Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers continued their mid-season revival with a third successive win as they outclassed the struggling Denver Broncos 35-14 on Monday night.
In a game widely billed as a quarterback shootout between two of the league’s top passing teams, Rivers outshone Kyle Orton by completing 15 of 24 passes for 233 yards and four touchdowns.
Orton was sacked five times by a superb San Diego defense while throwing for 217 yards, one touchdown and one interception at Qualcomm Stadium as the Broncos slipped to 3-7 for the season.
PHOTO: REUTERS
The defending AFC West champion Chargers, hampered for much of their campaign by injuries, special teams mistakes and a rash of turnovers, improved to 5-5.
Despite missing All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates for a second successive game because of a toe and foot injury, Rivers matched his own career high with four touchdown passes.
The Broncos made a strong start on a chilly evening, Orton orchestrating a 69-yard opening drive that culminated with a four-yard touchdown run up the middle by dynamic running back Knowshon Moreno.
San Diego responded on their second drive of the game, Rivers connecting with wide receiver Malcom Floyd for a six-yard touchdown to cap a 12-play sequence, before they took control.
Fullback Mike Tolbert powered into the end zone from one yard midway through the second quarter and a short pass from Rivers set up wide receiver Patrick Crayton for a 40-yard touchdown to give the Chargers a 21-7 lead at halftime.
San Diego, making the most of sloppy defense by Denver, pulled further ahead with the first drive of the third quarter when Rivers located elusive running back Darren Sproles for a 57-yard touchdown.
With the home crowd thundering its support, the Chargers kept their opponents at bay before Rivers hit fullback Jacob Hester for a three-yard touchdown and a commanding 35-7 cushion early in the fourth quarter.
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