"Rising

Merriman Shawne Merriman, Chargers, linebacker: Merriman had two sacks against Oakland on Sunday, his first two sacks of the season. He struggled to regain his superior pass-rushing skills in the first several games as he came back from a major knee injury. Merriman has improved each week and looks to be at full strength.

Phillips Chargers’ pass rush: Merriman isn’t the only Charger getting his pass-rush groove back. San Diego has had nine sacks in its past two games, after struggling early in the season.

Linebacker Shaun Phillips has four sacks in the past two games. San Diego is getting very creative in its pass-rush schemes, often using safeties on blitzes. The schemes are working and the Chargers are suddenly a sack threat again."