Final
Chargers hold on to beat Rams
Nov 24, 2014 - 3:31 AM San Diego, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Marcus Gilchrist intercepted a Shaun Hill pass just inside the end zone as the San Diego Chargers held on for a 27-24 victory over the St. Louis Rams on Sunday.The Rams were already in position to attempt a tying field goal when Hill completed a 27-yard pass to Kenny Britt to the San Diego 6-yard line with a little over a minute remaining in the game.
Hill looked Britt's way again after a short Benny Cunningham run, but Gilchrist picked off the throw.
Philip Rivers was 29-of-35 for 291 yards, one touchdown and one interception for the Chargers (7-4), who earned their second straight win following a three-game skid.
"They came up big the whole game," Rivers said about his defense. "We had some turnovers and some things and we put them in some tough spots. They were awesome.
Hill finished 18-of-35 for 198 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions for St. Louis (4-7), which was coming off a surprising 22-7 home win over Denver last week.
Hill also fumbled when he was hit by Corey Liuget. Andrew Gachkar made the recovery and scored on a 13-yard return to give San Diego a 20-10 lead with 9:29 left in the third quarter.
"This is a tough one," said Rams head coach Jeff Fisher. "Considering who we're playing, it was a tough one. I feel bad for the guys. Can't blame those players in there."
Ryan Mathews ran for a 32-yard touchdown 21 seconds earlier.
The Rams capitalized on a turnover later in the third. Keenan Allen muffed the catch on a punt return when teammate Chris Davis ran into him. St. Louis recovered at the San Diego 21 and wide receiver Tavon Austin scored on a run three plays later.
Allen then fumbled after a 35-yard catch-and-run to the St. Louis 16, but atoned for the miscue on the next San Diego possession. The Chargers went 93 yards in 11 plays and Allen scored on a 29-yard reception to make it 27-17 with 8:09 to go in the fourth quarter.
St. Louis executed a fake punt to keep its next drive alive. Stedman Bailey had a 19-yard reception on a throw from punter John Hekker and caught a 7-yard TD pass with 2:04 left.
San Diego went three-and-out, giving the ball back to the Rams with 1:27 remaining. Austin had returned the punt 73 yards to the San Diego 5, but St. Louis started the drive from the 40 because of offsetting penalties.
Brandon Flowers intercepted Hill on the Rams' third offensive play, leading to a 23-yard Nick Novak field goal.
St. Louis responded with a 22-yard field goal from Greg Zuerlein late in the first quarter.
The Chargers then marched deep into St. Louis territory, where Janoris Jenkins picked off Rivers and scampered 99 yards for a touchdown.
Zuerlein had a 46-yard attempt blocked on the next St. Louis drive.
Novak nailed a 48-yarder with two seconds remaining in the second quarter.
Game Notes
Mathews had 105 yards on 12 carries ... Allen made six grabs for 104 yards ... Bailey caught seven passes for 89 yards.
- ST. LOUIS: 24
SAN DIEGO: 27
Final
Nov 23 7:16 PM - ST. LOUIS: 17
SAN DIEGO: 20
End of 3rd
Nov 23 6:25 PM - Shaun Hill sacked by Corey Liuget for -7 yards. Shaun Hill fumble recovered by Andrew Gachkar at the St. Louis 13, returned into the end zone.
Rams 10, Chargers 19 3rd - 9:29Nov 23 6:03 PM - ST. LOUIS: 10
SAN DIEGO: 6
Halftime
Nov 23 5:30 PM - Philip Rivers pass intended for Keenan Allen intercepted by Janoris Jenkins at the St. Louis 1 and returned for 99 yards.
Rams 9, Chargers 3 2nd - 11:32Nov 23 4:47 PM - ST. LOUIS: 3
SAN DIEGO: 3
End of 1st
Nov 23 4:40 PM - ST. LOUIS: 0
SAN DIEGO: 0
1st Quarter - 15:00
Nov 23 4:06 PM
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