Bollinger, Jets Come Up Short

The image of San Diego's Ladainian Tomlinson burning former All-Pro cornerback Ty Law for a 25-yard touchdown will be a difficult one for any Jets fan to forget. But for a while, that pain almost was forgotten, as Brooks Bollinger replaced a slightly injured and mostly ineffective Vinny Testaverde to rally the Jets (2-6) to turn a would-be laugher into a nail-biter, as the Chargers (5-4) held on for a 31-26 victory Sunday in East Rutherford.

Bollinger orchestrated 75- and 48-yard touchdown drives to make it 31-26 with 6:14 to play, before a first and goal with under two minutes remaining fizzled out on a turnover on downs when a "jump-ball" fade route pass to Justin McCareins was deflected.

And the hurt seemed to sting more than that from the team's other losses this season. Herm Edwards wouldn't speak in certain terms, but Testarverde himself indicated he doesn't expect to be the starter next week.

Immediately after making a key reception for a first down in the fourth quarter, veteran Wayne Chrebet stayed down on the turf, apparently the victim of yet another concussion, one that might mean the end to his career. Chrebet is the franchise's second all-time leading receiver.

Once again, Gothamist's prediction (for Chargers 21-10) was dead on - at halftime. The Jets will travel to face Carolina next Sunday at 4 p.m. as the reach the must-win portion of their schedule. Going into tonight's action New England (4-3) holds a two game lead over AFC East rivals Buffalo and Miami (both 3-5).