Behind the Matchup: Chargers vs. Bengals

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What to Watch For

When the Bengals Run

Runningback BenJarvus Green-Ellis is coming off of a career game after he gashed the Raiders for 129 yards and a touchdown as part of a 221-yard rushing effort by the Bengals. They’ll go against a Chargers defense that ranks fifth in the NFL in stopping the run.

The Chargers will be without LB Donald Butler, who leads the team in combined tackles (72) and has also notched two sacks.

When the Bengals Pass

Tight End Jermaine Gresham is devolving into a consistent offensive threat, as he is 2nd on the team in targets (63), receiving yards (517), and touchdowns (3).

Quarterback Andy Dalton has been as red-hot as his hair lately, throwing for 8 TDs to 0 interceptions while completing 65% of his passes over the past three games.

WR Mohamed Sanu has caught a TD in three straight games.

Free safety Eric Weddle leads the Chargers in interceptions (3),

Chargers LB Shaun Phillips leads the team in sacks (7).

When the Chargers Run

RB Ryan Mathews leads the way with 146 carries for 594 yards but has just one TD this season.

The Bengals top-2 tacklers are MLB Rey Maualuga (82) and rookie WLB Vontaze Burfict (67). Safey Reggie Nelson is expected to return today after missing the past two games, and despite missing time, he is still the teams’ third-leading tackler (59)

When the Chargers Pass

QB Phillip Rivers has completed 251/376 passes (67%) for 2689 yards and 18 TDs. He ranks second in the NFL with 14 interceptions thrown, but the Bengals defense has just 8 INTs.

His top target is WR Malcolm Floyd, who has 47 receptions for 704 yards and 4 TDs

Future hall-of-fame TE Antonio Gates is having a down season, but has still snagged 32 balls for 368 yards and 4 TDs.

Bengals DT Geno Atkins leads the team in sacks (9), QB hurries (31), and forced fumbles (3).

Head to Head Matchups (Since 2001)

San Diego leads 4-2
Dec 26, 2010	CIN 34, SD 20
Dec 20, 2009	CIN 24, @SD 27
Nov 12, 2006	CIN 41, SD 49
Nov 23, 2003	CIN 34, @SD 27
Sep 8, 2002	CIN 6, SD 34
Sep 30, 2001	CIN 14, @SD 28