Chargers at Bengals: Full highlights and final score

The Cincinnati Bengals led the San Diego Chargers throughout most of the afternoon, and were able to hold on at Paul Brown Stadium, 24-19. Andy Dalton played terrific football against a strong Chargers secondary, throwing for three scores including one to A.J. Green in the first quarter.

Neither team was able to play much defense, with the Bengals and Chargers combined for more than 700 total yards. Perhaps the main difference was San Diego not being able to pass protect, allowing four sacks to a Cincinnati team that ranked last in that category in 2014.

Highlights

Three Stars

1. Giovani Bernard

Bernard was exceptional, getting most of the action after Jeremy Hill injured his knee in the first half. Hill only carried 10 times, giving Bernard the opportunity to carry 19 times for 122 yards. San Diego had all kinds of problems containing the speedster, who also caught three passes for 16 yards.

2. Philip Rivers

Rivers was excellent throughout the day, completing 21-of-27 for 241 yards and a pair of touchdowns and a pick. Rivers was under duress all game but was able to hit on all but five of his passes, while avoiding interceptions until the final drive, when he forced a throw into coverage. The only blemish was a fumble by Rivers, when he was hit from behind. If Rivers continues to play at this level, the Chargers will be in great shape going forward.

3. Andy Dalton

Dalton played well and made some deep throws to keep the Chargers on their heels all day. Dalton only threw for 214 yards and completed 16-of-26, but he hit for three touchdowns including a perfect 45-yard bomb to Marvin Jones in the second quarter. Dalton was pushing the ball down the field, making throws into tight coverage and avoiding turnovers.

Odds

Cincinnati was favored by three points and did cover the spread.

Next week

The Chargers will be playing the against the Minnesota Vikings on the road while the Bengals are also on the road against the Baltimore Ravens.