Philip Rivers, Chargers hold back Colts in 19-9 win

San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers makes a pass during the Chargers' 19-9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night.

By Associated Press

Oct. 14, 2013 8:52 PM PT

SAN DIEGO — Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers kept Andrew Luck on the sideline most of the game, giving the Indianapolis Colts quarterback no chance at another comeback.

Rivers threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to rookie Keenan Allen and Nick Novak kicked four field goals to give the Chargers a 19-9 win Monday night.

Rivers methodically moved the Chargers (3-3) on three scoring drives of at least 74 yards as he rebounded from a three-interception performance in a dismal loss at Oakland.

That, and a lot of dropped passes by Colts receivers, kept Indianapolis (4-2) from taking a two-game lead over Tennessee in the AFC South.

A week earlier, Luck helped rally the Colts to a 34-28 victory against Seattle.

He had no chance against the Chargers because of two long drives in the second quarter that helped contribute to the Chargers’ dominating the time of possession at 38 minutes 31 seconds, compared with 21:29.

Rivers was 22 for 33 for 237 yards and no interceptions. Luck was 18 for 30 for 202 yards.

San Diego’s Ryan Mathews ran for 102 yards in 22 carries, his first 100-yard game of the season.

There were family ties in this one: Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano beat older brother Chuck, the Colts’ coach.