Sam Bradford and the St. Louis Rams want to grow up to be just like Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.
Maybe not right this minute, though.
The Rams host the Chargers on Sunday, and few would have predicted these teams would have the same record.
The Rams (2-3) have already surpassed their win total from 2009 and, with rookie quarterback Bradford, the future looks bright.
Last week’s 35-27 loss to the Oakland Raiders was a real head-scratcher for the Chargers, who are 2-3 for the third straight season. The four-time defending AFC West champions, who had defeated the Raiders 13 consecutive times, led 24-15 in the third quarter.
Rivers threw for 415 yards, but the Chargers had three turnovers (all fumbles) and allowed two long touchdown drives in the second half.
Bradford, the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft out of Oklahoma, has completed 56.7 percent of his passes, with six touchdowns and eight interceptions. In last week’s 44-6 loss to the Detroit Lions, Bradford threw two interceptions. Despite the less than stellar numbers, though, he has already shown the poise and ability to win in the NFL.
The Rams’ offense suffered a blow when wide receiver Mark Clayton was lost for the season after tearing the patellar tendon in his right knee early in last week’s game. He had 23 catches and two touchdowns.
St. Louis was already without its top receiver, Donnie Avery, who suffered an ACL injury in the preseason. Danny Amendola had a career-high 12 receptions last week and leads the team with 33 catches.
Steven Jackson leads the Rams in rushing with 398 yards and a touchdown, and needs 141 yards to pass Eric Dickerson (7,245 yards) as the Rams’ career rushing leader.
St. Louis’ defense, ranked 20th in the NFL, could be in for a long day, although it is tied for third with eight interceptions. The Chargers have the NFL’s No. 1 offense.
Rivers, who will try for his NFL-high 19th straight game with a touchdown pass, leads the NFL in passing yards with 351.8 yards per game and has 11 touchdowns against four interceptions.
The Chargers’ Antonio Gates, who is averaging 115 yards per game and has seven touchdowns this season, will try to improve on his NFL record for a tight end with a touchdown catch in 10 straight games.
San Diego’s Malcom Floyd had 213 yards receiving and a touchdown last week. He is averaging 22.6 yards per catch and has three touchdowns.
Mike Tolbert (292 yards, four touchdowns) and rookie Ryan Mathews (218, 1) have shared the rushing duties for the Chargers.
San Diego’s offensive line will receive a boost as left tackle Marcus McNeill returns to the field. McNeill, who was a holdout, was activated this week after signing a five-year contract extension.