Jaguars...24 Chargers...17

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — The Jacksonville Jaguars got a boost from David Garrard’s return.

Playing for the first time in nearly a month, Garrard threw two touchdown passes to help the Jaguars beat the San Diego Chargers, 24-17.

Jacksonville (7-3) scored on its first three possessions and the Chargers (5-5) self-destructed on nearly every drive.

San Diego ended three consecutive fourth-quarter possessions in questionable fashion before making a game of it late. Philip Rivers connected with All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates for a 24-yard touchdown that made it 24-17 with 5:06 to play.

The score followed a 15-yard penalty on Jaguars rookie safety Reggie Nelson for leading with his helmet. Replays, though, showed Nelson actually tackled Chris Chambers with his right shoulder.

The Chargers got the ball back with 2:13 remaining. But Rivers’ second pass was intercepted by Sammy Knight.

Quoteworthy: “We knew coming in that we weren’t going 14-2 again. The goal obviously was to not be 5-5.” -- Philip Rivers, Chargers quarterback