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Philip Rivers, Chargers vs. Ravens defense

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The Ravens are far better at slowing the run and rushing the passer than guarding receivers.

Philip Rivers, in his 140th consecutive start, will survey a makeshift secondary that lost its best pass defender, Jimmy Smith, to season-ending injury four games ago. Quarterbacks had just a 51.5 passer rating against Smith.

Cornerback Ladarius Webb is savvy, but his play has been uneven since his return from back injury. Converted safety Anthony Levine is the other starter at corner. Nickel back Danny Gorrer, claimed after Smith went down, is on his fifth team in five years. Against Gorrer on Monday night, the Saints were 7 for 7.

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Will Hill leads a three-man safety rotation that’s notches below Baltimore’s longtime tandem of Ed Reed and Bernard Pollard. Hill survived his duels against Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, allowing a touchdown but also defending four passes in Baltimore’s 34-27 victory.

Safety Matt Elam is tough but erratic; he’s allowed a quarterback rating of 133.3. Rivers would like to see the sophomore Elam, 5-foot-10, on either Antonio Gates or Ladarius Green. Rookie safety Terrence Brooks, another up-and-down performer, can run (4.42) and jump (38 inches, vertical).

Coordinator Dean Pees, who worked six seasons under Bill Belichick, runs a “3-4” hybrid defense. The front-seven is balanced, explosive and rugged.

Edge rusher deluxe Elvis Dumervil (12.5 sacks, 5-11 1/2, 260) will go against right tackle D.J. Fluker. Last time Dumervil faced the Chargers, his 2.4-second strip sack after beating RT Jeromey Clary with an up move changed both the course of the 2012 Week 6 contest and Norv Turner’s final season as Chargers coach. Terrell Suggs (6 sacks, 6-3 1/2, 260) will attack from Rivers’ blind side. He’s playing through a foot injury.

Inside, Pernell McPhee (6-2 1/2 , 275), Haloti Ngata (6-4, 345) and T Brandon Williams (6-1, 335) are disruptive.

Along with his 11 quarterback hurries, rookie ILB C.J. Mosley leads the defense in snaps and tackles.

Chargers running back Ryan Mathews will make his third start since returning from a knee sprain. He hit the Rams for 105 rushing yards last Sunday, gaining a career-high 8.8 per pop. The Ravens haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 21 straight games. The Saints, gaining 6.0 per carry, ripped them for 126 rushing yards Monday, while Drew Brees also passed for 420 and three scores.

Rookie Chris Watt will make his second NFL start. The starter at center last Sunday, he overcame a first-series holding penalty to play fairly well.

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