SAN DIEGO — This is looking like a boxing match, with punches followed by counter-punches. Philip Rivers did a good job of staying composed after the cheap shot. Here are more observations from Broncos-Chargers:

• The Chargers are killing Champ Bailey on deep crossing patterns. Vincent Jackson was able to beat him on back-to-back plays. Then Antonio Gates beat him, too.

• By the way, LT is back.

• Gates is getting his right ankle re-wrapped.

• A Broncos player gets called for a chop block — now it’s a game.

• Is Brandon Marshall (18 receptions in their first meeting) playing tonight?

• The Chargers defense missed Shawne Merriman in the early part of the season, but now they have clearly found their stride without him. His replacement, Jyles Tucker, looks like a find.

– Derrin Horton is reporting from San Diego

Posted in: NFL Network  | comments  |