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McCoy: Chargers Stubbed Toes 'Too Many Times'

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Chargers almost made a habit of blowing halftime leads last season and a new regime didn't change that in this season's opener.

"You have to give them a lot of credit, but we had every opportunity to put that game away and we didn't do it," new San Diego coach Mike McCoy said Tuesday.

The Chargers led 28-7 in the third quarter Monday night before watching that advantage disappear as the Houston Texans rallied for a 31-28 victory in the season opener. The Chargers' final five second-half possessions featured four three-and-outs and an interception that Brian Cushing returned for a game-tying touchdown.

"We stubbed our toes a little too many times," McCoy said.

The team blew five halftime leads last season.

On Monday, the Chargers opened the second half with an 80-yard drive right after the break. San Diego's Philip Rivers already had his first four-TD passing game since November 2011.

But then the Chargers grinded to a halt, managing just 10 more yards all night as Houston's cranked-up defense took charge.

"It's one of 16 games and it's a long season," McCoy said. "You got to learn from it."

The Chargers were off Tuesday before resuming work for Sunday's game in Philadelphia. The Eagles not only got the Chargers' attention with their 33-27 win over the Washington Redskins but also with their speed. The Eagles ran 53 plays in the first half alone.

"We have a challenge in front of us but we are looking forward to it," McCoy said.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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