NFL Week 8, Titans Vs. Chargers: San Diego Wins Back-And-Forth Game 33-25

Trailing 33-25 to the San Diego Chargers in the fourth quarter, the Tennessee Titans and quarterback Vince Young were all set up for more of Young’s vintage late-game heroics.

Then Young was knocked out of the game, helped off the field with just moments remaining in the fourth quarter. Kerry Collins came into the game, and very nearly pulled off the comeback bid anyway.

Aided by a personal foul and ejection from Tennessee Titans safety Donnie Nickey, the San Diego Chargers have extended their lead over the Titans to 33-25 on the strength of a 13-yard touchdown pass from Philip Rivers to Darren Sproles.

Antonio Gates also had a crucial play on the drive, hauling in a 21-yard reception on third-and-11 to extend the drive.

After a second Kris Brown field goal extended the San Diego Chargers’ lead to 27-19, the Tennessee Titans responded quickly, with Vince Young hooking up with Nate Washington on a 71-yard touchdown pass on the first play of the ensuing drive.

Young was incomplete on the two-point conversion attempt, however, meaning that the Chargers retain a 27-25 lead with just under 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

In a back-and-forth affair, the San Diego Chargers have claimed a 24-19 lead on the Tennessee Titans on the heels of a 48-yard touchdown pass from Philip Rivers to Antonio Gates.

The Gates score came after a holding penalty on Titans safety Michael Griffin negated his own 17-yard interception return for a touchdown. Mike Tolbert broke free for a 36-yard run to get the ball into Titans territory before Rivers connected with Gates for the go-ahead score.

Ryan Mathews, expected to be a major difference-maker for the Chargers this season, has had a relatively underwhelming year. But he has a touchdown today, and he might help his equally underwhelming team get a much-needed win.

Mathews scored on a seven-yard run to bring the Chargers back within one possession of Tennessee, at 19-14. He has just 26 yards on 10 carries, but San Diego’s still within striking distance, thanks to the high-flying passing attack triggered by Philip Rivers. Rivers is having his typically gaudy day: 154 yards on 11 of 17 passing.

Chris Johnson may not be on pace for his insane 2,500-yard milestone, but the guy who picked up the nickname CJ2K while topping 2,000 yards last season is still a really good NFL running back.

Johnson scored on a 29-yard carry that included a complete reversal of field and several broken tackles, and the Titans have a 19-7 lead as a result. He has 49 yards on 10 carries so far today.

San Diego’s special teams have been bad this year. A safety on a blocked Mike Scifres punt against Tennessee is just the unit’s latest sour note.

But the Chargers have rebounded early against the Titans. Philip Rivers led a drive that Mike Tolbert finished with a one-yard touchdown run, and the Chargers defense stopped Tennessee in the red zone to force a Rob Bironas field goal. As such, the Chargers lead 7-5 in the second quarter.

While the team and the NFL gather information about the incident, Britt will continue to prepare for a Chargers secondary that is holding opposing offenses to 158.6 passing yards a game.

Fisher said before Collins got the nod last week that even if Young misses practice, he can still start because of his knowledge of the system.