Looking to extend the three-game winning streak

SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Chargers are 5-3, and the bandwagon is rolling once again, loaded with fans who have hopped back aboard during a three-game winning streak.

The Chargers, who face the Eagles today at Qualcomm Stadium, rallied behind quarterback Philip Rivers to beat the New York Giants, 21-20, at the Meadowlands on Sunday. The Chargers are not quite world-beaters, though. Their winning streak includes victories against Kansas City and Oakland, the doormats of the AFC West. Although Rivers led a thrilling drive to beat the Giants in the final seconds, the Chargers were the benefactors of New York's free-fall.

It's certainly better than where they were after a 34-23 loss to AFC West leader Denver on Oct. 19.

"It's still early - we're just to the halfway mark. But we are playing better," Rivers said. "We're three weeks better than we were post-Denver game. And if we can keep that going, then we'll give ourselves a chance.

Rivers was the first to note that the Chargers still have a lot to work on. Their running game was practically nonexistent against the Giants and is dead last in the NFL. Receivers dropped passes, and Rivers was intercepted twice.

Fans wonder why the Chargers don't show the same urgency earlier in games as they do late.

Rivers capped a magnificent 80-yard drive with an 18-yard pass to Vincent Jackson with 21 seconds to play to beat the Giants.

Then again, that's exactly how the last two seasons have unfolded under coach Norv Turner. After slow starts, the Chargers fired up in the second half.