Inside the game: Rivers destroys Ravens, defends Turner

 Chargers' Philip Rivers waves to the crowd after a win over the Ravens.
Chargers' Philip Rivers waves to the crowd after a win over the Ravens. — K.C. Alfred

And what would eventually be a 34-14 victory kept the Chargers alive in the playoff race.

As he walked to his truck after the game, Rivers began to speak about the Chargers’ playoff chances, quickly getting to what it might mean to Turner’s job status.

He paused.

“Regardless of what happens the next two weeks,” Rivers said, “it would be crazy for Norv to not be here. We’ve won 48 games in five years. Norv can’t make every throw. Norv didn’t fumble. You can’t go, ‘Gee, Norv, why did you throw that pass?’ “

Sunday night showed what the Chargers can be.

What has happened is that Rivers has had Floyd back for three games and an ever-healthier Gates to go with Vincent Jackson. The offensive line made up of backups’ backups got a little help from McMichael and the running backs in protecting Rivers. And while running Ryan Mathews continues to be a heart attack waiting to happen because he loses the ball too much, he has also developed into a bona fide big-play threat.

“We’ve got everyone out there as far as weapons-wise,” Hardwick said. “The offensive line has settled in. The coach has settled in as far knowing what we can do. Coach was on fire tonight, too.”


