NFL

Chargers’ Butler is unsung hero in wild-card win

HERO: Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano gets the game ball. His game plan was perfect and it slowed down the Bengals’ high-flying offense. Pagano sent blitzes that confused the Bengals offense and then dropped into coverage, setting traps for Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton.

ZERO: Andy Dalton was awful. The Bengals’ quarterback had three second-half turnovers and lost his third straight playoff game. The loss has people in Cincinnati questioning whether he should remain the starting quarterback.

UNSUNG HERO: Chargers linebacker Donald Butler was all over the field. He had 12 tackles, two for a loss. He also caused Bengals running back Giovani Bernard to fumble at the Chargers 4-yard line in the second quarter, which was a huge stop for the Chargers.

KEY STAT: 196 — the number of rushing yards compiled by the Chargers, the most the Bengals have given up this season. San Diego rushed on 68 percent of its plays, the highest percentage since 2007, according to ESPN.

QUOTE: “I’m willing to take every shot that’s said to me. That’s part of playing the position. You have to have thick skin.” — Bengals QB Andy Dalton after turning the ball over three times and going 0-3 in his playoff career.