MEMORY LANE: THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS vs. THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

In week two, the San Diego Chargers took care of the Jacksonville Jaguars, a team they normally beat up on. This week the Bolts take on another AFC south team who they historically have had success against, the Indianapolis Colts. Even though both teams have been decimated by injuries; fans should expect an exciting game in what some are calling the Pagano Bowl.

Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) yells at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Overall, the San Diego Chargers own a 18-10 series lead against the Indianapolis Colts. Philip Rivers is 5-1 in his last six games against the Colts. However, Rivers 83% winning percentage has not translated into on field game success. The Chargers signal caller has only averaged 215 yards a game with 6 total touchdowns and 4 interceptions in his last 6 contests against the Colts. The formula for success for San Diego when they play Indianapolis has been ground and pound. Indianapolis has allowed three 100 yard rushers in their match ups versus the Chargers; and ironically, LaDainian Tomlinson is not one of them (Darren Sproles, Mike Tolbert, and Ryan Mathews).

The last time these two teams squared off against each other was in 2013, where San Diego defeated Indianapolis by the score of 19-9. All the Colts’ points came on three Adam Vinatieri field goals. It was hard for Andrew Luck and the offense to get any sort of rhythm because they rarely

Oct 5, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New York Jets defensive back Phillip Adams (24) intercepts a pass intended for San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

had possession of the ball. San Diego’s philosophy to stop the high powered Colts offense was to play ball control. The Chargers utilized short passing plays and a potent rushing attack to dominate the time of possession, 38:31 to 21:29. The only touchdown of the game came early in the second quarter, where rookie Keenan Allen, beat Colts cornerback, Vontae Davis, on a post pattern for a 22 yard touchdown. A week earlier, Allen had his first 100 yard game as an NFL receiver as he caught six balls for 115 yards and a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders. Allen followed that stellar performance by repeating that accomplishment, as he torched the Colts defense with nine catches for 107 yards and a touchdown. The game against Indianapolis proved that Keenan Allen was something special in the making and was here to stay.

The Colts are 0-2 and now face a team they have been dominated by for the last ten years. Indianapolis can ill afford to go 0-3 to start the season. The Chargers have had the Colts number as of late, but are facing a desperate and talented team on the road. One thing is for sure, if Sunday’s game is anything like the games of the past, then fans are in for a treat.