The third preseason game is in the books, and as far as preseason games go it was pretty exciting.
The Chargers got behind early with less than stellar play on both sides of the ball. They found themselves down 17-3 late in the first quarter, but then Phillip Rivers got the offense rolling with passes to some of the usual suspects. Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd, and Antonio Gates all had catches on the drive that would lead to the Chargers’ first touchdown. Gates capped that drive with his 13 yard touchdown in the second quarter.
Shortly after that the Cardinals dealt the Chargers another setback with a reverse which went 34 yards for a touchdown.
The Chargers and the Cardinals then traded punts before Phillip Rivers again found the endzone, this time to Malcom Floyd for three yards. The Chargers went into halftime with a four point deficit.
The third quarter was the calm before the storm as the only scoring consisted of a Nate Kaeding field goal. Quarterback Billy Volek and much of the second team checked in late in the third quarter.
When the Cardinals added a passing touchdown early in the fourth quarter, their 11 point lead looked like it may be enough for the win. Billy Volek and a tenacious defense had other ideas however.
First round pick Corey Liuget and undrafted standout linebacker Darryl Gamble combined for a touchdown with Liuget forcing a fumble and Gamble recovering it in the endzone.
The defense then went out and got the ball back one more time to give Volek and the offense a chance to steal a win.
The drive started out poorly with Volek almost being tackled in the endzone for a safety. Running back Jordan Todman made a game saving first down reception on fourth down, and wide receivers Laurent Robinson and Bryan Walters came down with improbable catches to keep the drive alive. With three seconds remaining on the clock, Walters hauled in the game winner.
Rivers ended the night with 18 completions, 198 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Vincent Jackson, Malcom Floyd, and Bryan Walters each had five receptions. Ryan Mathews had trouble getting going, but his 48 yard dash in the third quarter allowed him to finish with 69 yards on ten carries.
Defensively, Donald Butler and Steven Gregory each had five tackles. Vaughn Martin and Antwan Barnes both added a sack.
Nate Kaeding was successful from 52 and 36 yards on the night.
Although preseason games do not count, this is an effort that showed character and resolve. The team did not quit all night and was rewarded with a win. They definitely still have some work to do to be ready for the regular season, but if they work as hard as they did in this game they will get there.
Original Story:
http://socalsportshub.com/2011/08/28/...
