Instant analysis of Chargers’ 31-26 loss to Raiders

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down the heartbreaking loss to the Raiders.

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Another heartbreaker.

Here is our instant analysis from the Chargers’ 31-26 loss to the Raiders in Week 9:

Injury Report

Tackle Bryan Bulaga (back) and running back Justin Jackson (knee) both left the game in the first quarter. Neither player returned.

Play of the Game: Justin Herbert to Tyron Johnson for 50 yards

This should become “Justin Herbert’s best throw of the game” because it’s becoming a weekly thing. While it only led to a field goal, this was an absolute dime.

Quick Takes

Quarterback Justin Herbert had yet another solid performance, finishing with 28-of-42 passing for 326 yards and two touchdowns, including 24 yards on the ground.

The ground game, too, had another great outing. Led by running back Kalen Ballage, the unit racked up 128 yards on 31 carries. Ballage finished with 69 yards and a touchdown on 15 rushes.

The offensive line struggled in pass protection, particularly on the right side after Bulaga went out of the game. Trey Pipkins allowed two sacks on the afternoon.

Despite dealing with a sore throat, wide receiver Keenan Allen didn’t let that slow him down. Allen finished with nine receptions for 103 yards and a score.

The final drive could’ve been a different result if wide receiver Mike Williams or tight end Donald Parham would have reeled in the football. But the play-calling was still questionable. The majority of that drive consisted of running back check-downs and they could’ve drawn up something different than two goal-line fades.

The defensive line missed defensive end Joey Bosa immensely. The group only had one sack, which was by defensive tackle Jerry Tillery. Quarterback Derek Carr had a lot of time to distribute the ball, which he did a nice job of doing down the field.

Speaking of that, the secondary continues to be an issue. But cornerback Casey Hayward deserves the majority of the blame, as he gave up two plays for over 45 yards each. Hayward was responsible for wide receiver Nelson Agholor’s touchdown.

The Chargers knew that the Raiders aren’t afraid to run the football. Even though they knew it was coming, they still had no answer for the rushing attack. A combination between lack of push up front and missed tackles led to Las Vegas amassing 160 yards and two touchdowns.

Special teams matter. If wide receiver K.J. Hill wouldn’t have muffed that punt with about eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter after a great defensive stand, the outcome could’ve been different. Instead, it led to the game-ensuing field goal.

Up Next

The Chargers travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins next Sunday, Nov. 15 at 1:05 p.m. PT.