The Sports Xchange

SAN DIEGO — Should the San Diego Chargers head into Cincinnati, the Queen City, feeling royal after an impressive Week 1 win over the Detroit Lions?

Probably not. The Chargers, showing an early maturity, will enter the game with a queasy stomach that comes with knowing they almost blew the opener.

With such a young team and so many fresh faces as general manager Tom Telesco continues to flip the roster, a dramatic victory in the opener could help solidify the group. That was quarterback Philip Rivers’ message after the triumph and he’s sticking to it.

Running back Danny Woodhead said it’s an attitude that has been a work-in-progress.

“From training camp on, I think we have showed that that is the type of guys we have in here,” Woodhead said. “The character of the guys has been shown from the OTAs that we have the right type of people here.”

But in the Bengals, the Chargers know they are facing a dangerous team that is feeling pretty good about itself, too. It waxed the Oakland Raiders in the opener and would love to start this season with two wins over AFC West opponents.

“We want to be 1-0 after each week,” cornerback Jason Verrett said.

A win on Sunday gets them to 2-0, which is even sweeter.

But coach Mike McCoy would rather talk about that No. 1 as his team prepares for its first road trip.

“We’re going to stick together,” he said. “As a team, we’re one. It’s a close-knit group, it’s a great group of guys. They love to play together, they love to compete together.”

NOTES: RG D. J. Fluker (ankle) won’t play Sunday. … OLB Jerry Attaochu (hamstring) is on track to make his season debut after working out Wednesday. … Rookie OLB Kyle Emanuel had a great opening game with a sack and an interception but was limited Wednesday with a sore shoulder. … SS Jahleel Addae (ankle) didn’t practice. … The Chargers signed OL Kenny Wiggins and released TE Kyle Miller. … KR Jacoby Jones (ankle) was in a walking boot Wednesday and didn’t practice. … CB Brandon Flowers (knee) was limited in practice but expects to be fine for Sunday’s game. … Among those not expected to play Sunday are G Johnnie Troutman (arm) and OLB Tourek Williams (leg). … CB Craig Mager (hamstring) was a full participant Wednesday.