The Titans fell behind early in their game against the Chargers, but rallied to tie the game on a run by quarterback Jake Locker before doing their best to hand the Chargers the lead once again with the help of defensive penalties.
Pass interference and holding penalties set up the Chargers for a field goal, but safety Bernard Pollard blocked Nick Novak’s try to preserve a 10-10 tie heading into the half. Those two penalties were part of a list of 10 committed by the Titans in the first half, including a pass interference on Pollard that set up an earlier Novak field goal.
The Chargers blew a shot for a touchdown after that penalty with two of their own however. Eddie Royal’s touchdown catch was wiped out because of an illegal pick by Keenan Allen and quarterback Philip Rivers compounded the damage by throwing a vintage tantrum that led to a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct. The penalty marred an otherwise strong performance by Rivers -- 13-of-15 for 114 yards and a touchdown -- just as the Titans penalties have mitigated a solid game for Locker.
He’s thrown for 135 yards and run for 56, including that touchdown, to get the Titans even at the half. If the penalties don’t sink them, they have a strong shot of being ahead come the end of the game.