San Diego Chargers Daily Links: October 9, 2012

Chargers blow a great chance to grab an early two-game lead in the AFC West - Frank Schwab
Oddly, Mathews got only 12 carries, and just one rushing attempt in the final 22 minutes of the game, even though the Chargers should have been protecting a lead and Mathews looked explosive. He rushed for 80 yards and had 59 more receiving, and proved a highlight play with his head-first leap into the end zone.

Turner Shows Confidence in Team's Ability to Bounce Back - Ricky Henne
No matter how demoralizing Sunday’s loss was – and it certainly was a disheartening defeat – head coach Norv Turner refuses to let the game get him down. Instead, during his weekly Monday press conference, he stressed how encouraged he is by the effort the Bolts put forth and reiterated his belief that they will be an outstanding team.

Lessons From Week 5 - Ricky Henne
The offensive line was successful all night long in providing ample running lanes for Ryan Mathews and company, averaging a whopping 6.6 yards per attempt. Yet when it came to protecting Philip Rivers, the unit struggled mightily at times. One week after failing to record a sack against the Packers’ Aaron Rodgers, the Saints dropped Rivers five times for a loss of 44 yards. They were constantly in his face, and while he did an admirable job in the face of pressure, the line needs to give the Chargers quarterback more time to throw and find his receivers down field.

Fear and self-loathing in Kansas City - Scoop Jackson
Kansas City Chiefs QB Matt Cassel isn't that lucky. His "Michael Irvin" moment came yesterday at a place he considered home, inside Arrowhead Stadium, as he lay on the turf with a head injury that forced him to be removed from the game.

Moving on: San Diego Chargers - Bill Williamson
What to watch for: The Chargers hope left tackle Jared Gaither (groin) and defensive end Corey Liuget (knee) can play in a pivotal game against visiting Denver on ESPN’s "Monday Night Football" in Week 6.

Audibles at the Line: Week 5 - Rivers McCown
Second-year defensive end Corey Liuget has turned into a heck of a player after a very meh debut season. Beyond Liuget, the guy who's really surprised me this year is Malcom Floyd. He's been a very good vertical threat in the past, but is doing better this year on shorter and intermediate passes than I was expecting.

Video: Eric Winston rips fans - ESPN.com staff
Eric Winston angrily spoke out against fans who cheered when quarterback Matt Cassel left Sunday's game with a head injury.