The Rams played even with the Chargers for three quarters, but sometimes a slow start can finish a game before it starts. San Diego led 14-0 after the first 12 minutes and St. Louis never got over the hump in a 38-24 loss Sunday.
St. Louis also found out what every team in the NFL already knows.
LaDainian Tomlinson is arguably the best running back in the NFL.
Tomlinson ran through and around the Rams defense for 183 yards and three touchdowns. The All-Pro became the second-fastest to score 90 touchdowns tied with Emmitt Smith who did it in 86 games. Jim Brown reached 90 the fastest of any back, scoring in only 81 games.
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers completed 15-of-23 passes for 206 yards and a touchdown.
His counterpart Marc Bulger, when not being harassed by Shawne Merriman, managed to complete 27-of-40 passes for 327 yards and two scores. Five of those completions went to Isaac Bruce for 105 yards.
St. Louis lost two games in the row for the first time this season. They play host to Kansas City Sunday.