Instant analysis of Chargers’ 24-17 loss to Raiders

The Los Angeles Chargers were unable to string together a win in their final game played at Dignity Health Sports Park, suffering defeat to the Oakland Raiders by the score of 24-17. Here is our instant analysis from the Week 16 matchup: Injury …

The Los Angeles Chargers were unable to string together a win in their final game played at Dignity Health Sports Park, suffering defeat to the Oakland Raiders by the score of 24-17.

Here is our instant analysis from the Week 16 matchup:

Injury Report

Quarterback Philip Rivers hurt his right thumb on an attempted block in the first half, but he managed to play the entire second half with it being taped up.

Notable Number

  • 19: The Chargers only rushed for 19 yards on the afternoon, an absolute horrid performance on the ground.

Quick Takes

  • The questionable offensive play-calling, the evident lack of effort (dropped passes, etc.) hindered that side of the ball all but the fourth quarter.
  • Quarterback Philip Rivers had a decent game, where had a lot of success in the short-intermediate parts of the field, putting the team in position to score in the second half. Rivers finished 27-of-39 for 279 yards.
  • Running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler couldn’t get anything going all afternoon, combining for only 19 yards on 16 carries. Gordon had two touchdowns, but they came from a yard out.
  • Aside from a sack and a couple pressures given up, Rivers had a clean pocket for the majority of the afternoon. The offensive line fared well in pass protection, but they failed to clear holes in the running game.
  • The defensive line brought the heat in the first half, combining for three sacks. But they failed to acquire another one in the second half.
  • Quarterback Derek Carr had plenty of time to throw, eating the defense up underneath. Carr finished 26-of-30 for 291 yards and a touchdown. The secondary also allowed a few explosive plays early on, which put the offense in favorable position.
  • The Raiders converted on both red-zone trips.
  • The defensive line also struggled to clear holes in the running game at times, allowing running back DeAndre Washington to run free. When they did, it was safety Derwin James and defensive end Joey Bosa to clean it up. The two combined for three tackles for loss.
  • Rookie Jerry Tillery, who had .5 sack, made his presence known early on, showing a better sense of leverage and hand usage to get free.

Up Next

The Chargers travel to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the season finale, which will be played on Dec. 29 at 10:00 a.m. PT.