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What a game!
After coming out of the gates looking drunk, the San Diego Chargers got into a rhythm on offense and were carried by their defense to an improbable 33-28 win over the Detroit Lions. At one point, the Chargers scored 30 unanswered points, and all that kept the defense from pitching a shutout in the second half was a blown play after an Eric Weddle interception was reviewed and overturned.
Stars of the game include Philip Rivers, who had a stellar second half after throwing two interceptions in the first half, and Keenan Allen, who set career highs with 15 catches for 166 yards. Stevie Johnson (6 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD) and Ladarius Green (5 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD) were also contributors.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Danny Woodhead, who along with Allen, carried the team offensively. He finished with just 12 rushes for 42 yards, but did his best work in red zone, where he ran it in for 2 rushing touchdowns.
The defense, from top to bottom, was stellar. Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers were as advertised. Melvin Ingram spent most of the game terrorizing Matthew Stafford, and Kyle Emanuel looked ready to steal Jerry Attaochu's starting spot. John Pagano did an excellent job of scheming them, keeping the Lions off the board for much of the game.
The unfortunate news here is the injuries. D.J. Fluker was carted off with what some people are calling a high ankle sprain. He's likely gone for a few weeks at minimum. Joe Barksdale left the game, although that just looked like some bad cramping. Here's to hoping that my assumption is right there. Kyle Emanuel left the game in the second half, reportedly with a left arm that he could barely more, so that's more bad news for the Outside Linebackers group that doesn't have much depth to begin with.
But, for now, we celebrate. The Chargers offense and defense both played a hell of a game, and this looks like a hell of a team. They took apart a Lions team that went 11-5 last year and should have won a playoff game, so they should be a force to be reckoned with all season long.