J. Fluker\|T}} {{NFLplayer\|78\|Chad Rinehart\|G}} {{NFLplayer\|60\|Trevor Robinson\|d=American football\|C}} {{NFLplayer\|75\|Jeremiah Sirles\|rookie=y\|G/T}} {{NFLplayer\|69\|Willie Smith\|d=offensive tackle\|T}} {{NFLplayer\|79\|Kenny Wiggins\|T}} {{NFLplayer\|65\|Chris Watt\|rookie=y\|C/G}} \|Defensive Linemen= {{NFLplayer\|92\|Ryan Carrethers\|rookie=y\|NT}} {{NFLplayer\|98\|Sean Lissemore\|NT}} {{NFLplayer\|94\|Corey Liuget\|DE}} {{NFLplayer\|90\|Ricardo Mathews\|DE}} {{NFLplayer\|72\|Tenny Palepoi\|rookie=y\|DE}} {{NFLplayer\|91\|Kendall Reyes\|DE}} {{NFLplayer\|71\|Damion Square\|NT}} \|Linebackers= {{NFLplayer\|97\|Jeremiah Attaochu\|rookie=y\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|53\|Kavell Conner\|ILB}} {{NFLplayer\|93\|Dwight Freeney\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|59\|Andrew Gachkar\|ILB}} {{NFLplayer\|54\|Melvin Ingram\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|96\|Jarret Johnson\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|99\|Cordarro Law\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|50\|Manti Te'o\|ILB}} {{NFLplayer\|52\|Reggie Walker\|d=American football\|ILB/OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|58\|Tourek Williams\|OLB}} \|Defensive Backs= {{NFLplayer\|37\|Jahleel Addae\|SS}} {{NFLplayer\|20\|Chris Davis\|d=cornerback\|rookie=y\|CB/KR}} {{NFLplayer\|33\|Greg Ducre\|rookie=y\|CB}} {{NFLplayer\|26\|Brandon Flowers\|d=American football\|CB}} {{NFLplayer\|38\|Marcus Gilchrist\|SS}} {{NFLplayer\|25\|Darrell Stuckey\|FS}} {{NFLplayer\|32\|Eric Weddle\|FS}} {{NFLplayer\|23\|Steve Williams\|d=cornerback\|CB}} {{NFLplayer\|29\|Shareece Wright\|CB}} \|Special Teams= {{NFLplayer\| 1\|Mat McBriar\|P}} {{NFLplayer\| 9\|Nick Novak\|K}} {{NFLplayer\|47\|Mike Windt\|LS}} \|Practice Squad= {{NFLplayer\|27\|D.J. Adams\|rookie=y\|RB\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|70\|Chas Alecxih\|DT}} {{NFLplayer\| 3\|Torrence Allen\|rookie=y\|WR}} {{NFLplayer\| 8\|Javontee Herndon\|rookie=y\|WR}} {{NFLplayer\|81\|David Paulson\|TE}} {{NFLplayer\|68\|Bryce Quigley\|G}} {{NFLplayer\| 4\|Brad Sorensen\|QB}} {{NFLplayer\|49\|Colton Underwood\|rookie=y\|OLB}} {{NFLplayer\|64\|Craig Watts\|rookie=y\|G}} \|Reserve Lists= {{NFLplayer\|56\|Donald Butler\|ILB\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|66\|Jeromey Clary\|G/T\|PUP}} {{NFLplayer\|61\|Nick Hardwick\|d=American football\|C\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|57\|Doug Legursky\|C\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|73\|Ryan Miller\|G/T\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|74\|Rich Ohrnberger\|C/G\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|75\|Damik Scafe\|DE\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|48\|Alvin Scioneaux\|rookie=y\|ILB\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\| 5\|Mike Scifres\|P\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|73\|Ricky Tjong-A-Tjoe\|rookie=y\|NT\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|63\|Johnnie Troutman\|G\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|22\|Jason Verrett\|rookie=y\|CB\|IR}} {{NFLplayer\|39\|Danny Woodhead\|RB\|IR}} }} ==Schedule== ===Preseason=== {\| class="wikitable" style="align=center" \|- ! Week !! Date !! Opponent !! Result !! Record !! Game site !! NFL.com<br>recap \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 1 \| August 7 \| [[2014 Dallas Cowboys season\|Dallas Cowboys]] \| '''W''' 27–7 \| 1–0 \| [[Qualcomm Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014080705/2014/PRE1/cowboys@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 2 \| August 15 \| at [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season\|Seattle Seahawks]] \| '''L''' 14–41 \| 1–1 \| [[CenturyLink Field]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014081504/2014/PRE2/chargers@seahawks Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 3 \| August 24 \| at [[2014 San Francisco 49ers season\|San Francisco 49ers]] \| '''L''' 7–21 \| 1–2 \| [[Levi's Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014082400/2014/PRE3/chargers@49ers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 4 \| August 28 \| [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season\|Arizona Cardinals]] \| '''W''' 12–9 \| 2–2 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014082815/2014/PRE4/cardinals@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" \|} ===Regular season=== {\| class="wikitable" style="align=center" \|- ! Week !! Date !! Opponent !! Result !! Record !! Game site !! NFL.com<br>recap \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 1 \| {{tooltip\|September 8\|Monday Night Football}} \| at [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season\|Arizona Cardinals]] \| '''L''' 17–18 \| 0–1 \| [[University of Phoenix Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014090801/2014/REG1/chargers@cardinals Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 2 \| September 14 \| [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season\|Seattle Seahawks]] \| '''W''' 30–21 \| 1–1 \| [[Qualcomm Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014091408/2014/REG2/seahawks@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 3 \| September 21 \| at [[2014 Buffalo Bills season\|Buffalo Bills]] \| '''W''' 22–10 \| 2–1 \| [[Ralph Wilson Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092100/2014/REG3/chargers@bills Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 4 \| September 28 \| [[2014 Jacksonville Jaguars season\|Jacksonville Jaguars]] \| '''W''' 33–14 \| 3–1 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092808/2014/REG4/jaguars@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 5 \| October 5 \| [[2014 New York Jets season\|New York Jets]] \| '''W''' 31–0 \| 4–1 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014100510/2014/REG5/jets@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 6 \| October 12 \| at '''[[2014 Oakland Raiders season\|Oakland Raiders]]''' \| '''W''' 31–28 \| 5–1 \| [[O.co Coliseum]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014101209/2014/REG6/chargers@raiders Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 7 \| October 19 \| '''[[2014 Kansas City Chiefs season\|Kansas City Chiefs]]''' \| '''L''' 20–23 \| 5–2 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014101909/2014/REG7/chiefs@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 8 \| {{tooltip\|October 23\|Thursday Night Football}} \| at '''[[2014 Denver Broncos season\|Denver Broncos]]''' \| '''L''' 21–35 \| 5–3 \| [[Sports Authority Field at Mile High]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014102300/2014/REG8/chargers@broncos Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 9 \| November 2 \| at [[2014 Miami Dolphins season\|Miami Dolphins]] \| '''L''' 0–37 \| 5–4 \| [[Sun Life Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014110205/2014/REG9/chargers@dolphins Recap] \|- ! 10 \| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;"\| ''[[Bye (sports)\|Bye]]'' \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 11 \| November 16 \| '''[[2014 Oakland Raiders season\|Oakland Raiders]]''' \| '''W''' 13–6 \| 6–4 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014111609/2014/REG11/raiders@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 12 \| November 23 \| [[2014 St. Louis Rams season\|St. Louis Rams]] \| '''W''' 27–24 \| 7–4 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014112308/2014/REG12/rams@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 13 \| November 30 \| at [[2014 Baltimore Ravens season\|Baltimore Ravens]] \| '''W''' 34–33 \| 8–4 \| [[M&T Bank Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014113000/2014/REG13/chargers@ravens Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 14 \| {{tooltip\|December 7\|Sunday Night Football}} \| [[2014 New England Patriots season\|New England Patriots]] \| '''L''' 14–23 \| 8–5 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014120713/2014/REG14/patriots@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 15 \| December 14 \| '''[[2014 Denver Broncos season\|Denver Broncos]]''' \| '''L''' 10–22 \| 8–6 \| Qualcomm Stadium \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014121410/2014/REG15/broncos@chargers Recap] \|- style="background:#cfc; text-align:center;" ! 16 \| {{tooltip\|December 20\|Saturday}} \| at [[2014 San Francisco 49ers season\|San Francisco 49ers]] \| '''W''' 38–35 {{small\|(OT)}} \| 9–6 \| [[Levi's Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122001/2014/REG16/chargers@49ers Recap] \|- style="background:#fcc; text-align:center;" ! 17 \| December 28 \| at '''[[2014 Kansas City Chiefs season\|Kansas City Chiefs]]''' \| '''L''' 7–19 \| 9–7 \| [[Arrowhead Stadium]] \| [http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122804/2014/REG17/chargers@chiefs Recap] \|} '''Note:''' Intra-division opponents are in '''bold''' text. ===Game summaries=== ====Week 1: at Arizona Cardinals==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week One: San Diego Chargers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary \|date={{tooltip\|September 8\|Monday}} \|time=7:20 p.m. [[Pacific Time Zone\|PDT]] \|road=Chargers \|R1=0\|R2=3\|R3=14\|R4=0 \|home='''Cardinals''' \|H1=0\|H2=6\|H3=0\|H4=12 \|stadium=[[University of Phoenix Stadium]], [[Glendale, Arizona]] \|attendance=61,292 \|weather=Played indoors ([[retractable roof]] closed) \|referee=[[Bill Vinovich]] \|TV=[[Monday Night Football\|ESPN]] \|TVAnnouncers=[[Chris Berman]], [[Trent Dilfer]] and [[Lindsay Czarniak]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014090801/2014/REG1/chargers@cardinals Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56185/ARI_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''Second quarter''' * ARI – 12:42 [[Chandler Catanzaro]] 22-yard FG. '''''Drive:''' 7 plays, 62 yards, 2:28.'' (ARI 3–0) * SD – 6:00 [[Nick Novak]] 36-yard FG. ''''Drive:''' 4 plays, 1 yard, 1:18.'' (TIE 3–3) * ARI – 0:00 Chandler Catanzaro 44-yard FG. '''''Drive:''' 3 plays, 30, yards, 0:16.'' (ARI 6–3) '''Third quarter''' * SD – 11:38 [[Malcom Floyd]] 6-yard TD pass from [[Philip Rivers]], Nick Novak kick. '''''Drive:''' 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:22.'' (SD 10–6) * SD – 5:26 [[Ryan Mathews (American football)\|Ryan Mathews]] 20-yard TD run, Nick Novak kick. '''''Drive:''' 3 plays, 29 yards, 1:17.'' (SD 17–6) '''Fourth quarter''' * ARI – 12:30 [[Stepfan Taylor]] 5-yard TD pass from [[Carson Palmer]], run failed. '''''Drive:''' 10 plays, 64 yards, 4:43.'' (SD 17–12) * ARI – 2:25 [[John Brown (wide receiver)\|John Brown]] 13-yard TD pass from Carson Palmer, pass failed. '''''Drive:''' 11 plays, 91 yards, 4:25.'' (ARI 18–17) \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – Philip Rivers 21/36, 238 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT * ARI – Carson Palmer 24/37, 304 yards, 2 TD '''Top rushers''' * SD – Ryan Mathews 12 rushes, 40 yards, 1 TD * ARI – [[Andre Ellington]] 13 rushes, 53 yards '''Top receivers''' * SD – [[Antonio Gates]] 6 receptions, 81 yards * ARI – Michael Floyd 5 receptions, 119 yards '''Top tacklers''' * SD – [[Shareece Wright]] 8 tackles * ARI – [[Larry Foote]] 8 tackles }} [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season\|Arizona Cardinals]] rookie receiver [[John Brown (wide receiver)\|John Brown]] scored on a 13-yard pass from [[Carson Palmer]] with 2:25 left in the game to defeat San Diego 18–17 on [[Monday Night Football\|Monday night]].<ref name=ap_09092014>{{cite news\|title=Carson Palmer, Cardinals rally to tip Chargers on late TD \|date=September 9, 2014 \|agency=Associated Press \|work=ESPN.com \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554301 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6ST0kaajH?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554301 \|archivedate=September 9, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers led 17–6 after three periods, but did not convert on multiple opportunities throughout the game. It was the fifth loss for San Diego over the prior three seasons in which they led by a touchdown or more in the fourth quarter, tied for the most in the NFL.<ref name=acee_09092014>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=For starters, Bolts have long way to go \|date=September 9, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/09/chargers-cardinals-mistakes-long-way-acee/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6ST0atco7?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/09/chargers-cardinals-mistakes-long-way-acee/all/?print \|archivedate=September 9, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Rookie [[Jeremiah Attaochu]] set up the Chargers only first-half score with a blocked punt off [[Drew Butler]]. San Diego trailed 6–3 at halftime when Chargers quarterback [[Philip Rivers]] went 6-for-6 for 82 yards and threw a 6-yard touchdown to [[Malcom Floyd]] for a 10–6 lead. Attaochu forced a Palmer fumble on a [[strip sack]] to set up a 20-yard touchdown run by [[Ryan Mathews (American football)\|Ryan Mathews]] for a 17–6 Charger advantage.<ref name=ap_09092014/><ref>{{cite news \|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers' Jerry Attaochu finds Comfort \|date=September 11, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:-B0EBjiOCQoJ:www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/11/chargers-jerry-attaochu-comfort-paul-nfl/+&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&client=safari \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VDnDzZX6?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/11/chargers-jerry-attaochu-comfort-paul-nfl/ \|archivedate=2014-12-31 \|deadurl=no \|df= \|access-date=2018-09-16 }}</ref> The Cardinals pulled to 17–12 after a 10-play, 64-yard touchdown drive with 12:30 remaining; their [[two-point conversion]] failed.<ref name=ap_09092014/> On San Diego's following drive, they were in [[field goal\|field-goa]]l range at the Arizona 29-yard line when a mishandled snap from backup center [[Rich Ohrnberger]]—replacing an injured [[Nick Hardwick (American football)\|Nick Hardwick]] who left the game—to Rivers pushed the Chargers back to the 43 and forced a [[punt (gridiron football)\|punt]]. Arizona then went on their 11-play, 91-yard game-winning drive, which was extended by a slow-footed Palmer scrambling 12 yards on a third-and-10 play.<ref name=acee_09092014/> The Chargers offense, which ranked fifth in the NFL in yards in [[2013 San Diego Chargers season\|2013]], suffered from uncharacteristic dropped passes. Arizona's late field goal in the second quarter came after a Chargers interception set up by [[Eddie Royal]] stopping on his route as a Rivers pass went to the Chiefs [[Jerraud Powers]]. The Chargers' [[Marcus Gilchrist]] dropped an apparent sure interception in the third quarter.<ref name=acee_09092014/> ====Week 2: vs. Seattle Seahawks==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Two: Seattle Seahawks at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=September 14 \|time=1:05 p.m. PDT \|road=Seahawks \|R1=7\|R2=7\|R3=7\|R4=0 \|home='''Chargers''' \|H1=3\|H2=17\|H3=7\|H4=3 \|stadium=[[Qualcomm Stadium]], [[San Diego, California]] \|attendance=67,916 \|weather={{convert\|94\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Pete Morelli]] \|TV=[[NFL on Fox\|Fox]] \|TVAnnouncers=[[Thom Brennaman]], [[David Diehl]] and [[Laura Okmin]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014091408/2014/REG2/seahawks@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56195/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SEA – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * SEA – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * SEA – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * SEA – * SD – }} [[Antonio Gates]] caught three touchdowns from Rivers to lead the Chargers to a 30–21 win over the defending [[Super Bowl]] champion [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season\|Seattle Seahawks]].<ref name=ap_09142014>{{cite news\|title=Antonio Gates' 3 TD catches carry Chargers to upset of Seahawks \|date=September 14, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554278 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6SvzLu0tW?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554278 \|archivedate=September 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> San Diego held a 42:15 to 17:45 advantage in time of possession under hot weather conditions. The official game-time temperature was {{convert\|94\|F\|C}}, while readings at field level read closer to {{convert\|115\|F\|C}}. The Chargers had six drives of eight plays or more—including possessions of 14, 12, and 10 plays—while the Seahawks had one eight-play drive.<ref name=gehlken_09142014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers wear out Seahawks in win \|date=September 14, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/14/seattle-seahawks-san-diego-chargers/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Svyjf6zA?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/14/seattle-seahawks-san-diego-chargers/ \|archivedate=September 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> San Diego's first possession was a 14-play drive that led to a 50-yard field goal by [[Nick Novak]], ending the Seahawks' 20-game streak without allowing a score on the opening possession. Following a 10-play field goal drive by the Chargers in the second quarter, linebacker [[Kavell Conner]] forced a fumble on the kickoff, which led to a six-play touchdown drive; the two drives combined to keep the Seahawks offense off the field for almost nine minutes.<ref name=gehlken_09142014/> Gates' third touchdown came after he split two defenders and made a spectacular one-handed grab to give the Chargers a 27–14 lead late in the third quarter.<ref name=ap_09142014/> Rivers was 28-of-37 for 284 yards. He had thrown 65 touchdowns to Gates, the most between a quarterback and tight end in NFL history.<ref name=ap_09142014/> The Chargers were 10-for-17 on third-down conversions, while the Seahawks were 3-for-8.<ref name=gehlken_09142014/> ====Week 3: at Buffalo Bills==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Three: San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills – Game summary \|date=September 21 \|time=1:00 p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone\|EDT]]/10:00 a.m. PDT \|road='''Chargers''' \|R1=7\|R2=6\|R3=7\|R4=2 \|home=Bills \|H1=0\|H2=3\|H3=7\|H4=0 \|stadium=[[Ralph Wilson Stadium]], [[Orchard Park, New York]] \|attendance=68,611 \|weather={{convert\|72\|F\|C}}, partly cloudy \|referee=[[John Parry (American football official)\|John Parry]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Andrew Catalon]], [[Steve Beuerlein]] and [[Steve Tasker]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092100/2014/REG3/chargers@bills Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56203/BUF_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * BUF – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * BUF – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * BUF – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * BUF – }} Rivers threw two touchdowns to Royal and spread the ball to multiple receivers to lead San Diego to a 22–10 victory over the [[2014 Buffalo Bills season\|Buffalo Bills]].<ref name=ap_09212014>{{cite news\|title=Rivers leads Chargers to 22-10 win over Bills \|date=September 21, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554195 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Sw2oaCOF?url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554195 \|archivedate=September 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers' defense held the Bills to just 19 yards and forced a [[safety (gridiron football score)\|safety]] in their first four series in the fourth quarter,<ref name=gehlken_09212014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers stave off Bills late in win \|date=September 21, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/21/san-diego-chargers-buffalo-bills-0921/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6Sw3j4O0A?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/21/san-diego-chargers-buffalo-bills-0921/ \|archivedate=September 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> denying Buffalo their third 3–0 start since 1993.<ref name=ap_09212014/> The Chargers led throughout the game after a 3-yard TD pass from Rivers to Royal with 9:45 left in the first quarter. They took control of the game after a 37-yard Novak field goal 21 seconds before the half, and a 5-yard TD catch by Royal to cap a 14-play, 80-yard drive to start the third quarter for a 20–3 lead, their largest of the game.<ref name=ap_09212014/><ref name=gehlken_09212014/> San Diego held on for their third 2–1 start in five years.<ref name=ap_09212014/> They did not have a [[first down]] in their final five drives after 20 in their first five.<ref name=gehlken_09212014/> After losing running back Mathews to a sprained ankle the previous week, the Chargers' [[Danny Woodhead]] did not return after his first carry of the game {{frac\|3\|1\|2}} minutes into the contest. [[Donald Brown (running back)\|Donald Brown]] filled in with 89 yards offense (62 rushing and 27 receiving). Rivers completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, including two 49-yard catches by Floyd. Royal had four receptions for 42 yards, and backup tight end [[Ladarius Green]] finished with four catches for 64 yards. Novak extended his streak of consecutive successful field goal attempts to 23, passing [[Nate Kaeding]] for second in team history.<ref name=ap_09212014/> ====Week 4: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Four: Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=September 28 \|time=1:05 p.m. PDT \|road=Jaguars \|R1=0\|R2=14\|R3=0\|R4=0 \|home='''Chargers''' \|H1=3\|H2=14\|H3=10\|H4=6 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=56,553 \|weather={{convert\|73\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Clete Blakeman]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092808/2014/REG4/jaguars@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56226/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * JAX – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * JAX – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * JAX – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * JAX – * SD – }} The Chargers defeated the winless [[2014 Jacksonville Jaguars season\|Jacksonville Jaguars]] 33–14 as Rivers threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns. Royal caught two of the scoring passes for his second straight two-touchdown game. San Diego extended its winning streak to three.<ref name=ap_09282014>{{cite news\|title=Rivers' 3 TD passes carry Chargers over Jags 33-14 \|date=September 28, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554290 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6SwLmo25M?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554290 \|archivedate=September 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> After Jacksonville took a 7–3 lead on a [[Toby Gerhart]] 1-yard TD run early in the second quarter, Rivers spotted Royal—guarded by linebacker [[Geno Hayes]]—who got open for a 47-yard touchdown reception. Jaguars rookie [[Blake Bortles]], making his first start, followed with a scoring pass to [[Nic Jacobs]]. Before halftime, Rivers found Royal on third-and-10 as the receiver outran defenders for 43-yard TD pass, staking San Diego to a 17–14 lead.<ref name=ap_09282014/> Rivers connected with Floyd on a 24-yard TD pass to open the third quarter, and the Chargers' defense held the Jaguars scoreless in the second half. Cornerback [[Brandon Flowers]] and safety [[Eric Weddle]] each intercepted Bortles in the second half after the Jacksonville quarterback began the game 13-for-15 with 144 yards.<ref name=adams_09282014>{{cite news\|last=Adams \|first=Todd \|title=Chargers settle down, subdue Jaguars \|date=September 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/san-diego-chargers-jacksonville-jaguars/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6SwL3jGAb?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/san-diego-chargers-jacksonville-jaguars/ \|archivedate=September 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Rivers completed 29 of his 37 passes and had a 130.0 [[passer rating]], his highest ever in a game in which he threw over 31 passes.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=Rivers turns tide, more than Bolts' MVP \|date=September 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/philip-rivers-chargers-jaguars-mvp-acee/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6SwOHH81j?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/philip-rivers-chargers-jaguars-mvp-acee/all/?print \|archivedate=September 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> [[Keenan Allen]] established career-highs of 10 catches for 135 yards, and Royal had five receptions for 105 yards, his first 100-yard game with the Chargers.<ref name=adams_09282014/> Novak made four field goals.<ref name=ap_09282014/> Earlier in the week on Tuesday, the Chargers had made 10 player transactions largely due to injuries.<ref name=adams_09282014/> Playing without Mathews and Woodhead, San Diego ran for just 42 yards on 20 carries; the team entered the game averaging a league-low 2.4 yards per carry. "We've got to work on the running game. We'll get better," Chargers head coach [[Mike McCoy (American football coach)\|Mike McCoy]] said.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Calkins \|first=Matt \|title=Chargers' running game is a problem \|date=September 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/chargers-jaguars-nfl-running-game-problem/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6SwN9wZpG?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/sep/28/chargers-jaguars-nfl-running-game-problem/ \|archivedate=September 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> ====Week 5: vs. New York Jets==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Five: New York Jets at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=October 5 \|time=1:25 p.m. PDT \|road=Jets \|R1=0\|R2=0\|R3=0\|R4=0 \|home='''Chargers''' \|H1=7\|H2=14\|H3=7\|H4=3 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=63,471 \|weather={{convert\|91\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Ron Torbert]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Greg Gumbel]], [[Trent Green]] and [[Evan Washburn]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014100510/2014/REG5/jets@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56242/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * NYJ – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * NYJ – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * NYJ – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * NYJ – * SD – }} Mike McCoy's desire to improve the run game came to fruition against the New York Jets. The Chargers ran for 162 yards against the Jets, who came into the game ranked number one in the NFL in rush defense. [[Donald Brown (running back)\|Donald Brown]] was knocked out of the game with a concussion in the first half and [[Branden Oliver]], their fourth-string running back, played. Oliver ran 19 times for 114 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 4 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown. These were the first two NFL touchdowns for the rookie. Philip Rivers completed 20 throws on 28 attempts for 288 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Two of his touchdown throws were to [[Antonio Gates]]. With 65 touchdowns, Rivers and Gates set the NFL record for most between a quarterback and tight end duo. It was Gates' 91 and 92 career TD catches, moving him into 10th place all-time. After the game, Rivers stressed this year's toughness of the team as its success. The offense of the Jets on the other hand, crossed the 50-yard line for the first time with 7:35 left in the fourth quarter. [[Geno Smith]] threw only four completions on 12 attempts for 27 yards and an interception. In the first offensive possession for the Jets in the second half, he was benched for [[Michael Vick]]. Vick did only a little better by throwing 8 completions on 19 attempts for 27 yards and ran twice for 14 yards. The Chargers were the first team to win by a [[shutout]] in the 2014 season (week five). The Chargers' last shutout victory was 31-0 against Kansas City on December 12, 2010. The Jets were shut out for the first time since losing 34-0 against San Francisco on September 30, 2012. With the day's loss, the Jets had lost four straight games. ====Week 6: at Oakland Raiders==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Six: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary \|date=October 12 \|time=1:05 p.m. PDT \|road='''Chargers''' \|R1=7\|R2=7\|R3=7\|R4=10 \|home=Raiders \|H1=7\|H2=7\|H3=7\|H4=7 \|stadium=[[O.co Coliseum]], [[Oakland, California]] \|attendance=53,329 \|weather={{convert\|77\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Tony Corrente]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Kevin Harlan]], [[Rich Gannon]] and [[Scott Kaplan]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014101209/2014/REG6/chargers@raiders Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56256/OAK_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * OAK – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * OAK – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * OAK – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * OAK – }} Rookie [[cornerback]] [[Jason Verrett]] intercepted [[2014 Oakland Raiders season\|Oakland Raiders]] rookie quarterback [[Derek Carr (American football)\|Derek Carr]] at the San Diego 5 with 1:13 remaining in the game to seal a 31–28 Chargers win on the road. San Diego had gone ahead with 1:56 to play on a 1-yard touchdown run by Oliver. Verrett's first career interception helped the Chargers extend their winning streak to five, while Oakland suffered its 11th straight defeat.<ref name=ap_10122014>{{cite news\|title=Chargers rally past Raiders 31-28 \|date=October 12, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554302 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6THtH4JP7?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554302 \|archivedate=October 13, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref><ref name=gehlken_10122014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Jason Verrett caps wild Chargers win \|date=October 12, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/12/chargers-oakland-raiders-nfl/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6THtPIFy8?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/12/chargers-oakland-raiders-nfl/all/?print \|archivedate=October 13, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers 5–1 start to begin the season was their best since [[2002 San Diego Chargers season\|2002]].<ref name=gehlken_10132014/> Carr threw a 77-yard TD pass to [[Andre Holmes]] in the opening minute of the game, and he and Rivers both threw two touchdowns in the first half for a 14-14 tie at halftime. In the third quarter, a 54-yard Novak field goal was nullified by a Chargers [[holding (American football)\|holding]] penalty. On fourth-and-35, Weddle threw an incomplete pass on a [[fake punt]], giving the Raiders excellent field position; Oakland then scored on a 47-yard TD pass from Carr to [[Brice Butler]]. The Chargers responded with a Gates score on a 1-yard pass from Rivers, and the game was tied at 21 to begin the fourth quarter. Oakland took the lead again after Carr found Holmes for a 6-yard TD with 10 minutes left.<ref name=ap_10122014/> On the following possession, Rivers completed the first four passes for 70 yards, which led to a 30-yard field goal by Novak. The Chargers defense forced a [[three-and-out]], when Allen—filling in for an injured Royal—returned the punt 29 yards to the Oakland 39. With 4:49 remaining, Rivers led the six-play game-winning TD drive which culminated with four straight runs by Oliver for 29 yards.<ref name=gehlken_10122014/> The Raiders had the ball on the Chargers 45 on second-and-one, when Carr threw deep for Butler, but Verrett leaped for an acrobatic sideline interception.<ref name=ap_10122014/><ref name=gehlken_10122014/> Verrett had left the game earlier in the third quarter after tearing his left [[Glenoid labrum\|labrum]] in three places while diving for a pass.<ref name=gehlken_11152014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Cornerback Jason Verrett out for year \|date=November 15, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/15/chargers-jason-verrett-shoulder-injured-reserve/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VDl7UDsc?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/15/chargers-jason-verrett-shoulder-injured-reserve/ \|archivedate=December 31, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Oliver ran for 101 yards in the game, and Rivers threw for 313 yards and three touchdowns. For Rivers, it was an NFL-record fifth straight game with at least a 120 passer rating.<ref name=ap_10122014/> Verrett grew up a Raiders fan in nearby [[Fairfield, California]]. About 100 of his friends and family attended the game, including his brother, who works for the Raiders.<ref name=gehlken_10122014/> ====Week 7: vs. Kansas City Chiefs==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Seven: Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=October 19 \|time=1:05 p.m. PDT \|road='''Chiefs''' \|R1=0\|R2=10\|R3=3\|R4=10 \|home=Chargers \|H1=7\|H2=7\|H3=0\|H4=6 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=65,260 \|weather={{convert\|75\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Bill Vinovich]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Spero Dedes]] and [[Solomon Wilcots]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014101909/2014/REG7/chiefs@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56271/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * KC – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * KC – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * KC – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * KC – * SD – }} A late field goal of 48 yards by rookie [[Cairo Santos]] gave the [[2014 Kansas City Chiefs season\|Kansas City Chiefs]] a 23–20 win over the Chargers. The Chiefs ran 70 plays to the Chargers' 49, and controlled the ball for 39 minutes during the game to San Diego's 21.<ref name=krasovic_10192014>{{cite news\|last=Krasovic \|first=Tom \|title=Chiefs exploit bye, Chargers' soft pass D \|date=October 19, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chiefs-chargers-reid-bowe-alex-smith-krasovic/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TWjcc5gx?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chiefs-chargers-reid-bowe-alex-smith-krasovic/ \|archivedate=October 23, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref><ref name=gehlken_10192014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Bolts suffer backward loss to KC \|date=October 19, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chargers-kansas-city-chiefs-nfl/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TWjmBhwj?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chargers-kansas-city-chiefs-nfl/ \|archivedate=October 23, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> San Diego was just 3-for-10 on third down conversions after entering the game with a 53.8% success rate, the highest in the league.<ref name=gehlken_10192014/> The loss ended the team's six-game home winning streak over the Chiefs.<ref name=krasovic_10192014/> The Chargers got out to a 7–0 lead after tight end [[John Phillips (American football)\|John Phillips]]' first catch of the season, a 1-yard TD from Rivers.<ref name=ap_10192014/> They regained the lead, 14–10, after Gates' 27-yard TD off a tipped pass 14 seconds before halftime.<ref name=ap_10192014>{{cite news\|title=Cairo Santos' late FG helps Chiefs snap Chargers' winning streak \|date=October 19, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554297 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TY6RysgT?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554297 \|archivedate=October 23, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref><ref name=loh_10192014>{{cite news\|last=Loh \|first=Stephanie \|title=Day of season lows for Chargers' offense \|date=October 19, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chargers-offense-misfired-philip-rivers-problems/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TY6ahCxV?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/19/chargers-offense-misfired-philip-rivers-problems/ \|archivedate=October 23, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> San Diego was limited to just one offensive drive in the third quarter, a three-and-out series that lasted just 1:02,<ref name=loh_10192014/> and Kansas City led 20–14 after an [[Alex Smith]] 11-yard TD pass to [[Anthony Sherman]] with 14:50 left in the fourth.<ref name=ap_10192014/> The Chargers responded with a 12-play drive, driving all the way to the Chiefs 6, but settled for a Novak 24-yard field goal.<ref name=gehlken_10192014/><ref name=ap_10192014/> After a defensive stop, Novak kicked a 48-yarder to tied the game at 20 with 1:57 remaining.<ref name=gehlken_10192014/> It was his 31st straight field goal, breaking Carney's team record of 29 set from [[1992 San Diego Chargers season\|1992]] to [[1993 San Diego Chargers season\|1993]].<ref name=ap_10192014/> However, the Chiefs drove 62 yards on nine plays on their game-winning drive.<ref name=ap_10192014/> Rivers was 17 of 31 for 205 yards and two touchdowns with an 83.4 rating, breaking his streak of games with 120 or higher.<ref name=ap_10192014/> The Chargers' offense had season lows of 205 passing yards and 251 total yards.<ref name=loh_10192014/> Smith, the first established quarterback the Chargers had faced in four games, was 19 of 28 passes for 221 yards. Chiefs coach [[Andy Reid]], in his second year with the team, improved his career record to 14–2 coming off a [[bye week]].<ref name=ap_10192014/> Retired defensive end [[Leslie O'Neal]] was inducted into the [[San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame\|Chargers Hall of Fame]] at halftime. This was the first of two games in which the Chargers wore their alternate powder blue jerseys — the other was against the [[2014 New England Patriots season\|New England Patriots]] on December 7.<ref name=gehlken_10132014>{{cite news \|author=Gehlken, Michael \|title=Chargers to wear powder blue Sunday \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/13/chargers-powder-blue-uniforms-blackout/ \|newspaper=[[U-T San Diego]] \|date=October 13, 2014 \|accessdate=October 13, 2014}}</ref> ====Week 8: at Denver Broncos==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Eight: San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos – Game summary \|date={{tooltip\|October 23\|Thursday}} \|time=6:25 p.m. [[Mountain Time Zone\|MDT]]/5:25 p.m. PDT \|road=Chargers \|R1=0\|R2=7\|R3=7\|R4=7 \|home='''Broncos''' \|H1=0\|H2=14\|H3=14\|H4=7 \|stadium=[[Sports Authority Field at Mile High]], [[Denver, Colorado]] \|attendance=76,907 \|weather={{convert\|68\|F\|C}}, partly cloudy \|referee=[[Terry McAulay]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Jim Nantz]], [[Phil Simms]] and [[Tracy Wolfson]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014102300/2014/REG8/chargers@broncos Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56276/DEN_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * DEN – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * DEN – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * DEN – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * DEN – }} [[Peyton Manning]] connected with [[Emmanuel Sanders]] for three touchdowns to lead the [[2014 Denver Broncos season\|Denver Broncos]] to a 35–21 win over San Diego. Rookie [[Juwan Thompson]] also ran for two TDs to help the Broncos (6–1) expand their lead over the Chargers (5–3) in the [[AFC West]]. A year earlier, San Diego had handed Denver their only home loss of the season.<ref name=ap_10232014>{{cite news\|title=Emmanuel Sanders breaks out with 3 TDs as Broncos dump Chargers \|date=October 23, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554218 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TZOf2u6k?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554218 \|archivedate=October 24, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The game was tied 7–7 in the second quarter after Rivers capped a 13-play, 84-yard drive with a 2-yard TD to Allen. On the following [[kickoff (gridiron football)\|kickoff]], the Chargers appeared to recover a fumble by Denver, but the play was overturned. Manning then drove his team eight plays for a 31-yard TD to Sanders past cornerback [[Richard Marshall (defensive back)\|Richard Marshall]]. The Chargers were trailing 28–14 in the fourth quarter with the Broncos on the San Diego 2, when Weddle intercepted Manning; however, the play was nullified by a holding penalty against Gilchrist, and Thompson scored on a 1-yard run the next play.<ref name=gehlken_10232014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers haunted by plays not made \|date=October 23, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/23/chargers-denver-broncos-nfl-week-8/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TZPTvciu?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/23/chargers-denver-broncos-nfl-week-8/ \|archivedate=October 24, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers followed with an eight-play, 80-yard TD drive in less than two minutes, with Gates scoring for the second time for a 35–21 game with {{frac\|9\|1\|2}} minutes left.<ref name=ap_10232014/><ref name=gehlken_10232014/> Weddle forced a Denver fumble on the first play of the following drive, but San Diego was unable to recover the ball.<ref name=gehlken_10232014/> Denver kicker [[Brandon McManus]] missed a 53-yard attempt with six minutes remaining, and the Chargers received the ball with excellent field position. San Diego's drive ended with a [[Rahim Moore]] interception of a Rivers pass intended for Floyd at the Denver 4.<ref name=ap_10232014/> Rivers ended the game 30 of 41 for 252 yards with three TDs and two interceptions. Gates become the team leader in career [[yards receiving]] after passing [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] receiver [[Lance Alworth]] (9,584). Manning finished 25 of 35 for 286 yards with three TDs and no interceptions.<ref name=ap_10232014/> The Chargers were playing without injured cornerbacks Flowers (concussion) and [[Steve Williams (cornerback)\|Steve Williams]] (groin); Verrett played despite a hurt shoulder injured during the Raiders game, but was unable to play after a few series in the second quarter.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Injured Jason Verrett did what he could \|date=October 23, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/23/broncos-beat-chargers-jason-verrett/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6TZRkG55v?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/oct/23/broncos-beat-chargers-jason-verrett/ \|archivedate=October 24, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> ====Week 9: at Miami Dolphins==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Nine: San Diego Chargers at Miami Dolphins – Game summary \|date=November 2 \|time=1:00 p.m. EST/10:00 a.m. PST \|road=Chargers \|R1=0\|R2=0\|R3=0\|R4=0 \|home='''Dolphins''' \|H1=7\|H2=13\|H3=17\|H4=0 \|stadium=[[Sun Life Stadium]], [[Miami Gardens, Florida]] \|attendance=70,222 \|weather={{convert\|70\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Brad Allen]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=[[Ian Eagle]], [[Dan Fouts]] and [[Jenny Dell]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014110205/2014/REG9/chargers@dolphins Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56297/MIA_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * MIA – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * MIA – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * MIA – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * MIA – }} The Chargers committed four turnovers and lost 37–0 to the [[2014 Miami Dolphins season\|Miami Dolphins]] for their most lopsided defeat since [[1996 San Diego Chargers season\|1996]]. The Dolphins front four dominated the Chargers' offensive line, forcing three interceptions and a lost fumble by Rivers. It was San Diego's third straight loss, and the first time they had been shut out since [[1999 San Diego Chargers season\|1999]].<ref name=ap_11022014>{{cite news\|title=Ryan Tannehill throws 3 TDs as Dolphins win 3rd straight \|date=November 2, 2014 \|work=ESPN \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554347 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6U4MQDgAN?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554347 \|archivedate=November 14, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> On the opening possession of the game, San Diego gambled on fourth and 1 from the Miami 22, but Oliver was stopped for a 1-yard loss. It was the only time the Chargers crossed midfield during the game. Miami led 17–0 after the first 21 minutes. They scored on all but one of their seven possessions in the first half, the exception being [[Caleb Sturgis]]' miss on a 45-yard field goal attempt to end the half. Rivers was limited to 138 yards passing in the game, and was twice intercepted by [[Brent Grimes]]. His quarterback rating of 31.0 was his lowest since [[2007 San Diego Chargers season\|2007]].<ref name=ap_11022014/> San Diego remained winless in South Florida since the [[Epic in Miami]] in January 1982, a string of eight straight losses to the Dolphins. Running back Donald Brown returned from his concussion in Week 5, and ran four times for 23 yards.<ref name=ap_11022014/> ====Week 11: vs. Oakland Raiders==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Eleven: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=November 16 \|time=1:05 p.m. PST \|road=Raiders \|R1=3\|R2=0\|R3=0\|R4=3 \|home='''Chargers''' \|H1=7\|H2=3\|H3=3\|H4=0 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=66,720 \|weather={{convert\|72\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Jeff Triplette]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots and Scott Kaplan \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014111609/2014/REG11/raiders@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56327/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * OAK – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * OAK – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * OAK – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * OAK – * SD – }} Floyd caught a 22-yard touchdown from Rivers on the game's third play from [[line of scrimmage\|scrimmage]], and San Diego held on for a lackluster 13–6 win over Oakland.<ref name=ap_11162014>{{cite news\|title=Rivers leads Chargers over winless Raiders 13-6 \|date=November 16, 2014 \|work=ESPN \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554391 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6UF7b0YVr?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554391 \|archivedate=November 21, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Both teams punted nine times, with Chargers punter [[Mike Scifres]] pinning the Raiders inside the 20 on five of his kicks.<ref name=gehlken_11162014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Scifres, Chargers kick Raiders to curb \|date=November 16, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/16/oakland-raiders-at-chargers/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6UF8YPfz6?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/16/oakland-raiders-at-chargers/all/?print \|archivedate=November 21, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> ''[[U-T San Diego]]'' lauded Scifres' performance, stating that he "arguably was the team MVP."<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken\|first=Michael\|title=Mike Scifres undergoes clavicle surgery\|date=December 8, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/08/chargers-mike-scifres-fractured-clavicle-injury/\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209014307/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/08/chargers-mike-scifres-fractured-clavicle-injury/\|archivedate=December 9, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> San Diego was a season low 27% (4-for-15) on third-down conversions, after entering the game fourth best in the league (48%).<ref name=ap_11162014/> Gates made a difficult catch late in the fourth quarter to extend a drive and help seal the game.<ref name=gehlken_11162014/> San Diego linebacker [[Donald Butler]] recovered a fumble on the opening play of the game after Carr mishandled the snap from the [[shotgun formation]].<ref name=gehlken_11162014/> Two plays later, River lobbed a pass to Floyd, who leaped over [[T. J. Carrie]] for the score.<ref name=ap_11162014/><ref name=gehlken_11162014/> The Chargers went up 10–3 after Novak kicked a 23-yard field goal to extend his team record to 32 consecutive field goals; however, he was wide left on a 48-yard attempt as the half ended. Rivers was injured after completing a 28-yard pass to Floyd in the third quarter, but the play was called back on a holding call against tackle [[King Dunlap]]. The Chargers settled on a 52-yard field goal by Novak for a 13–3 lead. The Raiders [[knocked the wind out]] of Rivers in the fourth, but he remained in the game after Oakland pulled with a touchdown with a 25-yard field goal from [[Sebastian Janikowski]] with four minutes remaining. On the following drive, Gates converted a key third-and-3 with a 15-yard catch at the Oakland 45 after tipping the pass to himself between safeties [[Charles Woodson]] and [[Brandian Ross]].<ref name=ap_11162014/> An incompletion would have forced a punt with 2:32 left; instead, Oakland need to use their remaining timeouts before receiving the ball back with 65 seconds to go.<ref name=gehlken_11162014/> Carr threw a desperation pass that was incomplete short of the end zone as the game clock expired.<ref name=ap_11162014/> Scifres' nine punts, which were the second most of his career, included ones that pinned the Raiders at their 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-, and 12-yard line.<ref name=gehlken_11162014/> Oakland crossed midfield just twice in the game.<ref name=ap_11162014/> San Diego started four drives on their 41-yard line or better, which netted only three punts and a field goal.<ref name=gehlken_11162014/> Rivers was 22 of 34 for 193 yards. After saying that Rivers had been suffering a "very severe rib injury" for weeks, Gates later said he was "taken out of context".<ref name=ap_11162014/><ref name=gehlken_11172014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Antonio Gates backs off Rivers comments \|date=November 17, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/17/antonio-gates-philip-rivers-rib-injury-chargers/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6UFDAYlav?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/17/antonio-gates-philip-rivers-rib-injury-chargers/ \|archivedate=November 21, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> According to McCoy, Rivers had not missed any practice time nor received any treatment from the team trainer.<ref name=gehlken_11172014/> After being out since September, [[Ryan Mathews (American football)\|Ryan Mathews]], [[Manti Te'o]] and [[Melvin Ingram]] played for the Chargers.<ref name=ap_11162014/> After missing seven games, Mathews ran 16 times for 70 yards, bolstering a running game that was averaging a league-low 3.1 yards per carry.<ref name=ap_11162014/><ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken\|first=Michael\|title=Chargers run game looks to lead push\|date=November 30, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/30/chargers-offensive-line-ryan-mathews-playoffs/all/?print\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208033828/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/30/chargers-offensive-line-ryan-mathews-playoffs/all/?print \|archivedate=December 8, 2014 \|deadurl=no}}</ref> ====Week 12: vs. St. Louis Rams==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Twelve: St. Louis Rams at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=November 23 \|time=1:05 p.m. PST \|road=Rams \|R1=3\|R2=7\|R3=7\|R4=7 \|home='''Chargers''' \|H1=3\|H2=3\|H3=14\|H4=7 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=66,040 \|weather={{convert\|72\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Carl Cheffers]] \|TV=Fox \|TVAnnouncers=[[Chris Myers]], [[Ronde Barber]] and [[Jennifer Hale (sportscaster)\|Jennifer Hale]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014112308/2014/REG12/rams@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56340/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * STL – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * STL – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * STL – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * STL – * SD – }} Gilchrist intercepted [[2014 St. Louis Rams season\|St. Louis Rams]] quarterback [[Shaun Hill]]'s pass at the Chargers' goal line with a minute left in the game to secure a 27–24 win for San Diego.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Acee\|first=Kevin\|title=Bolts hold on at end, aren't finished\|date=November 23, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/23/chargers-rams-playoffs-ending-acee/all/?print\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208043647/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/23/chargers-rams-playoffs-ending-acee/all/?print\|archivedate=December 8, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> ====Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Thirteen: San Diego Chargers at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary \|date=November 30 \|time=1:00 p.m. EST/10:00 a.m. PST \|road='''Chargers''' \|R1=7\|R2=3\|R3=3\|R4=21 \|home=Ravens \|H1=10\|H2=6\|H3=7\|H4=10 \|stadium=[[M&T Bank Stadium]], [[Baltimore, Maryland]] \|attendance=71,060 \|weather={{convert\|54\|F\|C}}, partly cloudy \|referee=[[Walt Anderson (American football)\|Walt Anderson]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Jenny Dell \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014113000/2014/REG13/chargers@ravens Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56349/BAL_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * BAL – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * BAL – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * BAL – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * BAL – }} Rivers passed to Royal for the go-ahead touchdown with 38 seconds left in the game to defeat the [[2014 Baltimore Ravens season\|Baltimore Ravens]] on the road, 34–33, for their third straight win.<ref name=calkins_11302014>{{cite news\|last=Calkins\|first=Matt\|title=Chargers' resilience was incredible\|date=November 30, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/30/chargers-resilience-ravens-nfl-/all/?print\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208044839/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/nov/30/chargers-resilience-ravens-nfl-/all/?print\|archivedate=December 8, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> The Chargers had trailed the entire game, including 30–20 with 6:13 left and 33–27 with 2:22 to go. Rivers completed 34 of 45 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns, including two scores to Allen.<ref name=ap_11302014>{{cite news\|title=Philip Rivers tosses last-minute TD to lift Chargers over Ravens\|date=November 20, 2014\|work=ESPN.com\|agency=Associated Press\|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554323\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226211356/http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554323\|archivedate=December 26, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> Rivers was intercepted on the Chargers' first drive of the game, and Baltimore led 10–0 almost eight minutes into the contest. On their next possession, San Diego went 80 yards on 13 plays for their first TD, a 12-yard pass from Rivers to Allen.<ref name=calkins_11302014/><ref name=ap_11302014/> The Chargers pulled to 16–13 early in the third quarter after a 59-yard pass by Rivers to Floyd set up a 26-yard Novak field goal. On the following drive, a [[roughing the passer]] penalty by Weddle led to a TD pass by the Ravens' [[Joe Flacco]] for a 23–20 lead. Flacco later scored on a [[quarterback sneak]] after a [[pass interference]] penalty on [[Shareece Wright]]. The Chargers responded with a 77-yard drive, culminating in a 23-yard TD from Rivers to Allen with 3:40 remaining. [[Jacoby Jones]] returned the ensuing kickoff 72 yards to the San Diego 30, setting up [[Justin Tucker]]'s fourth field goal of the game for the Ravens. Rivers then led the 80-yard game-winning drive. After an interference call against [[Anthony Levine]] in the end zone, Rivers connected with Royal for a TD.<ref name=ap_11302014/> Rivers moved to 20th among [[List of National Football League passing yards leaders\|NFL leaders in career passing yards]], passing [[Carson Palmer]] (35,365) and [[Jim Kelly]] (35,467). The Chargers had four players—Gates, Allen, Royal, and Floyd—with over 80 yards receiving in the game for the first time in team history.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Henne \|first=Ricky \|title=Another Game, Another Pair of Milestones for Philip Rivers \|date=December 1, 2014 \|work=Chargers.com \|url=http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Another-Game-Another-Pair-of-Milestones-for-Philip-Rivers/ba785011-ce0a-442f-b906-b9c6893f4761 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VDFzeH5c?url=http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Another-Game-Another-Pair-of-Milestones-for-Philip-Rivers/ba785011-ce0a-442f-b906-b9c6893f4761 \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Each team punted only once in the game. It was the Ravens first loss in November since 2009. They had also been 11–0 at home against West Coast teams. The Chargers used their fifth different center of the season, [[Trevor Robinson (American football)\|Trevor Robinson]], after their fourth center, [[Chris Watt]], left the game with an injury.<ref name=ap_11302014/> ====Week 14: vs. New England Patriots==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLAltPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Fourteen: New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=December 7 \|time=5:30 p.m. PST \|road='''Patriots''' \|R1=3\|R2=10\|R3=0\|R4=10 \|home=Chargers \|H1=0\|H2=14\|H3=0\|H4=0 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=68,815 \|weather={{convert\|67\|F\|C}}, partly cloudy \|referee=[[Bill Leavy]] \|TV=[[NBC Sunday Night Football\|NBC]] \|TVAnnouncers=[[Al Michaels]], [[Cris Collinsworth]] and [[Michele Tafoya]] \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014120713/2014/REG14/patriots@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56376/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * NE – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * NE – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * NE – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * NE – * SD – }} The Chargers contained the [[2014 New England Patriots season\|New England Patriots]] offense for a 1-point lead through three quarters before losing 23–14. After being held without a first down in the third quarter, the Patriots went ahead with a field goal in the fourth quarter, and capped the scoring with [[Tom Brady]] connecting with [[Julian Edelman]] for a 69-yard TD.<ref name=acee_12072014>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=No defense for Chargers' wasted effort \|date=December 7, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/07/chargers-defense-watse-patriots-acee/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6V6GikhTW?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/07/chargers-defense-watse-patriots-acee/all/?print \|archivedate=December 26, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> San Diego was shut out in the second half. The win gave New England their 12th straight 10-win season, the second-longest such streak in NFL history.<ref name=ap_12072014>{{cite news\|title=Patriots defense, timely TD help N.E. to 12th straight 10-win season \|date=December 7, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554432 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6V6H74ZsE?url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554432 \|archivedate=December 26, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers led 14–3 after scoring twice within 2 minutes, 33 seconds in the second quarter. Floyd made a diving catch for a 15-yard TD, and safety [[Darrell Stuckey]] returned a fumble for a 53-yard score. After Patriots kicker [[Stephen Gostkowski]]'s second field goal, [[Brandon Bolden]] blocked a punt by Scifres, and New England recovered the ball at the San Diego 28. Scifres was carted off the field after injuring his left shoulder on the play. Four plays later, Brady hit [[Rob Gronkowski]] on a 14-yard TD pass to trail 14–13. Before halftime, Te'o leaped for his first career interception on a pass intended for Gronkowski, preserving the Chargers' lead. In the third quarter, [[Devin McCourty]] returned a Rivers interception for a touchdown, but the play was wiped out by a personal foul on [[Brandon Browner]] for San Diego's Ladarius Green in the head.<ref name=ap_12072014/> The Chargers' offense crossed midfield just once in the second half, getting as far as the Patriots 42. Their defense held New England to just 35 yards in the third quarter, forcing a three-and-out on four consecutive drives, before Brady engineered the 32nd fourth-quarter comeback of his career.<ref name=acee_12072014/> Rivers completed 20 of his 33 passes for 189 yards. He fell to 0–6 against Brady, who was 28-of-44 for 317 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.<ref name=ap_12072014/> The Patriots entered the game scoring an average of 31.5 points, the third highest in the league. Novak took over as punter after Scifres' injury; he filled in after starting with a couple of short kicks.<ref name=acee_12072014/> Scifres required season-ending surgery for a broken collarbone.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Geklken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers sign center, put Scifres on IR \|date=December 27, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/27/chargers-mike-scifres-trevor-robinson/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VACU6gW4?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/27/chargers-mike-scifres-trevor-robinson/ \|archivedate=December 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Mathews entered the locker room early before halftime after limping following a tripping penalty by New England. After rushing nine times for 52 yards in the first half, he had just two carries for minus 8 yards the rest of the game.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken\|first=Michael\|title=Offense sputters in loss to Pats\|date=December 7, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/07/chargers-new-england-patriots/\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228104224/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/07/chargers-new-england-patriots/\|archivedate=December 28, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> The ankle sprain sidelined Mathews for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Krasovic \|first=Tom \|title=Ryan Mathews: will return 'as fast as I can' \|date=December 26, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/26/ryan-mathews-chargers-patriots-chiefs-krasovic/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VAJrdX1E?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/26/ryan-mathews-chargers-patriots-chiefs-krasovic/ \|archivedate=December 28, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> ====Week 15: vs. Denver Broncos==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Fifteen: Denver Broncos at San Diego Chargers – Game summary \|date=December 14 \|time=1:05 p.m. PST \|road='''Broncos''' \|R1=3\|R2=6\|R3=7\|R4=6 \|home=Chargers \|H1=0\|H2=3\|H3=0\|H4=7 \|stadium=Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California \|attendance=68,682 \|weather={{convert\|64\|F\|C}}, sunny \|referee=[[Craig Wrolstad]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Jim Nantz, Phil Simms and Tracy Wolfson \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014121410/2014/REG15/broncos@chargers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56389/SD_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * DEN – * SD – '''Top rushers''' * DEN – * SD – '''Top receivers''' * DEN – * SD – '''Top tacklers''' * DEN – * SD – }} San Diego lost 22–10 to the Broncos after struggling offensively for the second consecutive week. After entering the game with the 6th best record in the AFC, the loss was a blow to the Chargers' (8–6) playoff chances. It was their second consecutive home loss to the two teams tied for the best record in their conference.<ref name=wilson_12142014>{{cite news\|last=Wilson\|first=Bernie\|title=Offensive woes continue for Chargers in 22-10 loss\|date=December 14, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/offensive-woes-continue-for-chargers-in-22-10-loss/all/?print\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227235120/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/offensive-woes-continue-for-chargers-in-22-10-loss/all/?print\|archivedate=December 27, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> Denver's Manning threw a scoring pass to [[Demaryius Thomas]] at the end of the third quarter for their only touchdown of the game.<ref name=calkins_12142014>{{cite news\|last=Calkins\|first=Matt\|title=Chargers' defense goes to waste\|date=December 14, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/chargers-defense-broncos-nfl-waste/all/?print\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227235736/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/chargers-defense-broncos-nfl-waste/all/?print\|archivedate=December 27, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> The Chargers pulled to within six points at 16–10 after a TD catch by Gates with 10 minutes left.<ref name=wilson_12142014/> The Chargers trailed only 9–3 at the half after holding the Broncos to a field goal each time they entered the red zone.<ref name=calkins_12142014/> Manning was sick coming into the game, and left late in the second quarter with a thigh injury. Set up by a 58-yard punt return by Royal, Novak kicked a 30-yard field goal before the half ended for the Chargers' first score. Manning began the third quarter, and finished the game completing 14 of 20 passes for 233 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.<ref name=wilson_12142014/> Novak missed two field goals in the game: a 46-yard attempt that was tipped by [[Derek Wolfe]] in the second quarter, and a 37-yard attempt that hit the left upright in the third. The Chargers were using a new [[holder (American football)\|holder]] with punter [[Mat McBriar]], who was replacing the injured Scifres, but Novak refused to use it as an excuse. Novak placed the blame of the loss on himself, whose missed kicks would have tied the score and kept the game in reach.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Loh\|first=Stephanie\|title=Novak pins Chargers' defeat on himself\|date=December 14, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/chargers-nick-novak-assumes-blame-denver-defeat/\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228003705/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/14/chargers-nick-novak-assumes-blame-denver-defeat/\|archivedate=December 28, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> Rivers completed 24 of 41 attempts for 232 yards with two interceptions. Gates' touchdown was his 10th of the season, tying him with Gronkowski for most seasons with at least 10 touchdown catches by a tight end.<ref name=wilson_12142014/> Allen exited the game in the third quarter after suffering both a broken right collarbone and an injured right ankle in the second quarter;<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken\|first=Michael\|title=Keenan Allen has broken collarbone\|date=December 16, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/16/chargers-keenan-allen-broken-collarbone-ankle/\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228102124/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/16/chargers-keenan-allen-broken-collarbone-ankle/\|archivedate=December 28, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> the collarbone sidelined him for the final two games of the season.<ref name=acee_12282014/> The Chargers' defense limited Denver to 111 yards on 39 carries, an average of 2.8 yards per rush. They also held the Broncos to 3-for-12 on third-down conversions.<ref name=calkins_12142014/> ====Week 16: at San Francisco 49ers==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary \|date={{tooltip\|December 20\|Saturday}} \|time=5:25 p.m. PST \|road='''Chargers''' \|R1=0\|R2=7\|R3=14\|R4=14\|R5=3 \|home=49ers \|H1=7\|H2=21\|H3=7\|H4=0\|H5=0 \|stadium=[[Levi's Stadium]], [[Santa Clara, California]] \|attendance=70,699 \|weather={{convert\|61\|F\|C}}, cloudy \|referee=Jeff Triplette \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Jenny Dell \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122001/2014/REG16/chargers@49ers Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56395/SF_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * SF – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * SF – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * SF – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * SF – }} The Chargers rallied from a 21-point deficit, and Novak kicked the game-winning 40-yard field goal in [[overtime (sports)\|overtime]] to defeat the [[2014 San Francisco 49ers season\|San Francisco 49ers]] 38–35.<ref name=gehlken_12202014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken\|first=Michael\|title=Buried alive: Chargers survive 49ers\|date=December 20, 2014\|newspaper=U-T San Diego\|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/20/chargers-san-francisco-49ers/\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222004908/http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/20/chargers-san-francisco-49ers/\|archivedate=December 22, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref> Rivers, who sat out practice earlier in the week with back and chest injuries, overcame three interceptions to throw for 356 yards and four TDs. The Chargers, who played the game without injured offensive stars Allen and Mathews, outscored the 49ers 31–7 after halftime.<ref name=ap_12202014/> The win kept San Diego's slim playoff chances alive.<ref name=ap_12202014>{{cite news\|title=Chargers erase 21-point deficit, beat 49ers on Nick Novak's OT FG\|date=December 20, 2014\|work=ESPN.com\|agency=Associated Press\|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554361\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221084618/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554361\|archivedate=December 21, 2014\|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Playoff picture: If Chargers win, they're in \|date=December 22, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/21/chargers-afc-playoffs-chiefs-scenario/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6UzzGXWIo?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/21/chargers-afc-playoffs-chiefs-scenario/ \|archivedate=December 22, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The 49ers led 28–7 at halftime, aided by a 49-yard TD return of a Rivers interception by [[Antoine Bethea]].<ref name=ap_12202014/> San Francisco rushed for 365 yards, the most the Chargers had surrendered since [[Adrian Peterson]] set a single-game record of 296 in [[2007 San Diego Chargers season\|2007]]. Running back [[Frank Gore]] had 158, and quarterback [[Colin Kaepernick]] added 151, including a 90-yard TD run in the third quarter.<ref name=gehlken_12202014/> In the fourth, Gates caught one of his two touchdowns in the second half, and Rivers connected with Floyd with 29 seconds remaining for the game-tying score, set up by two long fourth-down conversions earlier in the drive.<ref name=gehlken_12202014/><ref name=ap_12202014/> The game went into overtime after 49ers kicker [[Phil Dawson]] missed a 60-yard field goal attempt at the end of regulation.<ref name=ap_12202014/> On the opening drive in overtime, Weddle forced a fumble by receiver [[Quinton Patton]], which was recovered by San Diego's [[Sean Lissemore]].<ref name=gehlken_12202014/> The Chargers drove, and Novak hit the game-winner nearly five minutes into the extra period.<ref name=ap_12202014/> Rivers completed 33 of 54 passes in the game.<ref name=ap_12202014/> The Chargers were playing with their fifth-string center, and rookie right guard [[Jeremiah Sirles]] was making his NFL debut.<ref name=gehlken_12202014/> The offense converted all three of their fourth-down conversions after entering the game with the worst conversions rate at 20% (1-of-5). It was the 49ers fourth consecutive loss. It was only the second time ever that San Francisco had lost after leading by 21 or more at the half.<ref name=ap_12202014/> ====Week 17: at Kansas City Chiefs==== {{Americanfootballbox \|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle\|San Diego Chargers\|border=2}};text-align:center; \|state=autocollapse \|title=Week Seventeen: San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary \|date=December 28 \|time=12:00 p.m. CST/10:00 a.m. PST \|road=Chargers \|R1=0\|R2=7\|R3=0\|R4=0 \|home='''Chiefs''' \|H1=3\|H2=13\|H3=3\|H4=0 \|stadium=[[Arrowhead Stadium]], [[Kansas City, Missouri]] \|attendance=73,952 \|weather={{convert\|31\|F\|C}}, clear \|referee=[[Pete Morelli]] \|TV=CBS \|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Jenny Dell \|reference=[http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014122804/2014/REG17/chargers@chiefs Recap], [http://www.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/56414/KC_Gamebook.pdf Gamebook] \|scoring= '''First quarter''' * '''Second quarter''' * '''Third quarter''' * '''Fourth quarter''' \|stats= '''Top passers''' * SD – * KC – '''Top rushers''' * SD – * KC – '''Top receivers''' * SD – * KC – '''Top tacklers''' * SD – * KC – }} Needing a win to secure a playoff spot, San Diego lost 19–7 to Kansas City, who started backup quarterback [[Chase Daniel]] in place of an injured [[Alex Smith]].<ref name=williams_12282014>{{cite news\|last=Williams \|first=Eric D. \|title=Loss exposes age and depth issues for San Diego Chargers \|date=December 28, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/san-diego-chargers/post/_/id/9221/loss-exposes-age-depth-issues-for-chargers \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VB4tVk0c?url=http://espn.go.com/blog/san-diego-chargers/post/_/id/9221/loss-exposes-age-depth-issues-for-chargers \|archivedate=December 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref><ref name=ap_12282014>{{cite news\|title=Chiefs eliminate rival Chargers from AFC playoffs \|date=December 28, 2014 \|work=ESPN.com \|agency=Associated Press \|url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554413 \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VB7AJS07?url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554413 \|archivedate=December 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> [[Justin Houston]] had four of the Chiefs' seven sacks against Rivers.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Calkins \|first=Matt \|title=Chargers' O-line let Rivers down \|date=December 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-line-offensive-rivers-nfl-chiefs/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VB6jB3y4?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-line-offensive-rivers-nfl-chiefs/all/?print \|archivedate=December 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> The Chargers were shut out in the final 41 minutes of the game,<ref name=acee_12282014>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=In the end, Chargers didn't have enough \|date=December 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-chiefs-not-enough-playoffs-acee/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VB7Zb7At?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-chiefs-not-enough-playoffs-acee/all/?print \|archivedate=December 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> which included three trips inside the Chiefs red zone in the fourth quarter.<ref name=gehlken_12282014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Chargers miss playoffs, lose to Chiefs \|date=December 28, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-chiefs-nfl-week-17/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VB7gGRO5?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/28/chargers-chiefs-nfl-week-17/ \|archivedate=December 29, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Kansas City swept the season series against San Diego.<ref name=williams_12282014/> The Chiefs went ahead 10–0 two minutes into the second quarter before the Chargers quickly pulled to 10–7, their only score of the game.<ref name=acee_12282014/> During one stretch, from the first through third quarter, Rivers was sacked six times while dropping back to pass 13 times, which also included a lost fumble and an interception.<ref name=gehlken_12282014/> The Chargers' offensive line included Robinson, their fifth starting center of the season, and undrafted rookie Sirles, making his first start at right guard.<ref name=williams_12282014/><ref name=gehlken_12282014/> The Chargers seemingly closed the deficit to 19–14 with eight minutes remaining in the fourth when Rivers found Royal for a 3-yard TD, but the play was overturned after a [[Instant replay in American and Canadian football\|replay]] ruled that the ball touched the ground while Royal was securing the catch. The Chargers then turned the ball over on downs after two incompletions.<ref name=gehlken_12282014/> Later, with roughly four minutes left, another drive was stalled when Donald Brown was stopped on fourth-and-1 at the Kansas City 20.<ref name=ap_12282014/> Rivers threw his second interception of the day on the game's final play.<ref name=gehlken_12282014/> With the loss, the Bolts had finished 9-7 and were swept by the Chiefs for the first time since 2003. Rivers was 20-of-34 passing for 291 yards, and finished the season with over 4,000 yards for the sixth time.<ref name=ap_12282014/> The seven sacks against him were a career-high.<ref>{{cite news\|last=Acee \|first=Kevin \|title=Chargers, let Rivers throw or let him go \|date=December 29, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-rivers-extension-line-acee/all/?print \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VCcUuzWf?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-rivers-extension-line-acee/all/?print \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Oliver ran for 71 yards and a touchdown. The Chargers lost right tackle [[D. J. Fluker]], safety [[Michael Gilchrist]] , cornerback [[Shareece Wright]], and receiver Royal to injuries during the game.<ref name=ap_12282014/> ==Standings== ===Division=== {{2014 AFC West standings\|team=SD}} ===Conference=== {{2014 AFC standings\|team=SD}} ==Honors and awards== Safety [[Eric Weddle]] was the Chargers' only selection to the [[2015 Pro Bowl\|Pro Bowl]]. It was the second straight year he was picked, and the third time in four seasons. Voted as first alternates were tight end [[Antonio Gates]] and special teams player [[Darrell Stuckey]], while [[Philip Rivers]] was selected as a second alternate.<ref name=gehlken_12292014>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Eric Weddle selected to Pro Bowl again \|date=December 23, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/23/chargers-eric-weddle-pro-bowl/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VDQW070d?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/23/chargers-eric-weddle-pro-bowl/ \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> Following are the winners of team awards, which are based on voting by Chargers players:<ref>{{cite news\|last=Gehlken \|first=Michael \|title=Mike McCoy: Coordinators coming back \|date=December 29, 2014 \|newspaper=U-T San Diego \|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-mike-mccoy-frank-reich-john-pagano/ \|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6VDPiuBjg?url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/dec/29/chargers-mike-mccoy-frank-reich-john-pagano/ \|archivedate=December 30, 2014 \|deadurl=no \|df= }}</ref> MVP: Philip Rivers Lineman of the Year: [[King Dunlap]] Offensive Player of the Year: Antonio Gates Defensive Player of the Year: Eric Weddle * Special Teams Player of the Year: [[Seyi Ajirotutu]] Most Inspirational: [[Malcom Floyd]] and [[Jarret Johnson]] ==References== {{reflist\|30em}} ==External links== {{official website\|http://www.chargers.com}} * [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sdg/2014.htm 2014 San Diego Chargers] at pro-football-reference.com {{Los Angeles Chargers}} {{Los Angeles Chargers seasons}} {{2014 NFL season by team}} [[Category:2014 National Football League season by team\|San Diego]] [[Category:San Diego Chargers seasons]] [[Category:2014 in sports in California\|San Diego]]'
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