--FS Marlon McCree, who was with the Chargers the past two years, now plays for Denver. McCree will long be remembered in Chargers lore for not falling on a late interception in a playoff game in the 2006 season. He fumbled the ball, which gave the Patriots a chance for a comeback win.

--Some say Tomlinson would be more effective in the season's early going if he played some in the preseason. Tomlinson, the two-time defending NFL rushing champion, disagrees. "I've been doing it for a while now and I know how to prepare myself for the real situation," said Tomlinson, who rushed for 97 yards in the loss to Carolina.

--WR Craig "Buster" Davis may or may not get to suit up this week. The Chargers' top draft pick last year was a healthy inactive for the opener. "Two things, a combination," Turner said for his reasoning. "Malcom Floyd has had an outstanding camp and Buster has missed a lot of time."

--The Chargers not only swept the Broncos last year, they dominated them to the tune of a combined score of 64-6.

--FB Michael Tolbert, an undrafted rookie, earned some high praise as he heads into his second career game on Sunday. "Mike did a great job," Tomlinson said of Tolbert's play against the Panthers. "He really had some critical plays that he came up big for us and I was proud to see that. He's a guy that will continue to grow and I think he can be a huge asset to this team."

--The Broncos have won eight straight home openers, the longest streak in club history.

--QB Philip Rivers now has the highest career passer rating among active quarterbacks with New England's Tom Brady out. Rivers' 88.3 rating (minimum 500 pass attempts) is a team record and has helped him to a 25-8 regular-season record.

BY THE NUMBERS: 7 -- LaDainian Tomlinson's listing on the NFL's all-time touchdown list with 129, two behind Cris Carter.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Good thing this is a marathon and not a sprint." -- OLB Shaun Phillips, looking ahead after the Chargers absorbed an opening-day loss.