While the Chargers had a pair of defenders that had solid performances in Sunday’s win over the Falcons, the team also had two defensive backs that struggled.
Wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage combined for 13 receptions, 206 yards and a touchdown, which were allowed primarily by cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Chris Harris Jr.
Harris got beat by Ridley on a touchdown, which came from Gage on a trick play while Hayward was beat on multiple occasions. The two were also poor as tacklers, one of which was attempted by Harris that led to a touchdown by wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
Ridley and Gage ran freely for the majority of the contest. This was all without Julio Jones, who was out with an injury. If Jones was active, I can only imagine what the outcome would have been.
This season Hayward has allowed 32 catches on 67 targets for 547 yards while Harris has allowed 17 receptions on 25 targets for 291 yards, in just six games.
Both players have dealt with their perspective injuries this season even though Harris experienced one much longer. Nonetheless, Los Angeles isn’t getting great production out of these players, who they expected to be key contributors this season.
Whether it’s due to injuries, the bottom line is that L.A. needs to be in the market for more reliable cornerbacks, whether that be through free agency or the early rounds of the draft.
If signs regression continue to be evident with Hayward, the Chargers could elect to release him before he becomes a free agent after the 2021 season. With Harris, they could choose to restructure his contract.