The Sports Xchange

CINCINNATI – San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers set a franchise record for touchdown passes on Sunday.

But, the Cincinnati Bengals’ defense denied him a come-from-behind victory.

Giovani Bernard rushed for 123 yards and Andy Dalton tossed three touchdown passes lifting Cincinnati to a 24-19 victory at Paul Brown Stadium.

“It was a good football game,” said coach Marvin Lewis. “It’s another great opportunity to learn from moving forward. That’s the best part of it. It’s early. We’ve got a lot to correct.”

Rivers passed for 241 yards and two TDs with an interception for the Chargers.

His 10-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Stevie Johnson in the third quarter was his 255th career passing TD, moving him ahead of Dan Fouts for the club record and tying him with Sonny Jurgensen for 14th all-time.

“It’s humbling to think about,” said Rivers. “It’s not as sweet right now because we lost the game.”

3 things we learned about the Chargers

1. The Chargers hoped to rely more on running back Melvin Gordon on Sunday, but trailing throughout the game negated that strategy. Gordon rushed for 88 yards on 16 carries including a 27-yard run. Coach Mike McCoy said it was a shame that Gordon couldn’t finish what he started. “He’s getting better every day,” McCoy said. “I think he’s worked extremely hard. There are 10 guys on the field who have to do their job correctly for him to be successful at all.”

2. San Diego’s offensive line struggled to contain the Bengals’ defensive front on Sunday. Quarterback Philip Rivers was sacked five times and hit seven, once resulting in his fumble. But Rivers placed some of the onus on himself. “The ball has to come out of my hand,” he said. “You don’t want to take a couple of those sacks, but you also don’t want to turn it over. I’m sure there are some plays (the line) will want to clean up.”

3. Chargers QB Philip Rivers made history on Sunday, albeit in a losing effort. His TD pass to Stevie Johnson in the third quarter was the 255th of his career, passing Dan Fouts for the franchise record and tying him with Sonny Jurgensen for 14th all-time. “It’s humbling to think about,” said Rivers, following a 24-19 loss at Cincinnati. “It’s not as sweet right now because we lost the game. Once I have a chance to take a deep breath and look back, I’ll be thankful.” Rivers passed for 241 yards and two touchdowns.

Etc.

–QB Philip Rivers’ incompletion in the first quarter ended a streak of 22 straight completions dating to last week. It’s the third-longest streak in NFL history. Donovan McNabb owns the record of 24 set in 2004. Later in Sunday’s game, Rivers made some history with his 255th career TD pass, passing Dan Fouts for the club record and tying him with Sonny Jurgensen for 14th all-time.

–RB Melvin Gordon rushed for 88 yards on 16 carries. He was en route to a 100-plus yard day, but with the Chargers trailing throughout, they had to abandon the running game at times. “He’s getting better every day,” said coach Mike McCoy. “I think he’s worked extremely hard. Gordon averaged 5.5 yards per carry on Sunday.

–WR Keenan Allen had a rough day on Sunday. Allen, Jacoby Jones’ replacement at punt returner, muffed a punt in the first quarter which was recovered by Cincinnati. Jones was inactive on Sunday due to an ankle injury. Allen was stymied on offense as well, catching just four passes for 16 yards. His first catch came late in the first half.

–SS Jahleel Addae was inactive Sunday due to an ankle injury. Jimmy Wilson started in Addae’s place.

–WR Tyrell Williams was waived on Saturday. The Chargers have to wait until Monday to learn if he’s been claimed.