San Diego Chargers 38 - Tennessee Titans 10

Dante Rosario had three touchdown receptions and Jackie Battle added a pair on the ground as the Chargers routed the Tennessee Titans, 38-10, in their home opener at Qualcomm Stadium. With the win, San Diego improved its’ record to 2-0 to start the season, the first time they’ve done so since 2006.

Photo Gallery: Titans vs. Chargers | Seau | More Photos

The Bolts started out strong, unleashing a 12-play, 71-yard drive culminating in an 11-yard Philip Rivers touchdown strike to Rosario. On the second play from scrimmage for the Titans, Eric Weddle came up with the team’s first interception of the season. A few plays later, Rosario hauled in his second touchdown catch of the game, this one a four yard toss from number 17. The Bolts ended the first quarter with a 14-0 lead.

Nate Kaeding kicked a 26-yard chip shot to extend the lead to 17-0 just a few minutes into the second quarter. Tennessee would eventually get on the board with a field goal of their own and the score was 17-3 at the half.

Both defenses dominated for the early part of the third quarter before the teams exchanged 15-yard touchdown passes within the last four minutes of the quarter. Rivers hit Rosario for the score with 3:29 left in the quarter, while a big Lavelle Hawkins 71-yard kickoff return set up Kendall Wright’s touchdown 1:09 later. At the end of the frame the Chargers maintained their 14-point lead, 24-10.

Jackie Battle got his first carry in the third quarter, and his bruising style of play energized the team immediately. The Chargers drove down the field and Battle finished the series off with a one-yard dive to give the Bolts a 31-10 lead. Number 44 would add another touchdown run with 1:13 remaining as San Diego wrapped up the victory.

Turning Point

The Chargers thought they had a 21-point advantage when Ronnie Brown took a pass and reached over the goal line. However, the play was reviewed and the referees determined his knee was down just short of the end zone, setting up a 3^rd-and-goal from the one yard line. The Chargers brought in David Molk as an extra blocker in a heavy package, and Rivers handed the ball off to Jackie Battle. The battering ram of a back took flight from two yards out and soared over the linemen for a touchdown dive, giving the Bolts a 31-10 lead.

It Was Over When…

Already up big, the Chargers put the game completely out of reach with 1:13 remaining in the game. Facing a 4^th-and-goal from the one-yard line, the Bolts handed the ball off to Jackie Battle who bulled his way off left tackle for the touchdown plunge. The score made it 38-10 and eliminated any hope the Titans had for a miracle comeback.

Play of the Game

Dante Rosario had three pretty touchdowns, but his final score may have been the nicest. The Bolts had the ball at the 15-yard line, and Philip Rivers took the snap and went play action to Curtis Brinkley. The defense momentarily froze, allowing Rosario to work free up the seam. Rivers hit his tight end directly in the numbers and gave the Chargers a 24-3 lead.

Stat of the Game

The Chargers absolutely dominated time of possession, holding onto the ball for 43:39 compared to just 16:21 for Tennessee. It’s the most in team history since October 8, 1978 against Denver.

Bolt Quotebook

“This is a work in progress. We still have a lot of rough spots and a lot of work to do.” – Head Coach Norv Turner

“It was nice to have some guys we brought in this spring contribute early in the year. Obviously we talk about our depth. Unfortunately for the guys injured we are challenging that depth early, but what we’ve found out about it is it’s held up”-Quarterback Philip Rivers

“Whenever you can get a win in the national football league, its hat’s off to you. So we definitely want to keep things going.” – Linebacker Donald Butler

“You never know what’s possible. I work hard every day and am prepared for anything.” - Tight End Dante Rosario.

“It’s all about winning. We just have to grow from it and move on to the next one. You can see by the scoreboard that we were able to score touchdowns today and not settle for field goals. It’s very important to get six rather than three.” – Left Tackle Mike Harris

Odds and Ends

The Chargers have started 2-0 for the first time under Norv Turner.

The win was the 93^rd under General Manager A.J. Smith, the most wins under a GM in team history.

San Diego outgained Tennessee 416-212, including a 268-174 advantage in the air and a 148-38 advantage on the ground.

Malcom Floyd led all receivers with six catches for 109 yards.

Jackie Battle led all rushers with 69 yards on the ground.

Eric Weddle had the team’s first interception of the season with a pick on the Titans' second play from scrimmage.

Philip Rivers’ record against Tennessee improved to 6-0.

Dante Rosario’s three touchdowns were his first since the 2009 season, and the first time a Chargers tight end recorded that many in a game since Antonio Gates in 2005.

Rookie tight end Ladarius Green registered his first career catch today.

The defense forced six three-and-outs to go along with a seventh drive that ended with Weddle's interception after just two plays.

The Chargers retired Junior Seau’s number 55 in a pregame ceremony. He becomes only the third player to have his jersey retired, joining Lance Alworth and Dan Fouts

Inactive for the Chargers today were Jared Gaither, Antonio Gates, Antonio Garay, Ryan Mathews, Jonas Mouton, Brandon Taylor and Shareece Wright.