Carolina showed an inability to finish in the first half, settling for John Kasay field goals of 44, 33 and 30 yards after gaining pretty good chunks of yardage but bogging down. But that last kick, with eight seconds left in the half, gave the visitors the lead.

San Diego took a 7-3 lead after Kasay's first field goal on Philip Rivers' 44-yard touchdown pass to Chris Chambers -- a ball thrown so high, Chambers could have made dinner reservations at Anthony's while waiting to outjump safety Charles Godfrey for the ball.

Antonio Gates was taken to the locker room with 7:09 to play, but it wasn't for his foot. The early diagnosis was a hip contusion, and he's expected to return.

Shawne Merriman finally got on the play-by-play sheet, assisting on a tackle midway through the half. He still hasn't been much of a factor.

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