On a weekend in which multiple teams coming off a bye (and the five straight days off that goes along with it) are struggling (the Seahawks, Broncos, and Titans are all being shut out), the Chargers look like they haven’t missed a beat, leading the Jets by 11 at the half, 21-10.
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers has completed eight of 12 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown, to tight end Antonio Gates. Running back Mike Tolbert has added 53 yards rushing and a touchdown -- along with a touchdown saving tackle on the ensuing kickoff.
The Jets have two turnovers, and the Chargers have none. An early fumble by Dustin Keller (actually, it was more of a candy-from-a-baby routine by Chargers linebacker Donald Butler) was followed by an interception of quarterback Mark Sanchez in the end zone by Chargers safety Eric Weddle.
Sanchez has completed 12 of 21 passes for 131 yards, a touchdown to Plaxico Burress, and the pick. Former Charger LaDainian Tomlinson has five carries for 14 yards and two receptions for 25.
A loss by the Jets would drop them to 3-4, firmly into third place in the AFC East.