"The Cardinals shoddy defensive performance against the Falcons in week two prompted a players-only meeting where finger-pointing and desire were discussed.

Those topics could be on the agenda again this week if defenders choose to have another meeting to discuss their performance in a 41-10 loss to the Chargers.

"We didn't play like we wanted to win the game," said outside linebacker Joey Porter. "We knew we were up against the No. 1 offense but it's still a pride thing. It's a little embarrassing when you come up here and put out a performance like we did today. It's a bitter taste."

Defensive coordinator Bill Davis traced the Cardinals problems to failure to stop the run. The Chargers rushed for 180 yards, led by Mike Tolbert's 100 yards.

When the Chargers running backs weren't gashing the Cardinals, they were catching passes. They caught six passes for 56 yards

And when they weren't doing that, quarterback Philip Rivers was completing all 7 passes he threw to tight end Antonio Gates.

"We have to stop the run, focus all our effort on that," Davis said, "because it's been two games now we haven't stopped the run. Until we get that fixed, through scheme, player change, whatever I have to do, we'll do it.

"At some point, we have to step up.""