Rivers throws for 2 early scores, Chargers take 21-3 lead over mistake-prone Titans

Chargers take 21-3 lead over Titans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Philip Rivers threw two touchdown passes, and LaDainian Tomlinson added another score to help the San Diego Chargers take a 21-10 halftime lead over the mistake-prone Tennessee Titans on Friday night.

Rivers threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Gates, then connected with Darren Sproles on a 3-yarder in the second quarter.

Vince Young scored on a 3-yard run for Tennessee, but also threw an interception and fumbled to set up San Diego touchdowns as the Chargers moved closer to clinching a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Tomlinson got the Chargers going with a 1-yard plunge in the first quarter to give the AFC West champions a 7-3 lead. The score was Tomlinson’s 137th rushing touchdown, breaking Emmitt Smith’s NFL record for rushing touchdowns in a decade.

Young’s pass was intercepted by Brandon Siler on Tennessee’s next possession, and San Diego made it 14-3 when Rivers escaped pressure and hit a wide-open Gates on the sideline.

Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher challenged the call, arguing Rivers crossed the line of scrimmage before throwing the ball. Officials, however, ruled Rivers’ body had not entirely crossed the line before he let the ball go.

The Chargers needed just three plays to get the ball back when Young was stripped while trying to slide for a first down. The ball squirted into the hands of Stephen Cooper.

Tennessee handed the Chargers 30 yards on the ensuing drive. Defensive end William Hayes was called for a personal foul when he pushed Rivers to the ground after Rivers released a pass, and Tennessee’s bench was given an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for arguing the call.

The Chargers — attempting to win their 18th straight game in December — slowly worked the ball to the Tennessee 3. Rivers hit Sproles on a quick slant to make it 21-3. Rivers finished the half 13 of 18 for 145 yards and the two scores.

Tennessee responded in the final minutes of the half as Young led a 77-yard drive that ended with Young darting into the end zone to get the Titans within 11 at the break.

The Titans had eight penalties in the half, one off their season high for penalties in a game.

Tennessee running back Chris Johnson, looking for his 10th straight 100-yard game had 66 yards on 10 carries in the half, including a dazzling 25-yard run on his first carry in which he spun San Diego’s Antonio Cromartie around before being tackled.

The Titans are attempting to become the first team to make the playoffs after starting the season 0-6.

Tennessee played without leading tackler Keith Bulluck, out for the season with a left knee injury, snapping his streak of 127 consecutive starts. Bulluck, who will be an unrestricted free agent next year, received a loud ovation from the crowd at LP Field when he was introduced during an early break in the action.