Through a lackluster first five games, the San Diego Chargers’ special teams have been far from special. Special teams miscues have been present in every game so far this season, playing a big role in each of the team’s unexpected three losses. In San Diego’s most recent loss at Oakland on Sunday, the Bolts found themselves in a 12-point hole in less than five minutes, courtesy of a pair of blocked punts. After a game-opening three and out, Raiders running back Rock Cartwright blocked a Mike Scifres punt out of the endzone for a safety. On the Chargers’ next drive, Oakland tight end Brandon Myers came in untouched for the other block that defensive back Hiram Eugene took into the endzone for a score. The Bolts took the lead back by halftime, but the early punt blocks ultimately cost them in a 35-27 loss. Against Oakland, the Bolts’ less-than-special special teams negated a 431-yard effort from QB Philip Rivers and helped see the team’s 13-game winning streak against the rival Raiders come to an end. Poor play on special teams has hurt the Chargers in four of their first five games: In Week 1 at Kansas City, the Chargers allowed a 94-yard punt return touchdown to Dexter McCluster and a pair of long returns to Javier Arenas in a rainy, messy second quarter. San Diego ended up losing that game by seven. In Week 2 against Jacksonville, the Bolts rolled to a comfortable 38-13 win. But in the second quarter of that victory, the Jaguars blocked a Scifres punt, which led to a field goal in what was a close game at the time. At Seattle in Week 3, San Diego surrendered touchdowns to Leon Washington on kickoff returns of 101 and 99 yards, the latter coming in the fourth quarter and ultimately deciding a 27-20 affair. Those returns canceled out a season-best effort from Rivers and a near 17-point comeback, and prompted the coaching staff to play more starters on special teams. It was hard to find much fault the next week against the Cardinals, as the Bolts won 41-10 and chased Arizona starting quarterback Derek Anderson from the game. But even in that lopsided win, kicker Nate Kaeding missed a 38-yard field goal in the third quarter. Along with offense and defense, special teams are an equally key component of a football team. So far, the Chargers have been less than sharp in that third of the game, something they will need to fix with the toughest stretch of the 2010 season coming up. CHARGERS GAME PREVIEWS San Diego at St. Louis Sunday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. Edward Jones Dome TV: CBS All-time series: St. Louis leads 5-4 Last meeting: Chargers won 38-24 at San Diego Oct. 29, 2006 Key matchup: Chargers rush defense against St. Louis running back Steven Jackson — Jackson is averaging 4.1 yards per carry this season and if the Bolts can shut him down, that will put pressure on Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford and an inexperienced receiving corps. Players to watch: After a lengthy holdout, left tackle Marcus McNeill will make his first appearance of the 2010 season. How well will McNeill protect quarterback Philip Rivers’ blindside in his first game back? Fun Fact: The Chargers will be looking for their first win in the city of St. Louis. The Bolts are 0-3 all-time in the home of the Gateway Arch, losing to the Cardinals in 1983 and to the Rams in 2000 and 2002. Prediction: Chargers 35, Rams 17 New England at San Diego Sunday, Oct. 24, 1:15 p.m. Qualcomm Stadium TV: CBS (subject to blackout) All-time series: New England leads 20-15-2 Last meeting: Chargers won 30-10 at San Diego Oct. 12, 2010 Prediction: Patriots 27, Chargers 17 NFL GAMES OF THE WEEK Week 6 Baltimore (4-1) at New England (3-1) Sunday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m., Gillette Stadium TV: CBS Even without recently-traded receiver Randy Moss, New England should still give Baltimore’s top-ranked defense fits in Foxboro. On the other side of the ball, quarterback Joe Flacco and his veteran receiving corps will look to pick apart a green Patriots secondary. Prediction: New England 17, Baltimore 13 Week 7 Minnesota at Green Bay Sunday, Oct. 24, 5:20 p.m., Lambeau Field TV: NBC Don’t expect embattled Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre to find much sympathy at Green Bay, where he will get the pariah treatment under the Sunday night lights. The Vikings have beaten the Packers three straight times, a streak the inconsistent Pack will be looking to end. Lots of points and lots of yards in this one. Prediction: Green Bay 35, Minnesota 31