Memory Lane: Chargers vs. Jaguars

The first week of the 2016 NFL season was an emotional roller coaster for the San Diego Chargers. Both fans and players will attempt to black out and move on from week one’s catastrophic loss to the Chiefs as the Chargers host the Jacksonville Jaguars. This will be the fourth time in as many years that these two teams have faced off against each other.

Nov 29, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) looks to pass in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at EverBank Field. The San Diego Chargers 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

In their short history with each other, the Chargers have dominated play against the Jaguars. San Diego leads the series 6-2 and have won the last five meetings against Jacksonville. During these matchups, the Chargers have averaged over 29 points a game and have outscored the Jaguars by 92 points.

Last year, San Diego defeated Jacksonville on the road by a score of 31-25. The win ended the Chargers 6-game losing streak. Blake Bortles torched San Diego’s defense for 329 yards and 2 touchdowns. Julius Thomas was the on the receiving end of many of Bortles’ passes. The Chargers

Nov 29, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) signals against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Chargers won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Jim Steve-USA TODAY Sports

defense simply had no answer for him as he amassed 116 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions. However, not to be outdone by the young gun, Philip Rivers threw for 300 yards and 4 touchdowns. Rivers did a phenomenal job spreading the ball around, completing passes to seven different receivers. This was a monumental game for Rivers, as he passed both Joe Montana, and Vinny Testaverde for 11th on the NFL’s all-time passing touchdowns list. In addition, he also became the 17th quarterback in NFL history to pass for over 40,000 yards. Rivers’ future Hall of Fame tight end, Antonio Gates, assisted in these accolades as he caught 2 touchdowns from the San Diego quarterback.

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None are happier to see the Jacksonville Jaguars on the schedule than Rivers. Over the last three games, Rivers has averaged over 320 yards and 2 touchdowns. Melvin Gordon is also most likely excited for Sunday’s game as he looks to continue his success against the Jaguars. Last year’s game against Jacksonville was one of Gordon’s most successful game as a rookie. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry on 14 rushes while adding 20 receiving yards on 5 catches. To go along with his decent stat line, Gordon was able to force 10 missed tackles against the Jaguars defense.

San Diego needs a bounce-back win after last weeks debacle. They go up against a team they have had tremendous success against in the past. The Chargers hope to extend their winning streak to 6 after Sunday’s game against the up-and-coming Jaguars.