> By Michael Gehlken

> Sunday, November 18, 2012

> DENVER — Philip Rivers has seen the magic.

> He's seen the Chargers fall three games behind the Broncos with three to
> go. He's seen them close the gap, winning out while Denver lost out.

> They were bailed out once.

> Not even Rivers, the eternal competitor and optimist, can see that
> happening again.

> Any hopes San Diego had to win its first AFC West title since 2009
> essentially ended Sunday, as it couldn't slow a Broncos team that
> continues to roll. The Chargers fell 30-23 and must now make up four games
> in six weeks.

> Hope has not been lost for the season.

> That much was clear in a post-game visitor's room where locker by locker a
> different player was assuring this mess of five losses in the past six
> games can be salvaged.

> But to close the gap on these Broncos, who've won five straight, would
> require a collapse similar to the 2008 version.

> “They ain't gonna stumble,” Rivers said. “...We can't hang our hat on
> Denver doing anything from a collapsing standpoint. We got to hang our hat
> on us controlling what we can control and try to win one at a time and
> chip away at it and see if nine or 10 (wins) ends up being enough. Six
> games to go, they're not losing four of six; I can guarantee you that.

> “That's not going to make us try any less harder, but we got to go out and
> control what we can control, and that's trying to win a game against the
> Baltimore Ravens (this Sunday). I think at this point, to talk playoffs is
> not appropriate, really. We just got to try and win a game, see if we can
> get win No. 5.”

> This was a complete loss.

> The offense was shut out in the first half, which ended with Mike Scifres
> having nearly as many punts — seven — as Rivers had completions — nine —
> behind an overpowered offensive line and a receiving corps that struggled
> to find space.

> The first-half running game also faltered with 11 carries for 8 yards.

> San Diego's defense and special teams allowed big plays between them,
> including a second-quarter blocked punt that led to a touchdown on the
> next play.

> The Chargers did Sunday as they tend and now hope to do.

> They made things interesting.

> It started in the third quarter when the offense awoke.

> Rivers began the game 9-for-20 for 60 yards and an interception. The
> offense's first 12 drives, with 10 punts and two turnovers, produced zero
> points.

> He finished by completing 15 of 20 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns
> with a pick.

> The turnaround began on a 12-play, 80-yard drive in which he was 7-for-9
> for 67 yards, including an 8-yard touchdown to wide receiver Danario
> Alexander. That cut the Chargers' deficit to 24-16 with 58 seconds left in
> the third.

> Denver made field goals on its next two drives.

> Down by 13, Rivers led his second 80-yard touchdown drive. Alexander
> caught four passes for 65 yards, capped by a 21-yard touchdown with 89
> seconds left in regulation.

> An onside kick attempt failed, and that was it.

> San Diego would get the ball again with 30 seconds to travel 83 yards.
> Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil sacked Rivers on second down.

> That ended the game.

> It didn't end the season, tight end Randy McMichael said.

> “Our season is not over,” McMichael said. “We know that. We still have a
> lot of football left. But we can't lose anymore. We can't lose another
> game — can't. We've got to go out and continue to fight. We fought our ass
> off until the end, but we didn't get done what we needed to get done.

> “Our season is far from over. We just can't lose anymore.”