SAN DIEGO -- I reviewed all seven of the quarterback sacks the San Diego Chargers have given up during the team’s three-game losing streak.

Though offensive tackles King Dunlap and D.J. Fluker can certainly perform better, the real issue in my opinion is that poor execution early in games on both sides of the ball has created situations where Philip Rivers feels like he has to take more risks on offense, resulting in deeper drops that create better opportunities for the pass rush to get there.

San Diego gave up just six sacks through six games, but seven over the past three. In the first six games, the Chargers trailed a total of just over 42 minutes. In the past three games -- all losses -- the Chargers led for a little over 18 minutes combined.

Miami's Olivier Vernon strips the ball from San Diego QB Philip Rivers during their game Nov. 2. Charles Trainor Jr./Getty Images

Rivers’ competiveness can work against him at times. When San Diego is behind, Rivers knows that he has to take some risks to try and create a big play to get his team back in the game. But by doing that, he at times takes what looks to be some unnecessary risks that put the Chargers in an even worse situation.

For the most part, Mike McCoy and Frank Reich have done a good job of managing Rivers, emphasizing the need to be patient and take what the defense gives him. The Chargers need to get back to that balanced, ball-control offense that worked so effectively for them earlier this season. That means more consistent play on both sides of the ball.

Here is a rundown of the sacks:

Kansas City (2)

Second quarter

Second-and-6 from San Diego’s 22: Rivers takes a seven-step drop and is immediately under pressure from the right side when Fluker falls back trying to block Justin Houston. The result is an 8-yard loss. Fluker appeared to lose his balance here. San Diego ran Ronnie Brown on the next play and had to punt. The game was tied at 7-7.

Third-and-7 from San Diego’s 39: King Dunlap is beaten off of the left edge by Tamba Hali, who strips Rivers of the ball as he attempts to throw. Rivers recovers and the Chargers lose 15 yards. San Diego punts on the next play, and trails 10-7. Rivers had room to step up, but the pressure gets there quick and he had little time to react.

Denver (2)

Second quarter

Third-and-7 from San Diego’s 39: Fluker is beat off of the right edge by Von Miller. Rivers is sacked for a 5-yard loss. Fluker reaches and barely gets a hand on Miller. The Chargers have to consider helping Fluker with a chip block from the running back or the tight end against elite speed-rushers like Miller or Houston. They do that later in the game. San Diego trails 7-0 and has to punt.

Second-and-18 from Denver’s 31: This is really a coverage sack. Rivers has time to throw, but can’t find anyone. He steps up in the pocket and tries to escape. Chris Watt and Rich Ohrnberger are beaten by Terrance Knighton and Derek Wolfe, who combine on the sack for a two-yard loss. However, Rivers hits Antonio Gates for a 31-yard completion up the middle on the next play. Keenan Allen scores on a 2-yard pass on the following play. The Chargers tie the game at 7.

Miami (4)

First quarter

First-and-10 from San Diego’s 20: On the very first play, Fluker is beat on a power rush by Koa Misi. Rivers steps up to avoid the pressure, and runs into Randy Starks, blocked by Chad Rinehart. He loses three yards on the play, but the Chargers manage to convert a third-and-10 to keep the drive alive. They wind up giving the ball up when running back Branden Oliver can’t convert on fourth-and-1 from Miami’s 22.

Third quarter

First-and-10 from San Diego’s 39: The Chargers are trailing 30-0 at this point, so keep that in mind. Rivers has time, and steps up in the pocket. But Earl Mitchell beats Watt and sacks Rivers for an 8-yard loss. Rivers throws an interception to Brent Grimes on the next play.

Third-and-9 from San Diego’s 11: King Dunlap is quickly beat around the edge by Olivier Vernon, who hits Rivers as he throws. Jared Odrick recovers at San Diego’s 14-yard line for the Dolphins.

Third-and-5 from San Diego’s 35: Both Dunlap and Fluker are beaten off the edge. Cameron Wake and Vernon put a big hit on backup Kellen Clemens, who is in the game replacing Rivers. The sack forces a San Diego punt with the team trailing 37-0.