Chargers 24 – Saints 31 ~ Game Review

October 7, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) argues with referee Carl Cheffers (51) and back judge Todd Prukop (30) during the fourth quarter of a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Chargers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Sunday Night Football.  The San Diego Chargers (3-2) stormed into New Orleans and the home of the Saints (1-4).  The most anticipated game of the week due to the emotional aspects of the game.  Drew Brees could break a record and the poor 0-4 Saints could get a win.  Not to mention the coaches on suspension were allowed to attend the game due to a special request from Drew Brees granted by the NFL.

Brees got his record and broke a 52 year old NFL record by throwing a touchdown pass in his 48th straight game.  His 40 yard TD pass to Devery Henderson tied up the game.  But it’s not all about Drew Brees, or is it?  Brees had three more touchdown passes to Marques Colston and the Saints marched to a win and a 1-4 record.   At the end of the day, Brees passed for 351 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.  The Saints had 404 total yards on the day.

The Chargers dominated the first half of the game.  Going into the half the Chargers were in the lead 17-14.  Both teams put up a touchdown in the third, making the score 24-21.  Then the fourth quarter happened.  The defense relaxed allowing the Saints to rack up 10 more points and the Chargers were hit with penalties that were not really penalties.  At days end Rivers passed for 354 yards and two touchdowns, but had an interception and fumble in the fourth quarter.  Ryan Mathews had his best game of the year with 80 yards on the ground and 59 receiving.  Malcolm Floyd led the receiving crew with 108 yards while Gates only had 19, leaving him visibly upset.  The Chargers had 427 total yards.

At different times during the second half I saw Rivers, Gates and coach Turner yelling at the referees.  Bad calls, like the PI on Gates in the fourth, ultimately cost the Chargers the win.  The final tally on penalties had the Chargers with 7/56 and the Saints with 10/99.  Three of the Chargers penalties happened inside the two minute warning.  Not only costing the Chargers the 20 yards in penalties, but the 51 yards gained on those plays as well.  These penalties were bogus and the NFL referees should be reprimanded.

Okay, now that I have let it all out, let’s shake this off and start looking forward to Monday Nite Football at home against the Broncos.

ChargerGirl Cindi