The San Diego Chargers aim to move above .500 when they visit Lucas Oil Stadium in Week 3 to face the Indianapolis Colts. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1:25pm PT.
A Look Back At Last Week
The Chargers ran away with a 38-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on White Hot Sunday to capture their first win of the season. Philip Rivers tied a personal best with four touchdown passes while also completing the 3,500th pass of his career. Travis Benjamin scored a pair of touchdowns, catching all six balls thrown his way for 115 yards. Meanwhile, Melvin Gordon found the end zone for the third time in two games and eclipsed the century mark for the first time in his career with 102 yards rushing. On defense, Casey Hayward picked off two Blake Bortles passes while Melvin Ingram had two sacks and a forced fumble.
What to Watch For…
On Offense for the Chargers
How the Bolts replace Danny Woodhead's production will be top of mind after losing the running back for the season with a knee injury. The team signed Dexter McCluster earlier in the week, adding him to a running back stable that includes Melvin Gordon, Kenneth Farrow and Andre Williams. Meanwhile, Philip Rivers enters play with a 5-1 career record against Indianapolis. He's completed 112 of 166 passes against the Colts for 1,295 yards, six touchdowns and a 92.8 passer rating.
On Offense for the Colts
Andrew Luck is back under center to start the season after missing much of the 2015 campaign. One of the top quarterbacks in the game, the five-year veteran has completed 52 of 87 attempts for 582 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception through two games. His top weapons include wide receivers T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett. On the ground, the ageless Frank Gore is off to another fast start. He's carried the ball 27 times for 103 yards along with seven catches for 38 yards and a TD.
On Defense for the Chargers
San Diego's secondary looks to keep rolling as they've recorded three interceptions (Casey Hayward 2, Jason Verrett) in the first two games. Meanwhile, Brandon Flowers leads the team with three tackles for loss. With Jahleel Addae out after fracturing his clavicle, the onus will be on Dexter McCoil and Adrian Phillips to step up at safety. In the front seven, Manti Te'o leads San Diego with 19 tackles while Melvin Ingram has two sacks.
On Defense for the Colts
Although decimated by injuries over the first two weeks, Indianapolis hopes to have a number of defenders back in the fold when they host the Bolts. The Colts secondary boasts a pair of former Chargers cornerbacks in Antonio Cromartie and Patrick Robinson. Up front, Indy might get DE Henry Anderson on the field for the first time this season after his impressive rookie campaign was cut short last year with a knee injury.
Series History
The Chargers hold an 18-10 series lead over the Colts, and have won six of the last seven meetings. The Bolts have won the last three in Indy since a 34-31 OT loss in 2004.
By the Numbers
The Chargers rank 12th in total offense (372.5 yards per game), 25th in passing (220.0 ypg), third in rushing (152.5 ypg) and second in points (32.5). The Colts ranked 18th total offense (351.5 ypg), 14th in passing (269.0 ypg), 22nd in rushing (82.5 ypg) and ninth in points (27.5)
Defensively, the Bolts rank 23rd in total defense (400.5 ypg), 29th in passing (324.0 ypg), seventh in rushing (76.0 ypg) and 19th in points allowed (23.5). Indianapolis rank 30th in total defense (424.0 ypg), 25th in passing (299.0 ypg), 29th in rushing (125.0 ypg) and 32nd in points allowed (36.5).
Milestones on the Horizon
Philip Rivers is four touchdown passes away from tying Johnny Unitas (290) for 10th all-time in NFL history. He is five shy of Warren Moon for ninth.
Antonio Gates is six touchdown catches shy of Tony Gonzalez (111) for most ever by a tight end and sixth for any player in NFL history.
What to Watch For
San Diego held the opposition to under 83 yards in each of their first two games. If they do so against the Colts, it would mark the first time since 1992 they limited their first three opponents under that amount on the ground.
If the Chargers run for 150 yards against Indianapolis on Sunday, it would mark the first time they had three straight 150-yard rushing efforts since 2006.
With an interception on Sunday the Bolts will have a pick in three straight games to start a season for the first time since 2009.
Noteworthy vs. the Colts
On Jan. 13, 2008, Rivers posted a postseason career-high passer rating (133.2) in a win over the Colts.
Antonio Gates had a team-high eight catches in the Chargers' 2008 Wild Card overtime win against the Colts.
On November 1, 1992, the Chargers defense held Indianapolis to 99 total yards, the third-best defensive performance in franchise history.
Kellen Clemens passed for 247 yards and two touchdowns as part of a career-high 140.6 passer rating day in a 38-8 win at Indianapolis while with the Rams in 2013. It included a career-long 81-yard touchdown pass to Tavon Austin.
As a rookie for Green Bay in 2012, Casey Hayward recorded his first NFL pick vs. the Colts.
Connections
General Manager Tom Telesco spent 15 seasons (1998-12) working in football operations for the Colts, serving as a college scout (1998-00), pro scout (2001-03), director of pro scouting (2004-05), director of player personnel (2006-11) and vice president of football operations (2012). His tenure in Indy was one of the most successful in Colts history as they played in two Super Bowls, including a victory over Chicago in Super Bowl XLI.
Defensive Coordinator John Pagano is the younger brother of Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano. John worked for the Colts from 1998-01 as a defensive assistant.
Chargers safety Dwight Lowery started all 16 games for Indianapolis in 2015, recording 83 tackles and a career-high four interceptions.
Tight end Sean McGrath spent time on the Colts' practice squad in 2015.
Wide receiver Griff Whalen played in 33 games with the Colts from 2012-15.
Chargers Director of College Scouting Kevin Kelly spent three seasons (2009-11) as an area scout with the Colts.
Area Scout James MacPherson went to training camp with the Colts as a quarterback in 2003.
Colts cornerback Antonio Cromartie was San Diego's first-round pick in 2006 and played for the Bolts through until 2009.
Cornerback Patrick Robinson played for the Chargers in 2015.
Running back Jordan Todman was a sixth-round pick by the Chargers in 2011. He spent time as a rookie on the team's active roster and practice squad.
Quarterback Scott Tolzien spent time with the Bolts as a rookie in 2011.
Colts Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski was the Chargers tight ends coach from 2005-06 and the team's assistant head coach and tight ends coach from 2009-10.
Vice President of Football Operations Jimmy Raye II spent 17 years with the Chargers prior to joining the Colts. Raye served as San Diego's director of player personnel from 2008-2012. Raye originally joined the Chargers in 1996 and spent four seasons (1996-99) as a scout and eight as the team's director of college scouting (2000-07). He also played wide receiver at San Diego State from 1986-90.
Strength and Conditioning Coach Darren Krein was drafted by the Chargers in the fifth-round (150th overall) in 1994.
Quarterbacks Coach Brian Schottenheimer is the son of former Chargers Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer. Brian coached quarterbacks in San Diego from 2002-05.
Defensive Backs Coach Greg Williams was the Chargers assistant linebackers coach from 2009-12 and the Bolts assistant secondary coach from 2013-15.
Regional Scout Chad Henry is the son of former Chargers Offensive Line Coach Jack Henry.
Colts Wide Receivers Coach Lee Hull participated in the NFL's Minority Internship Program with the Chargers from 2000-01.
Know Your Opponent
Take a closer look at who the Bolts will matchup against for week three in Indiana.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Donte Moncrief (10) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo (74) blocks during a NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, October 25, 2015 in Indianapolis. The Saints won the game 27-20. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Indianapolis Colts guard Jack Mewhort (75) runs during a week 2 NFL football game against the New York Jets on Monday, September 21, 2015 in Indianapolis. The Jets defeated the Colts 20-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indianapolis Colts center Ryan Kelly (78) blocks during a week 3 preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. The Eagles won 33-23. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indianapolis Colts tackle Denzelle Good (71), Sunday, August 16, 2015 Philadelphia, PA. The Eagles defeated the Colts 36-10. (AP Photo/Al Tielemans)
Indianapolis Colts guard Joe Reitz sets up to block in action during a NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 in Houston. The Colts won the game, 27-20. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Dwayne Allen (83) before an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Indianapolis, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) makes a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) passes during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Denver, Co. The Broncos won the game, 34-20. (Greg Trott via AP)
Indianapolis Colts tight end Jack Doyle (84) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore runs against the Denver Broncos during the second half in a NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Indianapolis, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts running back Robert Turbin (33) heads downfield during an NFL game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016, in Denver, Co. The Broncos won the game, 34-20. (Greg Trott via AP)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jordan Todman (28) runs during a week 3 preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. The Eagles won 33-23. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Kendall Langford (90) runs in pursuit as New York Jets offensive tackle Breno Giacomini (68) blocks during a week 2 NFL football game on Monday, September 21, 2015 in Indianapolis. The Jets defeated the Colts 20-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle David Parry (54) runs in pursuit during a week 2 NFL football game against the New York Jets on Monday, September 21, 2015 in Indianapolis. The Jets defeated the Colts 20-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indianapolis Colts nose tackle Zach Kerr (94) runs during a week 3 preseason NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, in Indianapolis. The Eagles won 33-23. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Erik Walden (93) runs in pursuit during a week 6 NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, October 18, 2015 in Indianapolis. The Patriots defeated the Colts 34-27. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (52) runs in pursuit during a week 6 NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, October 18, 2015 in Indianapolis. The Patriots defeated the Colts 34-27. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Sio Moore (51) runs in pursuit during a week 2 NFL football game against the New York Jets on Monday, September 21, 2015 in Indianapolis. The Jets defeated the Colts 20-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
FILE - In this Nov. 29, 2015, file photo, Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Robert Mathis (98) lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during an NFL football game in Indianapolis. Defensively, Mathis is still one of the league's most feared pass rushers, but the Colts need to find a complement and a successor to the 35-year-old linebacker who is entering the final year of his contract. (AP Photo/Jeff Haynes, File)
Indianapolis Colts defensive back Patrick Robinson (25) on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/R Brent Smith)
Indianapolis Colts strong safety Mike Adams (29) in action during an NFL football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Detroit Lions in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. (AJ Mast/AP Images for Panini)
Indianapolis Colts strong safety Clayton Geathers (42) warms up before the first of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Indianapolis Colts cornerback Vontae Davis (21) intercept a ball in the enzone intended for Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Henry Anderson (96), rushes past Philadelphia Eagles lineman Brett Boyko (73) Sunday, August 16, 2015 Philadelphia, PA. The Eagles defeated the Colts 36-10. (Al Tielemans via AP Images)
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) in action during an NFL preseason football game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens in Indianapolis, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts defensive back Darius Butler (20) drops back into coverage during a NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, October 25, 2015 in Indianapolis. The Saints won the game 27-20. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Indianapolis Colts defensive back Antonio Cromartie (31) looks to make an interception of a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee (1) punts to the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Indianapolis, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indianapolis Colts' Adam Vinatieri (4) kicks a field goal from the hold of Pat McAfee during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Indianapolis, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/R Brent Smith)
Indianapolis Colts long snapper Matt Overton (45) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 27, 2015. The Colts defeated the Titans 35-33. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Quan Bray (11) runs the ball in the first half in the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Broadcast Information
CBS (KFMB, Channel 8 in San Diego and KCBS-TV, Channel 9 in Los Angeles and Orange County) – Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (analyst)
Rock 105.3 FM, XTRA Sports 1360 (San Diego) and AM 570 KLAC (Los Angeles & Orange County) – Josh Lewin (play-by-play) and Nick Hardwick (analyst)
Spanish Radio –XHFG 107.3 (San Diego)– Jorge Villanueva (play-by-play) and Tony Alvarez (analyst)
All Chargers radio broadcasts are now being streamed live on the team's official website, www.chargers.com. XTRA Sports 1360 Broadcasts with Josh Lewin (play-by-play) and Nick Hardwick (analyst) will begin two hours before kickoff and continue for 90 minutes of postgame coverage.
Download the Chargers Official Mobile App for live game coverage, stats, and game day news.
