Category: Latest Chargers news

3 takeaways from Chargers’ 24-17 loss to Chiefs

Chargers WIre’s Gavino Borquez gives his final thoughts on the Chargers’ loss to the Chiefs on Monday night.

The Chargers fought hard with the Chiefs the entire game on Monday night, but quarterback Philip Rivers and company were unable to execute on the last drive to stay alive.

Here are a few takeaways from Monday’s 24-17 loss in Mexico City:

Rivers’ regression

Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images

On a night when the defense held the league’s most deadly offense to 310 total yards, which kept them close the entire game, Rivers held his own offense back from keeping Los Angeles’ playoff hopes alive.

In a series of questionable decisions, Rivers threw a season-high four interceptions, which marks seven in the past two games. The veteran quarterback looked uncomfortable, rushed and reckless.

Outside of one interception that was caused when his right arm was hit, the other three were a result of poor decision-making and locking in on one receiver as opposed to going through his progressions or misreading the defense.

With a clean pocket, Rivers has tight end Hunter Henry open in the middle of the field but he looks him off and settles for running back Austin Ekeler for a 3-yard gain.

Rivers, 37, has been stood up for all season by people blaming the offensive line for his deteriorating play, but the truth is he’s not the quarterback he once was. A quarterback throwing 14 interceptions in 11 games is certainly going to get some blame.

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Chargers’ Derwin James still expected to play this season

Despite the slim playoff chances, Derwin James is still expected to play this season.

The Chargers dropped to 4-7 after losing to the Chiefs on Monday night, which nearly closed their playoff window.

With the chances of Los Angeles playing in January being slim, there are a lot of people wondering if it would still be worth bringing safety Derwin James back into the mix as opposed to letting him rest.

On Tuesday, coach Anthony Lynn assured that James is still in the team’s plans, and will play when he is medically cleared no matter what the team’s record suggests.

“If we got healthy players as good as DJ, if he can play, he’s gonna play. We’re not tanking, guys. We’re 4-7. Last time I checked, we have five games left,” Lynn said, per Orange County Register’s Gilbert Manzano.

James hasn’t played this season as he has used that time recovering from a foot injury that he sustained back in August, weeks before the season opener. James has been doing speed and agility drills the past couple of weeks, as he prepares to return.

“I’m feeling well, feeling better, getting better every day. Just taking it day-by-day. It’s real close, real soon. I can say that. So just taking it day-by-day. Working hard to get back out there,” James told NFL Total Access’ Lindsay Rhodes.

James was asked whether he expects to be back for Los Angeles’ Week 13 matchup against the Broncos, and he responded with a smile, “Stay tuned.”

James and his teammate Adrian Phillips, who injured his forearm in September, will look to return after the bye week.

Their presence will add a huge boost to a defense that already ranks near the top of the league. But it’s uncertain if it’s enough to get the whole team to the playoffs based on their current standing.

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Melvin Ingram believes Chargers will still make playoffs

Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram is confident his team can play in January.

Defensive end Melvin Ingram isn’t giving up hopes of making the playoffs, despite a gut-wrenching loss on Monday night to the Chiefs.

Standing tall at the podium, appearing confident from his tone of voice, Ingram said he believes the Chargers can still make the playoffs after falling to 4-7.

“Yes, sir. We still the same team no matter. Whatever has to happen, take care of itself. All we can do is come, line up, fight every week,” Ingram said.

Led by Ingram’s dominant performance on Monday, the defense had their best outing yet against the league’s most prolific offense, but quarterback Philip Rivers was unable to help put up the much-needed points to match their success.

Prior to game, Los Angeles’ playoff hopes were revived after a few key losses to teams across the AFC in Week 10. The Bolts were only two games back from the division and a win would’ve put them back in contention, but they were unable to deliver.

The Chargers lost their past two consecutive games to divisional opponents and are 4-7 heading into their bye. They’re three games back from first place in the division, but have a tough road ahead of them to close out the season, facing teams like the Vikings, Raiders and Chiefs once more.

Los Angeles would have to not only win the last five games of the regular season, but they would have to hope for losses to the other teams above them that are in the mix for the postseason in order to make the playoffs.

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Chargers defense’s stout effort all for naught in loss to Chiefs

The Chargers defense forced Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to one of the worst performances of his career.

The Chargers knew that they would have their hands full facing a Chiefs team, who has one of the best offenses in the league.

Even without safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips, who were both key components to the success when the two teams met last season, the defense did what most teams haven’t been able to do.

The unit held quarterback Patrick Mahomes to 182 passing yards, which was his lowest in a full game so far in his career. Mahomes had a 72.7 passer rating, which was his second-lowest mark.

Mahomes was nearly a non-factor in the first half of the game, as he was held to less than 100 total yards.

Kansas City lost wide receiver Tyreek Hill early on to a hamstring injury, and he finished with no catches and zero yards. Running backs Damien Williams and LeSean McCoy were also banged up throughout the course of the game.

But they still limited the other handful of playmakers the Chiefs possess.

It all started up front with defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. The two both did an excellent job against a stout offensive line by generating pressure, making Mahomes feel uncomfortable.

Ingram came in clutch in the fourth-quarter by stopping the Chiefs on three consecutive third-down plays, which all resulted in punts.

Defensive tackles Damion Square and Justin Jones, who returned from an injury, were solid against the run, recording a handful of stops at or behind the line of scrimmage.

The line’s efforts benefited the rest of the members on the defensive side of the ball as Mahomes, who was under constant duress, didn’t have much time to push the ball downfield and was forced to throw nearly everything underneath.

When Mahomes did try to go deep on one play, he was picked off by free safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who jumped in front of a ball on a pass intended to wide receiver Demarcus Robinson and came up with an interception.

Outside of a few crucial missed tackles and blow coverages, including tight end Travis Kelce’s touchdown in the third-quarter, the linebackers and cornerbacks stayed true to their assignments and kept everything in front of them.

Thomas Davis has really come into his own as a run stopper, leading the way with the team-high 12 tackles and Casey Hayward continues to show he’s one of the best corners in the league by not giving up a single reception.

The defense did what they needed to, but unfortunately, quarterback Philip Rivers and company were unable to pick them up in a must-win game on Monday night.

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It’s time for the Chargers to think about life after Philip Rivers

All good things must come to an end.

The decline of quarterback Philip Rivers has been evident this season. But the Chargers’ loss to the Chiefs on Monday night made it clear that it’s time to start thinking about the future of Los Angeles.

In need of a win to stay in playoff contention, Rivers held his team back.

With less than two minutes to drive down the field and tie the game up, Rivers converted a fourth-and-4 and a third-and-15 to lead the Chargers to the Chiefs’ 14-yard line.

On second-and-10, Rivers was looking to go to running back Austin Ekeler in the end zone, but safety Daniel Sorensen was right there. His interception of the underthrown ball sealed the Chargers’ seventh loss by seven points or fewer this season.

Rivers tossed four interceptions, while his defense held the league’s most explosive offense in check the majority of the night. He has thrown 14 interceptions, which is the second-most in the league.

Los Angeles sits at 4-7 heading into the bye, their playoff hopes nearly extinguished. With the postseason fading, fans are left wondering what the future holds for Rivers after this season.

It’s a hard pill to swallow for most fans because they have seen Rivers starting under center since 2006, and while he may have not guided the Bolts to a Super Bowl, he is one of the greatest quarterbacks over the past decade.

Rivers has faced challenges along the way, including below-average offensive line play, and while he has overcome them throughout his career, there’s no overcoming the poor decision-making and the deteriorating arm that we’ve seen.

Rives, who will be 38 in December, is an unrestricted free agent after this season. Even though he has said that he wants to play with the Chargers when they move into their new stadium with the Rams in 2020, it doesn’t mean the team feels the same way — especially after what he’s done this season.

Signing Rivers would be short-term, but at a hefty price. That’s not all that ideal when they have other key players that they will have to use that money on.

Rivers said that he’s going to use this offseason to weigh his options. Whether that is retiring or pursuing an opportunity with a team that’s close to a Super Bowl, he will hold a special place in Chargers fans’ hearts.

So what should Los Angeles do to fill the void?

They need to find a quarterback early on in the 2020 NFL draft, such as Oregon’s Justin Herbert, Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts or Utah State’s Jordan Love, and start Tyrod Taylor, who is under contract for one more season, as a bridge to let the rookie get adapted to the NFL.

It wouldn’t be easy to move on from the heart and soul of the Chargers for the past decade and a half, but all good things must come to an end.

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Twitter reacts to Chargers’ loss to Chiefs

People on Twitter had a lot to say about quarterback Philip Rivers following the Chargers’ loss to the Chiefs.

The Chargers were in need of a victory in order to keep their playoff hopes alive, but instead, quarterback Philip Rivers was unable to guide his team and is at fault for their gut-wrenching loss to the Chiefs.

Rivers struggled to take care of the football, finishing the game with four interceptions. His turnovers were what cost Los Angeles from winning in primetime.

With the loss, the Bolts are now sitting at 4-7, and their shot at the postseason is now nearly nonexistent.

Here’s a look at Twitter following the Chargers’ 24-17 loss to the Chiefs on Monday night:

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Instant analysis of Chargers’ 24-17 loss to Chiefs

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez gives his thoughts from the Chargers’ 24-17 loss to the Chiefs in Week 11.

In a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive, Philip Rivers threw four interceptions, including one in the end zone on the final drive, and the Chargers couldn’t come out on top against the Chiefs in Mexico City.

Here is our instant analysis from Los Angeles’ 24-17 loss to Kansas City:

Injury Update

There were no injuries tonight.

Play of the Game: Mike Williams’ monstrous catch

In need of keeping their final drive alive, Williams came up clutch with an acrobatic catch that went for 50 yards on third-and-15.

Notable Number

7: Quarterback Philip Rivers has thrown seven interceptions in his last two games, the most in any two-game span in his career.

Quick Takes

  • Tonight’s loss fell on Rivers’ shoulders. He had two opportunities to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but they both ended up being interceptions. Poor decision-making and regression in arm talent continue to be evident.
  • Running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler gave the offense life in the first half, but they were nonfactors in the second half, combining for only 23 yards from scrimmage after totaling 199 yards in the first half.
  • They weren’t perfect, but the offensive line performed better than their dreadful Week 10 outing. They only allowed two sacks on the night against a deadly Chiefs pass rush.
  • Rivers’ weapons did him a lot of favors with some of their eye-popping catches tonight. Wide receiver Keenan Allen had a bounce-back game, including reeling in his first touchdown pass for the first time since Week 3.
  • After a dominant first half, the defense came out in the second half looking like a completely different unit. Soft coverage and missed tackles in open space were the killer that allowed quarterback Patrick Mahomes to guide his team to a comfortable lead.
  • Defensive end Melvin Ingram had a phenomenal performance, coming up in a big way on three consecutive third downs to force the Chiefs to punt. Whether it was generating pressure or batting balls at the line of scrimmage, Ingram made great plays.
  • As a whole, the defense didn’t allow Mahomes to produce that many explosive plays. The absence of wide receiver Tyreek Hill was clear, but the secondary did a nice job keeping everything in front of them for the most part, aside from a couple plays, including tight end Travis Kelce’s touchdown.

Up Next

The Chargers have their bye in Week 12. Their next game will be against the Broncos at Empower Field on Dec. 1 at 1:25 p.m. PT.

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Takeaways from first half of Chargers vs. Chiefs

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez gives his thoughts from the first half of the matchup between the Chargers and the Chiefs.

The Chargers trail the Chiefs 10-9 in a low scoring affair at the halfway mark.

Here are our takeaways from the first half:

  • The Chargers defense has been playing lights out against a Chiefs offense that ranks near the top of the league. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has yet to surpass 100 passing yards and the rushing attack has been held to less than 50 yards on the ground.
  • Linebacker Thomas Davis has been dominant against the run, but he’s made a couple key plays in coverage.
  • Cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Michael Davis are having great games, keeping the Chiefs wideouts in check. Safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who came up with the big-time interception in the first quarter, has done a nice job keeping everything in front of them.
  • The Chargers offense is in full control, but the two turnovers have killed them and that’s why the Chiefs have the lead.
  • Running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler have been awfully productive tonight. The two have combined for 199 yards from the line of scrimmage. They’re having success carrying the football and have been deadly in the short passing game.
  • Quarterback Philip Rivers’ first interception wasn’t his fault, but the second one was. It was a bad read from Rivers, attempting to go wide receiver Keenan Allen and safety Tyrann Mathieu made the perfect play on the ball.
  • Aside from the one sack given up, the offensive line has given Rivers a lot of time to distribute the football.

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Watch: Chargers’ Rayshawn Jenkins comes up with huge interception

Chargers free safety Rayshawn Jenkins came up with a clutch play in the first quarter.

The Chargers defense has done an excellent job limiting Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company.

Free safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who was our defensive player to watch, came up with a huge interception near the end of the first quarter. Jenkins read the play perfectly and closed in on the pass intended for wide receiver Demarcus Robinson.

Here is the play, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter account:

Los Angeles leads Kansas City, 3-0 with 12:26 remaining in the second quarter.

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Chargers vs. Chiefs inactives

The Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs released their inactives ahead of the Monday night battle.

The Los Angeles Chargers released their inactives ahead of Monday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Inactive

LT Russell Okung
RT Sam Tevi
LB Drue Tranquill
WR Geremy Davis
RB Justin Jackson
DT T.Y. McGill
QB Easton Stick

Linebacker Drue Tranquill, who was listed as questionable with a calf injury on Saturday, is out. Denzel Perryman should have an expanded role due to Tranquill’s absence.

Here’s a look at the Chiefs’ inactives:

DE Alex Okafor
CB Kendall Fuller
QB Chad Henne
TE Blake Bell
OL Nick Allegretti
OL Jackson Barton
RB Darwin Thompson

Kansas City will have starting left tackle Eric Fisher back for the first time since Week 2, as well as right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff, who has been out since Week 8 with an ankle injury.

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