Random thoughts from the Chargers’ 20-7 win at Dallas on Sunday night:
I like the way Ryan Mathews ran the ball. Give him credit He ran hard and he is making strides after starting training camp slow because of poor conditioning. He was terrific on a 15-yard touchdown run. He had 35 yards rushing on seven carries.
Sixth-round pick Jordan Todman continues to look good. He had 27 yards on five carries, and he had a big play nullified by a penalty. He could be in the mix on third downs.
Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson are ready to play Minnesota. The game is in three weeks. But this pass-catch combination is set. Rivers completed 8 of 11 passes for 92 yards. Jackson had three catches for 49 yards.
With starter Antonio Gates out as a precaution, veteran backup Randy McMichael showed he his value. He had three catches for 24 yards, including a nifty 7-yard touchdown catch.
San Diego head coach Norv Turner has said the key to not starting slow again is to avoid committing turnovers early in the season. Turner has to be pleased San Diego did not commit a turnover in this game.
Corey Liuget is going to make lot of plays. The No. 18 overall draft pick has been explosive and he has been beating his opponent routinely. Expect him to make his presence known as a starter at defensive end as a rookie. He had a sack
Backup defensive lineman Vaughn Martin is making strides. He had two sacks Sunday, He has been a long-term project and the former Canadian college player is starting to live up to his potential. Perhaps we’ll see him as a rotational player this season.
Overall, San Diego’s defense played strong for the second straight game. Dallas’ first-team offense did have one dominant drive. But this was a solid outing for Greg Manusky’s unit.
Starting receiver Malcom Floyd left the game with a concussion. He will be monitored. The NFL takes concussion treatment extremely serious. So, I wouldn’t be shocked if Floyd doesn’t play next week.
After an eight-tackle performance last week, rookie free-agent linebacker Darryl Gamble had two tackles Sunday.