*Chargers crush Broncos*
SAN DIEGO 41, DENVER 3 -----------------------
By Tony Desiere PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer
DENVER (Ticker) - The San Diego Chargers snapped out of their early-season slump in a big way.
Backup Michael Turner and LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for a combined 214 yards as the Chargers snapped a three-game losing streak Sunday with a 41-3 drubbing of the Denver Broncos.
Turner rushed for a career-high 147 yards on just 10 carries and Tomlinson added 67 yards on 21 attempts against a team that has not stopped the run all season.
"It was something we needed," Turner said of the potent ground attack. "I was able to get some good blocks up front and found the hole. We never stopped working out there."
San Diego handed Denver (2-3) its worst home loss since a 56-10 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs on October 23, 1966.
"We gave them some opportunities," said Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, whose team has dropped three in a row for the first time since 2003. "We didn't play very well and we got behind and didn't play very good catch-up."
The Chargers (2-3) also took advantage of four turnovers to post their first win since a season-opening 14-3 victory over the Chicago Bears.
"We finally got a game where we worked together," Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers said. " The guys up front played well and it worked with the run and the passing game."
Under intense criticism after throwing six interceptions in San Diego's first four games, Rivers completed 13-of-18 passes for 270 yards. For the first time this season, he did not throw an interception.
"When you get that kind of lead and you get going, it's easier to make plays," said San Diego coach Norv Turner, who also has been criticized for the slow start. "(Rivers) had great protection. Our line did a great job."
The Chargers set the tone early, driving 71 yards on their first possession to take a 7-0 lead on Rivers' 2-yard TD run.
"Coming out, we knew we wanted to stick to the run," Rivers said. "We knew they were going to give us an eight-man front."
Things unraveled for the Broncos on the ensuing kickoff as Denver's Brian Clark fumbled at the 23-yard line after getting hit by Carlos Polk. Brandon Siler scooped up the ball and returned it for a score.
"The guy put his helmet on the ball," Clark said. "I tried to bite off more than I think I could chew."
The Broncos tried to get back in the game, reaching the Chargers' 9-yard line on their next possession, but receiver Brandon Marshall fumbled after a 26-yard game.
The Chargers turned that turnover into a 26-yard field goal by Nate Kaeding and a 17-0 lead.
"You can't do that," Marshall said of his fumble. "That play could have changed the whole game. I think I am trying to do too much instead of taking what is there."
Denver finally got on the board on Jason Elam's 30-yard field goal with 1:15 left in the first half. But San Diego used Turner's 49-yard run to set up Kaeding's 45-yard field as time expired.
The Chargers broke it open in the third quarter, extending their lead to 34-3 on TD passes of nine yards to right end Antonio Gates and 15 yards to Vincent Jackson.
"We just came out an executed," Tomlinson said. "Our offensive line, in my opinion, has been doing a decent job all season. Today, we were able to execute our game plan."
Turner capped the scoring with a 74-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. By then, most of the fans at Invesco Field had departing, having had enough of the raw conditions and the Broncos' poor play.
"I did a poor job getting this football team ready," Shanahan said. "I don't want to take anything away from San Diego, but we are a much better football team that what we were today. It starts with me and I did a poor job of getting them ready."
During their losing streak, the Broncos have allowed 626 yards on the ground. They gave up 226 yards last week to the Indianapolis Colts.
"How do you explain that?" Broncos linebacker Ian Gold said. "You don't. W e have our work cut out for us. I've never been beat like this in my entire career, even dating back to high school."
The Broncos suffered without wide receiver Javon Walker, who missed his second straight game with a knee injury. They also lost receiver Brandon Stokley and tight end Nate Jackson during the game with injuries.
"We just came out an executed," Tomlinson said. "Our offensive line, in my opinion, has been doing a decent job all season. Today we were able to execute our game plan."
Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler, who completed 23-of-36 passes for 232 yards, has thrown an interception in each of Denver's five games this season.
