Chargers crush the Titans without Antonio Gates, Ryan Mathews
No Antonio Gates, no Ryan Mathews. No problem for the San Diego Chargers, who routed the Tennessee Titans, 38-10, on Sunday to improve to 2-0.
With the All-Pro tight end nursing a rib injury and the speedy running back still sidelined after breaking his collarbone this summer, the Chargers received huge contributions from Dante Rosario, who had three touchdown receptions, and Jackie Battle, who rushed for 69 yards and two touchdowns in 14 carries.
Philip Rivers completed 24 of 32 passes for 284 yards and the three scoring strikes to Rosario, who caught four passes for 48 yards, while having one pass intercepted.
Also providing a boost for San Diego were Curtis Brinkley, who gained 43 yards in 18 carries, and Malcolm Floyd, who had six catches for 109 yards.
The Titans, who have not beaten San Diego in nine consecutive games dating to 1993, fell to 0-2. Chris Johnson was contained all day, finishing with 17 yards rushing in eight carries. Jake Locker completed 15 of 30 passes for 184 yards and one touchdown with one interception.
Before the game, the Chargers retired the No. 55 jersey of Junior Seau, a native of Oceanside and All-American linebacker at USC who played 13 seasons for the Chargers. He committed suicide in May.
ALSO:
Roundup: Saints are 0-2, Cardinals upset Pats
Raiders get routed again by the Miami Dolphins
Is payback near for the New Orleans Saints?
More to Read
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.