(www.chargers.com) The San Diego Chargers walked out of EverBank Field with a 31-25 NFL victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7) on Sunday.
Jacksonville made it 6-0 quickly after two field goals from kicker Jason Myers.
But after forcing the Jaguars to their first punt of the game, San Diego QB Philip Rivers took his team downfield and connected with Dontrelle Inman for a 15-yard score making it 7-6, Chargers.
After Jacksonville regained the lead with another field goal, the Bolts scored two touchdowns, in just over a minute, from Rivers to Antonio Gates.
After the pair connected for a nine-yard touchdown, Manti Te’o picked off QB Blake Bortles and took the ball back to Jacksonville’s 22 for an 11-yard return.
Bortles was 30 of 49 for 329 yards with two TDs and an interception.
Three plays later, Rivers and Gates were good for six after a 12-yard score and took a 21-9 lead heading into halftime. Rivers finished 29 of 43 for 300 yards and four touchdowns.
After the Chargers punted off their first possession of the second half, the Jaguars’ red zone woes continued and had to settle for another field goal making it 21-12.
With just under half the third quarter left, Rivers took the team deep into Jacksonville territory but had to settle for a 28-yard field goal extending their lead 24-12. The Jaguars cut San Diego’s lead to only five after Bortles and Julius Thomas connected for a 21-yard touchdown on fourth down.
Thomas led all receivers with nine receptions for 116 yards.
It was 31-19 after Rivers hit Stevie Johnson, seven catches for 92 yards, in the back of the end zone coming off a 14-play 80-yard drive that included a key conversion by a running Rivers on fourth down. Jacksonville tried their best to surmount a comeback, but turned the ball over on downs.
The Chargers then were forced to punt, which was blocked and recovered by Jacksonville. Two plays later, Bortles connected with Allen Robinson, five catches for 56 yards, for a touchdown cutting San Diego’s lead to 31-25 after a missed extra point.
The Jaguars’ onside kick attempt went out of bounds and the Bolts (3-8) clinched their first win since Week 4. Jacksonville visits AFC South Division rival Tennessee Sunday. San Diego hosts Denver.