Chargers Game Day Newsletter 6 Nov 12th Los Angeles_Digital | Page 63

AP Images With two more sacks last week the Jaguars improved their league-leading sack total to 35, and defensive end Calais Campbell added one to increase his NFL-leading season total to 11 – one shy of tying the franchise single- season record of 12 (Tony Brackens, 1999). An oddity the last two games has been the absence of takeaways by a group that was only a few weeks ago the best in the league in the category. In fact, the Jaguars are minus-3 in turnover ratio the last two weeks, but outscored the Colts and Bengals by a combined 50-7. The Jaguars still have 16 takeaways for the season, now tied with the Lions, Eagles and Jets for third-most in the NFL behind the Ravens (18) and Bills (17). The Chargers The Jaguars face the Los Angeles Chargers (3- 5) today, the fi fth consecutive season the two organizations have met. The Chargers dropped their fi rst four games of the season before ripping off three straight wins over the Giants, Raiders and Broncos. Two weeks ago, they dropped a 21-13 decision to the Patriots before enjoying the bye in Week 9. Quarterback Philip Rivers has been a major part of the Chargers’ success against the Jaguars. In seven games against the Jaguars, Rivers has a 6-1 record, including six consecutive wins. He has completed 71 percent of his passes for an average of 303 yards per game to go along with 19 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Running back Melvin Gordon continues to be Rivers’ best threat, posting four rushing touchdowns with 526 yards on 131 carries combined with four receiving scores and 235 yards on 30 catches. Wide receiver Keenan Allen is off to a hot start, posting 40 catches for 548 yards, but he has only one receiving touchdown. Former Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley is in his fi rst season as defensive coordinator for the Chargers after spending four seasons at the helm in Jacksonville. The Chargers’ defense ranks 31st in the NFL against the run (135 yards per game), but ranks eighth against the pass. Melvin Ingram (8.5) and Joey Bosa (8.5) lead the team in sacks, while fi ve different players have an interception in 2017. At 3-5, the Chargers need this game to try to jump start any hope of making a late-season playoff push.