San Diego Chargers Fall to Green Bay Packers, 45-38

Once again, the San Diego Chargers have confused the world and proved that good talent on an NFL roster does not necessarily equal a good team.

Philip Rivers threw 3 interceptions, two of which were run back to touchdowns and another that could've easily been turned into 7 points had the game been 62 minutes instead of 60. In between those 3 interceptions, he looked like the Philip Rivers of old. As I'm sure I'll say more than a few times this season, that doesn't matter. JaMarcus Russell made a few good throws in his day too. Half of what makes a QB good is being consistent. and Rivers is anything but.

Lots of Chargers had good days, including much of the defense (which stopped the Packers offense from scoring on 3 out of their 8 drives). Anthonio Gates and Vincent Jackson were particularly impressive when the ball was thrown to a catchable spot for them.

The same thing that has resulted in 3 other losses for the Chargers caused this one. The Chargers forced no turnovers (unless you count the Packers going for it on 4th down and not converting) and gave it up to the Packers three times. They essentially spotted Green Bay 14 points and said "Take that, and we'll beat you even without our starting best RB, best OLB, second best WR and best DE." It the situation you most want to avoid, and the Chargers get into it each week.

Luckily, the Chiefs and Raiders also lost their games today. That means that there is still a 3-way tie for first in the division. The Chargers/Raiders game on Thursday is now for (at least temporary) sole first place. The Broncos are one game back and could certainly make things interesting with a win over the Chiefs next Sunday.

We'll have a lot more later tonight and tomorrow, but for now take away this thought: This is a roster of good players, but it has been a long time since this has been a good team. The Packers won because they are both.