National Football League

Defense key as Rams upset Chargers 20-17

Published Oct. 19, 2010 1:11 a.m. ET

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Steven Jackson took charge in the huddle. Then he backed it up on the field.

The San Diego Chargers had shaved a 14-point cushion to three with 3:16 to play, capitalizing on the St. Louis Rams' conservative approach, when the two-time Pro Bowler barked in the huddle that enough was enough.

Jackson carried five straight times for 28 yards and two first downs to help run out the clock, complementing a defense that sacked Philip Rivers seven times in a 20-17 victory on Sunday.

''It was going to come down to who had the ball last,'' Jackson said. ''I wanted the ball.''

Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford relished three kneeldowns that gave the surprising Rams (3-3) a three-game winning streak at home where they had lost 14 in a row prior to 2010, and send the Chargers (2-4) to their fourth straight road loss.

''We knew we could end the game with a couple first downs,'' Bradford said. ''We knew we wanted to win with the ball in our hands. There's no better feeling that being able to win in the victory formation.''

The Rams had 206 yards and 14 first downs in the first half, and only 94 yards in the second half while sitting on the shrinking lead.

''I was hoping we'd score a few more points in the second half, but we didn't,'' coach Steve Spagnuolo said. ''As long as you have one more than they do, then we're good.''

The Chargers ran short of pass catchers when Antonio Gates injured his left ankle in the first half and Malcom Floyd injured a hamstring in the second half. An MRI exam and X-rays are scheduled Monday for Gates, whose NFL-record streak of scoring in nine straight games by a tight end came to an end.

''Hopefully it's not a long-term thing,'' coach Norv Turner said.

James Hall, Chris Long and Larry Grant had two sacks apiece for the Rams, and Hall blocked a field goal. It's the first time the Rams had three players with at least two sacks apiece since Sept. 20, 1998 against the Buffalo Bills.

''A lot of that is scheme,'' Long said. ''I think the coaches did a great job scheming it up so guys would be free.''

Rivers passed for 249 yards and a touchdown, but also threw an end-zone interception in the first quarter. After taking a pounding, he wasn't making excuses.

''I didn't come into the locker room after the game thinking 'Man, if we'd protected better we would have won,''' Rivers said. ''We didn't play well enough to win.''

The Chargers were limited to 287 yards, 175 below their league-leading average, and were 4 for 12 on third down conversions. They botched another play on special teams, too, when Nate Kaeding slipped and injured his groin on the field goal attempt that was blocked.

San Diego has lost by seven, seven, eight and three points on the road.

''We have a lot of work to do, to become the type of team we want to be,'' Turner said.

The Rams rebounded impressively from a 38-point spanking at Detroit a week ago. Coach Steve Spagnuolo set the mood by having players watch a Hagler vs. Hearnes boxing match the night before the game.

Jackson was consistent throughout with 109 yards on 29 carries and a touchdown, his second straight 100-yard effort. He needs 32 yards to pass Eric Dickerson (7,245 yards) and become the franchise's career leading rusher.

''I think it was a special win,'' Jackson said. ''I think that's why you see such happiness in the locker room.''

Danario Alexander made an immediate impression in his NFL debut with a diving grab for a 38-yard touchdown in the first quarter, helping fuel the Rams' fast start.

One of the former Missouri stars' four surgeries on his left knee came after he was injured against Oklahoma and Bradford in the 2008 Big 12 championship game. Alexander was promoted from the practice squad this week after Mark Clayton went on injured reserve, and finished with four catches for 72 yards.

''I thought he did an awesome job,'' Bradford said. ''For him to come in and play like he did, it was a huge boost.''

The sack total was the Rams' most since they had eight Nov. 30, 2003 at home against the Vikings. They totaled 10 sacks the first five games.

''When we're successful, we're getting to the quarterback,'' Hall said. ''We wanted the pressure and we wanted this on our shoulders.''

Notes: Danny Amendola had a 42-yard punt return in the first half for St. Louis. ... Chargers punter Mike Scifres averaged 59.5 yards on six attempts, but two of them sailed into the end zone. ... Rams WR Mardy Gilyard and S Darian Stewart injured hamstrings. ... The Rams won their last four home games in 2004.

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