The Sports Xchange

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Chargers are halfway to their season opener and how do you like them so far?

Pretty much the same as every other NFL team at the midway point through the exhibition season, there is good and bad with the Chargers.

San Diego defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 22-19, on Saturday night.

That came on the heels of beating the Dallas Cowboys, 17-7, in the preseason opener.

Of course, scores and results mean little in August. The heat really gets turned up next month, and for the Chargers, that means their real opener against the visiting Detroit Lions on Sept. 13.

Still, there is more bounce in everyone’s step after a victory.

“I love the intensity and effort,” head coach Mike McCoy said.

It was a game in which quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon didn’t play. Rivers didn’t play because, well, why should he?

Gordon, the team’s top pick, had a slight ankle sprain and why should the Chargers take any chances with him?

Of the Chargers making the most of their chance was likely Josh Lambo. The backup kicker nailed field goals at the end of the half and at the end of the game as his stock continues to rise.

“He made two big kicks for us,” McCoy said, and Lambo also displayed plenty of leg on his kickoffs.

Other things drawing McCoy’s attention was the defense racking up six sacks and the offense not allowing one.

But the running game was still in quicksand and that’s a worry.

Although without Gordon, and Danny Woodhead having but three carries, how big of concern that is remains to be seen.

“We’ve got plenty of things to clean up,” McCoy said.

The Chargers will get busy doing just that with the visiting NFC champion Seahawks up next on Saturday night.

“We’ve got a lot of competition on the football team right now,” McCoy said.

–Outside linebacker Melvin Ingram’s production is a huge part of the Chargers’ quest of returning to the playoffs. And he was impressive on Saturday as he had two sacks, while showing off the spin move he learned from former Charger Dwight Freeney.

“Dwight is a big reason for that spin move,” said Ingram, who had four sacks last year. “He really showed me how to do it.” Ingram has been beset by injuries, but showed up at camp some 20 pounds lighter and showing a burst that is essential for any pass rusher.

“I feel amazing, 110 percent,” Ingram said. “I feel quicker and healthier. I’m just trying to get my body healthy and be the best player I can be.”

–Kicker Josh Lambo, an undrafted free agent, did much to help build his resume’ as he nailed three field goals of 53, 43 and 47 yards. His last one was a game-winner, his first since his second game at Texas A&M. “When they send me out there, I’m expected to make them,” Lambo said.

Lambo has been a football kicker only since 2013, and is a former MLS goalie.

–Wide receiver Austin Pettis caught a team-high four passes for 30 yards. He continues to catch the coaches’ eyes and has a shot at a roster spot. “There was a lot of established receivers with good history here,” said Austin, a fifth-year pro. “They welcomed me with open arms; it was nice to get comfortable really fast.” Pettis had a leg up on some of the others with quarterback Kellen Clemens starting in place of Philip Rivers. Pettis and Clemens were together in St. Louis.

–Quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon are both expected to play on Saturday against the Seahawks. All the starters, it is anticipated, will see their most game action of the four preseason games.

–The Chargers will do their walk-through on Friday at MCAS Mira Mar in their annual tip of the cap to the local military. It is their eighth practice on the base since 2005.

Notes: D.J. Fluker continues to see work at guard after starting his first two seasons with the Chargers at right tackle. Fluker was exposed numerous times by speed rushers last year, and the thinking is his feet, and size, are better suited for the interior. … Right tackle Joe Barksdale is a newcomer but he has impressed early. So much, that it seems he has wrestled the starting right tackle spot from Fluker, with Fluker being moved inside to guard. … Cornerback Jason Verrett is slowed by a bad ankle. He didn’t go in the second preseason game.