San Diego took a 10-9 lead with 5:10 left in the third on Nate Kaeding's 27-yard field goal, but a critical giveaway late in the quarter allowed Carolina to go back in front.

Antonio Gates caught a pass from Philip Rivers and lost control of the ball as he was going down. Chris Gamble grabbed it and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown. The Chargers challenged the ruling, claiming Gates was down, but the replay verified the official ruling. John Kasay's extra point made it 16-10.

It was Gates' first fumble in 339 touches, according to a Fox graphic.

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