Chargers Do Just About Everything Right

Marty Schottenheimer, the Chargers’ coach and lead worrywart, was able to find something that displeased him in Sunday’s 48-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Qualcomm Stadium.

While lesser football minds were admiring the performances of quarterback Drew Brees (28 of 33 passes completed for 339 yards and four touchdowns) and backup running back Michael Turner (48 yards in eight carries), Schottenheimer fixated on two occasions when the ball slipped from Charger hands, neither of which resulted in a recovery by the Bills.

“The ball was on the ground twice,” Schottenheimer said through gritted teeth. “We didn’t lose either one of them, but that’s not acceptable.”

The Chargers’ kickoff coverage was also a concern.

“I’m very frustrated by it, very disappointed,” Schottenheimer said.

Still, the afternoon left the Chargers 6-4, the Bills 4-6.

The crowd might be forgiven if it didn’t share Schottenheimer’s perfectionism. It was the Chargers’ most lopsided win since a 45-6 beating administered to the Bills in 1969.

The Chargers began by scoring early, leading 35-10 at the half. There was an early sign that this was going to be a day like none other: On the Chargers’ first possession, the conservative Schottenheimer allowed a run on fourth and goal rather than ordering a field-goal attempt.

“Maybe times are a changin’,” Brees said.

This particular change resulted in a one-yard plunge by LaDainian Tomlinson and a lead that was never challenged.

Brees followed up with touchdown passes to Antonio Gates (27 yards), Eric Parker (23 yards), Lorenzo Neal (two yards) and Keenan McCardell (29 yards).

Two field goals by Nate Kaeding (28 and 38 yards) and an eight-yard touchdown run by Turner made the day complete.

“That’s how the game’s supposed to be,” said Brees, allowing himself some youthful exuberance not available to the coach.

If Schottenheimer saw the Chargers’ cup as half empty, Buffalo Coach Mike Mularkey thought the same cup was overflowing. The Bills’ only scores came on a 53-yard field goal by Rian Lindell and a touchdown pass from J.P. Losman to fullback Daimon Shelton.

“I told the team afterward they outplayed us,” Mularkey said. “I felt like they outcoached us.”

The Chargers were left with one major concern: Tight end Gates sprained his right foot after making a catch in the third quarter. The team wasn’t sure how long he would be sidelined.