The Chargers were their own worst enemy yesterday, making several key mistakes in the Jets’ 17-14 victory:
Nate Kaeding, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, missed field goals from 36, 40 and 57 yards.
The Chargers looked to have converted a first down midway through the third quarter when Rivers completed a pass to Jackson that went down to the Jets’ 20. But a block-in-the-back penalty called on wide receiver Malcolm Floyd left San Diego with a first-and-12 at the Jets’ 40 instead. The Chargers then went three-and-out.
CBS’ DIERDORF OFF BASE ON JETS-COLTS REMATCH
Philip Rivers set up the Jets’ go-ahead touchdown with a terrible pass from deep in his own end of the field late in the third quarter that Jets’ safety Jim Leonhard intercepted.
After the next play, Shaun Phillips headbutted D’Brickashaw Ferguson, picking up an unnecessary roughness penalty and giving the Jets a first-and-goal at San Diego’s 7-yard line, setting up the Jets’ go-ahead touchdown.
Down 17-7 late in the fourth, WR Vincent Jackson kicked Rex Ryan’s red challenge flag after catching a deep pass down the sidelines. The Jets lost a timeout when the play was upheld, but the Chargers had a first-and-10 at the Jets’ 35 instead of the 20.