Chargers looking ahead -- quickly

Nov 21, 2017 - 2:17 AM COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Mondays with head coach Anthony Lynn include his keen reviews of the Los Angeles Chargers' previous game.

But not on this Monday.

"We just don't have the time," Lynn said. "We leave Wednesday morning for Dallas, so we were on to the Cowboys last night."

The Chargers were watching the team with a star on its helmet after a heavenly performance against the Buffalo Bills only hours before. Los Angeles mauled the Bills, 54-24, thanks in part to the defense forcing six turnovers.

"They created turnovers and the offense, for the most part, took advantage of those turnovers and got into a little bit of a flow," Lynn said.

The Chargers, who face the Cowboys on Thursday, scored on seven straight drives on Sunday after missing an early field goal. Before the Bills game, the offense had scored on consecutive possessions just five times all season and only once since Week 5.

"I felt a little bit that we were letting our defense down," quarterback Philip Rivers said. "Here they are holding (opponents) to under 24 points almost every week and we're winning three games."

That number stands at four with the Chargers turning in their most complete performance of the season. It came on a day in which all the other AFC West teams lost, catapulting the Chargers to within two games of the division-leading Kansas City Chiefs.

"We definitely need to make a run right here," defensive end Joey Bosa said. "I think the short week rolling into Dallas will actually be good for us."

Good thing the coaches didn't dwell too long on the Bills.

"We don't have time for that," Lynn said, and with that, he quickly left the podium.

--Quarterback Philip Rivers admitted he was in "uncharted territory" when he self-reported concussion-like symptoms leading to Sunday's game. "Anything with the neck down I tend to be pretty reckless with," he said. "But the head is something I don't want to mess with."

Rivers said he thought of his "wife and eight babies" and decided to put his hand up. All ended up well, and Rivers is glad he made that first step. Rivers started his 186th straight regular-season game, the NFL's second-longest streak among quarterbacks, eclipsed only by Eli Manning (209).

--With the Bills starting a rookie quarterback in Nathan Peterman, the results were something predictable against one of the NFL's best pass-rushing tandem of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. It was their pressure that helped lead to Peterman throwing five first-half interceptions.

"Me and Melvin knew if we were able to get pressure and get into his face that he would make some bad decisions with the football," said Bosa, who had a sack and a forced fumble. "We didn't expect five interceptions, but you have to cut him a break. He's a rookie, gets thrown in there out of the blue and it's not like we are taking it easy on the guy."

--The Chargers' 37 first-half points were a record, but that wasn't the number that got head coach Anthony Lynn's attention.

"From what I heard, there were a lot of records in the game," he said. "But really, the only one I care about is penalties."

The Chargers had but one, and it came in the fourth quarter.

--Top-pick Michael Williams, a wide receiver, played north of 40 snaps, his most extensive work since returning from a back injury. "I think he has shown why he was the No. 7 pick in the draft," Lynn said. "He did some physical things really well. He has gotten better and better every week."

Williams had five catches for 38 yards.

NOTES: RT Joe Barksdale (toe) was unable to go on Sunday in missing his fifth straight game. Head coach Anthony Lynn didn't sound confident about Barksdale being fit on Thursday. ... RT Michael Schofield will continue to start in place of Joe Barksdale (toe). ... ILB Hayes Pullard (neck) will be monitored in this short week. ... LT Russell Okung (leg) briefly left Sunday's game but returned and is fine.



REPORT CARD VS. BILLS

--PASSING OFFENSE: A - Philip Rivers threw for two touchdowns and they came without a turnover as he didn't force any passes or hold on to the ball too long. Keenan Allen had the two scoring catches as he had his best game of the season with 159 receiving yards on 12 catches. Rivers' protection was keen, and that came with two backup tackles supplying the help on the edge. It was a solid game here.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: B-minus - Melvin Gordon ran with a more physical presence as he lowered his shoulder on occasion to pick up an extra yard or two after contact. He added a rushing touchdown in gaining 80 yards on 20 carries. Austin Ekeler continues to show he warrants touches and he produced a 6.7-yard average on six carries, with a touchdown. The line opened holes against a tired defense that was on the field way too long.

--PASS DEFENSE: A - When a unit gets five interceptions in the first half, it's hard to get a grade lower than this. Casey Hayward had two of the picks as the pressure supplied by the front four was more than enough to fluster Nathan Peterman in his NFL debut. Joey Bosa had a sack, a forced fumble and did so much more in making Peterman uncomfortable; he hit him twice on attempts that resulted in interceptions. Melvin Ingram's scoop of a fumble and his return of 39 yards for a score added to the rout. LB Korey Toomer set the tone by bringing back Peterman's first pick 59 yards for a touchdown.

--RUSH DEFENSE: D - The Chargers continue to get beat-up on the ground, but when you are winning by such a large margin that's not much harm down. But the league's worst run defense got trampled for 173 yards as it had few answers for LeSean McCoy. He had 114 yards on just 13 carries. The Chargers were fortunate that the Bills were behind by such a large margin that they had to abandon the run.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: C - Nick Novak pushed his first field-goal attempt of 46 yards right, then hit four straight from closer range to give the team a bit of confidence in him going forward. Both of Drew Kaser's punts were downed inside the 20. The coverage units had plenty of opportunities and were spot-on.

--COACHING: A - Head coach Anthony Lynn challenged the offensive line and the team responded with 54 points to rout the Bills. But Lynn's crew, of course, had the good fortune of receiving six turnovers, which makes any bunch look good. But defensive coordinator Gus Bradley deserves some praise for getting after rookie quarterback Nathan Peterman, which caused most of the havoc. This was likely the best game the Chargers have produced in Lynn's first year as a head coach.