B -

Aesthetically askew, statistically subpar, physically limited by a sprained knee, Philip Rivers gets bonus points for grit in rallying the Chargers from a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

RUNNING BACKS

A -

Except for an uncharacteristic personal foul and some unfortunate footwork near the sidelines, LaDainian Tomlinson was predictably brilliant.

RECEIVERS

B

Chris Chambers' diving fourth-down reception sustained the Chargers' tying touchdown drive – thanks, perhaps, to incomplete camera angles. Antonio Gates' acrobatic end zone grab forced overtime.

OFFENSIVE LINE

C -

As the run blocking improves, the pass protection has declined. On a day when the unit yielded a season-high five sacks, left tackle Marcus McNeill looked suspiciously like a sieve.

DEFENSIVE LINE

B

One of the day's more encouraging developments was how well the run defense held up after Jamal Williams went out.

LINEBACKERS

B+

If the pass rush suffered in the second half without Shawne Merriman (two sacks), Matt Wilhelm responded admirably with 10 tackles and an interception.

SECONDARY

A

Antonio Cromartie tied a team record with his ninth interception in his fifth start. Collectively, the Chargers allowed no reception longer than 17 yards.

SPECIAL TEAMS

A

Kassim Osgood deserves special commendation for two Mike Scifres punts being downed at the 1-yard line. Osgood also made the correct call – heads – on the overtime coin flip.

COACHING

B+

Complain about the play-calling, if you will, or scratch your head about defensive schemes. But when you come back from 14 points down on the road, that's a big positive on the poise front.

NEXT OPPORTUNITY: vs. Detroit

A+

The Lions have looked more like lambs lately, having lost five in a row following a fast start.

BY THE NUMBERS

1 Victory by Chargers this season with more turnovers than their opponent (3-2 yesterday)

1 Victory by Chargers this season when trailing after three quarters (10-3 yesterday)

2-0 Chargers' all-time record in Nashville

3 Consecutive wins by Chargers for second time this season

7 Consecutive wins by Chargers in December over last two seasons

11.5 Sacks by Shawne Merriman, making him the sixth player in NFL history with 10 or more sacks in each of his first three seasons

– JAY POSNER