San Diego Chargers Daily Links: November 17, 2014

Bolts' D regroups, provides optimism - Kevin Acee (UT$)
John Pagano called plays adhering to strict personnel groupings based on situations. Inside linebackers Donald Butler and Kavell Conner played only in base defense, as did outside linebacker Jarret Johnson and defensive end Kendall Reyes. Inside linebacker Andrew Gachkar played only in the nickel package. Te’o, Attaochu and Dwight Freeney played only in the nickel and dime sets.

Chargers have hope, but little else - Nick Canepa (UT$)
It was an awful game, almost totally without entertainment value. Quarterback Philip Rivers wasn’t himself. His receivers had problems separating from a less-than-great secondary, but Rivers often was off-target.

Mike Scifres, Chargers kick Raiders to curb - Michael Gehlken (UT$)
The Chargers opened four drives Sunday with the ball at their own 41-yard line or farther midfield. They managed three punts and a field goal off them.

Rapid Reaction: San Diego Chargers - Eric Williams
For a second straight game, Philip Rivers struggled to get into a rhythm. Rivers finished 22-of-34 for 193 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown pass to Malcom Floyd. Rivers did not throw an interception and was sacked twice. The Chargers have scored one touchdown in their past eight quarters of play.

Philip Rivers takes a licking, keeps on ticking - Eric Williams
Center Rich Ohrnberger (ankle) and defensive tackle Ryan Carrethers (elbow) did not finish the game. However, McCoy did not provide an update on either player.

Chargers' Ryan Mathews runs like old self, but will it last? - Eric Williams
Mathews’ injury history is long. He’s only played a full, 16-game season one time in his five-year NFL career. Mathews was unable to finish the AFC divisional playoff game against Denver last season because of a severely sprained ankle. The Chargers can’t afford to be without Mathews again late in the season, when the games matters most.

Mike Scifres Helps Boot Team to Victory - Hayley Elwood
"(He was) outstanding," McCoy said.  "Pinning them deep in a game like that when you’re playing field position is outstanding.  When you’re pinning them back there, there’s a different mentality as a quarterback…knowing what could happen if there’s pressure on you."

Chargers Running Game Back On-Point - Hayley Elwood
"He is physical, fast and a tough back," said safety Eric Weddle.  "We have been missing that obviously a lot the past three weeks so it was good to get him back in there and see that smile on his face as he punishes the defensive backs and linebackers."

Chargers D Dominates on Third Down - Ricky Henne
The Chargers defense dominated third downs from the get-go.  Oakland’s first attempt came up short when Marcus Gilchrist tackled Kenbrall Thompkins one yard shy of the sticks.  After allowing a conversion on the next attempt, the Chargers stopped the Raiders on their next seven tries until Derek Carr hit James Jones with 2:03 to go in the third quarter.