Game story
In Week 1 of the 2002 NFL season on 2002-09-08, the Los Angeles Chargers took care of business against the Cincinnati Bengals, pulling away with a 34–6 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 10 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
G. Frerotte (Cincinnati Bengals) paced the passing game, with -4.90 total EPA.
On the individual side, D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.96 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-14.9% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Cincinnati Bengals changed the game: (4:39) 12-G.Frerotte pass intended for 80-P.Warrick INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Molden at CIN 14. 25-A.Molden to CIN 14 for no gain (80-P.Warrick).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Chargers | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 34 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 D. Brees · Los Angeles Chargers · Passing · +11.96 total EPA · 21 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
- 2 L. Tomlinson · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +10.64 total EPA · 22 snaps · +0.48 EPA/play
- 3 C. Conway · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +4.55 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.76 EPA/play
- 4 T. Fletcher · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +4.26 total EPA · 16 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
- 5 D. Farmer · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +3.90 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.30 EPA/play
- 6 F. McCrary · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.63 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.88 EPA/play
- 7 L. Tomlinson · Los Angeles Chargers · Receiving · +2.12 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
- 8 T. Dwight · Los Angeles Chargers · Rushing · +1.54 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.54 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
D. Brees — LAC · Passing
D. Brees posted the highest total EPA (+11.96) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Los Angeles Chargers's efficiency. Across 21 counted snaps, they averaged +0.57 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.90 EPA) came from Cincinnati Bengals: (4:39) 12-G.Frerotte pass intended for 80-P.Warrick INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Molden at CIN 14. 25-A.Molden to CIN 14 for no gain (80-P.Warrick).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Los Angeles Chargers — J. Norman (D. Brees pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — L. Tomlinson
- Los Angeles Chargers — C. Conway (D. Brees pass)
- Los Angeles Chargers — T. Fletcher
Field goals
- Los Angeles Chargers — S. Christie
- Los Angeles Chargers — S. Christie
- Cincinnati Bengals — N. Rackers
- Cincinnati Bengals — N. Rackers
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 10 (Q1 53:52) — (8:52) 8-S.Christie 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q1 46:23) — (1:23) 9-D.Brees pass to 83-J.Norman for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q1 46:18) — 8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett..
The second quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 10–0. Los Angeles Chargers connected on a field goal from the CIN 9 (Q2 43:19) — (13:19) 8-S.Christie 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q2 30:23) — (:23) 21-L.Tomlinson right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q2 30:19) — 8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett..
The third quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–3. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 3 (Q3 26:20) — (11:20) 5-N.Rackers 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-8-N.Harris.; Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CIN 9 (Q3 23:50) — (8:50) 9-D.Brees pass to 80-C.Conway for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q3 23:42) — 8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett..
The fourth quarter: Los Angeles Chargers won the period 7–3. Los Angeles Chargers found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q4 9:19) — (9:19) 41-T.Fletcher right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Los Angeles Chargers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q4 9:14) — 8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the LAC 36 (Q4 5:48) — (5:48) 5-N.Rackers 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-8-N.Harris..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 49:39) — (4:39) 12-G.Frerotte pass intended for 80-P.Warrick INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Molden at CIN 14. 25-A.Molden to CIN 14 for no gain (80-P.Warrick).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 57:41) — (12:41) 9-D.Brees pass to 85-T.Dwight to CIN 26 for 17 yards (21-J.Burris).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 56:15) — (11:15) (Shotgun) 9-D.Brees pass to 80-C.Conway ran ob at CIN 13 for 11 yards.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 40:18) — (10:18) 28-C.Dillon right tackle to LAC 43 for -1 yards (55-J.Seau). PENALTY on CIN-82-M.Westbrook, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards, enforced at LAC 43.
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q1 51:48) — (6:48) 9-D.Brees pass to 80-C.Conway to CIN 47 for 12 yards (27-A.Hawkins).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 49:39) — (4:39) 12-G.Frerotte pass intended for 80-P.Warrick INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Molden at CIN 14. 25-A.Molden to CIN 14 for no gain (80-P.Warrick).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 28:19) — (13:19) 12-G.Frerotte pass to 83-D.Farmer pushed ob at LAC 6 for 51 yards (42-R.Beckett).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 6:28) — (6:28) (Shotgun) 12-G.Frerotte sacked at LAC 36 for -13 yards (96-L.Carson).
- Los Angeles Chargers (Q3 23:50) — (8:50) 9-D.Brees pass to 80-C.Conway for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
G.Frerotte led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- G.Frerotte (Cincinnati Bengals) · 40 dropbacks · 45.0% completion · -0.12 EPA/play · -4.90 total EPA
- D.Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) · 21 dropbacks · 71.4% completion · +0.57 EPA/play · +11.96 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Los Angeles Chargers | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.315 | -0.081 |
| Offensive success rate | 57.3% | 38.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.525 | -0.122 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.299 | -0.411 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.081 | -0.315 |
| Defensive success rate | 61.8% | 42.7% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Los Angeles Chargers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.32 vs -0.08), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Cincinnati Bengals: 9 drives, -5.54 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Los Angeles Chargers: 9 drives, +25.85 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Los Angeles Chargers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q1 53:52 · CIN 10 · Score 3-0
(8:52) 8-S.Christie 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q1 46:23 · CIN 1 · Score 9-0
(1:23) 9-D.Brees pass to 83-J.Norman for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q1 46:18 · CIN 2 · Score 10-0
8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Los Angeles Chargers FG (+3) — Q2 43:19 · CIN 9 · Score 13-0
(13:19) 8-S.Christie 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q2 30:23 · CIN 1 · Score 19-0
(:23) 21-L.Tomlinson right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q2 30:19 · CIN 2 · Score 20-0
8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q3 26:20 · LAC 3 · Score 20-3
(11:20) 5-N.Rackers 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-8-N.Harris. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q3 23:50 · CIN 9 · Score 26-3
(8:50) 9-D.Brees pass to 80-C.Conway for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q3 23:42 · CIN 2 · Score 27-3
8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Los Angeles Chargers TD (+6) — Q4 9:19 · CIN 1 · Score 33-3
(9:19) 41-T.Fletcher right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Los Angeles Chargers XP (+1) — Q4 9:14 · CIN 2 · Score 34-3
8-S.Christie extra point is GOOD, Center-50-D.Binn, Holder-2-D.Bennett. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 5:48 · LAC 36 · Score 34-6
(5:48) 5-N.Rackers 54 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-8-N.Harris.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The Los Angeles Chargers beat the Cincinnati Bengals 34-6 in Week 1, 2002 on 2002-09-08.
What was the final score of Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
The final score was Los Angeles Chargers 34, Cincinnati Bengals 6 (LAC 34-6 CIN) in Week 1, 2002 on 2002-09-08.
What was the score by quarter in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Q1: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q2: Los Angeles Chargers 10, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q3: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Cincinnati Bengals 3; Q4: Los Angeles Chargers 7, Cincinnati Bengals 3; Final: Los Angeles Chargers 34, Cincinnati Bengals 6.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — J. Norman (D. Brees pass) (Q1 46:23) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — L. Tomlinson (Q2 30:23) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — C. Conway (D. Brees pass) (Q3 23:50) Los Angeles Chargers touchdown — T. Fletcher (Q4 9:19) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — S. Christie (Q1 53:52, 3 pts) Los Angeles Chargers field goal — S. Christie (Q2 43:19, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — N. Rackers (Q3 26:20, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — N. Rackers (Q4 5:48, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
G. Frerotte (Cincinnati Bengals), 45.0% completion, -0.12 EPA per dropback, -4.90 total passing EPA. D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers), 71.4% completion, +0.57 EPA per dropback, +11.96 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Los Angeles Chargers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
D. Brees (Los Angeles Chargers) led the game in total EPA with +11.96 on passing plays. across 21 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.90 EPA): (4:39) 12-G.Frerotte pass intended for 80-P.Warrick INTERCEPTED by 25-A.Molden at CIN 14. 25-A.Molden to CIN 14 for no gain (80-P.Warrick).. The biggest win-probability swing was -14.9%.
Season records after this game
Los Angeles Chargers
Now 1-0 W
Cincinnati Bengals
Now 0-1 L
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