The San Diego Chargers beat the Denver Broncos quite handedly in a 23-3 victory that even made John Lynch look like an ill-tempered rookie. The would-be hall-of-famer chucked Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson’s helmet down field after a tackle, the only such indicator that there was any fervor left on the flailing team. Afterward, Tomlinson took the opportunity on Monday night to claim the rushing lead with a game to go.

The Chargers have owned the Broncos this season, keeping them out of the endzone in both their contests and outscoring the divisional rival 64-6.

Monday also showed further evolution from the Bolts in very auspicious ways. Coach Norv Turner showed restraint and kept Tomlinson mostly out of harm’s way. The entire Chargers defensive core seemed to fly around the field, laying quite a smackdown on the errant Broncos offensive unit, notably quarterback Jay Cutler, a fact that Chargers signal caller Phillip Rivers seemingly threw in Cutler’s face. It appeared that Rivers taunted the hapless Cutler who sulked back to his sideline after an incomplete pass on fourth down when the game was all but in the books.

Rivers showed a little matriculated moxie in the supposed trash talking. The team is fired up. You never want to rub it in necessarily, but sometimes emotion can get the best of you on the field of battle. Ask John Lynch.

Reports from the Rocky Mountain News website have Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey criticizing Rivers for the alleged comments. Not sure if Champ would prefer Rivers send over milk and cookies instead of a slice o’ humble pie. Either way, he has a lot of chew on in the off season.