The Los Angeles Chargers used a classic connection on Christmas Eve to deliver their eighth win of the 2017 season.
Tight end Antonio Gates caught six passes for 81 yards -- including his 87th touchdown reception from quarterback Philip Rivers -- to help lead the Chargers over the New York Jets 14-7 Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
Running back Melvin Gordon had 128 total yards and a touchdown. Gordon also surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his NFL career. Rivers finished 22-of-40 for 290 yards and a touchdown.
After a scoreless first quarter that included three Los Angeles punts, the Chargers opened the second with their tried-and-true duo. Rivers found Gates for a 27-yard reception, the future Hall of Famer's longest catch of the season. Four plays later, the two connected in the end zone for a three-yard touchdown to give the Bolts a 7-0 lead after new kicker Nick Rose made the extra point.
Rose missed a 47-yard field goal on the Chargers' opening possession of the second half. Three plays later, Jets running back Bilal Powell rushed 57 yards for a touchdown. A Chandler Catanzaro extra point made the score 7-7.
Los Angeles responded with an eight-play, 75-yard drive, capped off by a one-yard touchdown rush by Gordon. The Chargers led 14-7 after the third quarter, the eventual final score.
The Chargers forced three turnovers and held Jets quarterback Bryce Petty to 119 yards passing. Los Angeles was also turnover-free Sunday after commiting four turnovers last Saturday in Kansas City.
Chargers rookie defensive end Isaac Rochell earned the first sack of his career. Rivers passed John Elway for eighth-most completions in league history (4,124).
UP NEXT
The Chargers close the regular season on Sunday, Dec. 31st against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center. Kickoff is at 1:25 p.m. Pacific on CBS.
The Chargers battle the New York Jets for a Christmas Eve matchup.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Chris McCain (40) celebrates as teammate Sean McGrath (84) passes him during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Los Angeles Chargers' Keenan Allen (13) intercepts a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
The Los Angeles Chargers play the New York Jets during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Los Angeles Chargers' Melvin Gordon (28) rushes for a touchdown as New York Jets inside linebacker Darron Lee (58) closes in during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Chris McCain (40) celebrates during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) breaks a tackle by New York Jets' Marcus Maye (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson (11) is defended by Los Angeles Chargers' Casey Hayward (26) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
