Chargers’ Philip Rivers sets NFL records against Cardinals

Nov 25, 2018, 4:21 PM | Updated: Nov 26, 2018, 7:47 am

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers, left, celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

(AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

BY DANNY SHAPIRO

Arizona Sports

One of the Arizona Cardinals’ worst defensive performances of the season was highlighted by a career performance from Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback Philip Rivers.

Rivers set an NFL record for consecutive completions to start a game (23) and tied the record for consecutive completions (25) on Sunday, helping the Chargers rack up 42 points in a row.

And now he’s got the record…

🗣 THAT’S OUR QUARTERBACK https://t.co/lNhAJUTJ7Q

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) November 25, 2018

It was a stunning reversal of fortune for the Cardinals, who outscored the Chargers 10-0 in the opening quarter.

The Chargers scored 28 points in the second quarter to take a 28-10 halftime lead, then added 14 more points in the third quarter.

Cardinals’ defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche had a career-high 2 1/2 sacks in the first half despite Rivers’ record performance.

Rivers was replaced by backup quarterback Geno Smith early in the fourth quarter with the Chargers nursing a 32-point lead.

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Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) celebrates his rushing touchdown with fans during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )

Los Angeles Chargers' Melvin Gordon (28) runs for a touchdown past Arizona Cardinals middle linebacker Josh Bynes (57) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo )

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammate Mike Pouncey, left, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )

Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa celebrates after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo )

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen, left, is sacked by Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo )

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) makes a touchdown catch over Arizona Cardinals cornerback Bene Benwikere (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams makes a touchdown catch over Arizona Cardinals cornerback Bene' Benwikere (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Adrian Phillips during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers prepares to throw against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo )

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrates his touchdown reception with teammates during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, right, runs past Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James on a touchdown reception during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen warms up before the start of an football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald warms up before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) runs out onto the field before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )

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