Instant analysis of the Chargers’ shutout loss to the Patriots

The Los Angeles Chargers were embarrassed by the New England Patriots on Sunday.

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The Chargers were shut out by the Patriots, 45-0.

Here is my instant analysis from Los Angeles’ loss to New England in Week 13:

Injury Report

Safety Rayshawn Jenkins went down early on in the contest, but he returned to the action shortly after. Running back Joshua Kelley suffered an ankle injury.

Play of the Game: Kenneth Murray’s first career sack

Murray, who led the team in tackles (14), was one of the very few players who showed life through all four quarters. Along the way, the rookie picked up his first professional sack in the second quarter.

Notable Number

With the 45-0 loss to the Patriots, the Chargers suffered their biggest blowout in franchise history.

Quick Takes

Coach Bill Belichick has had a lot of success against rookie quarterbacks in his tenure. It was no different today, as the Patriots defense limited Justin Herbert to only 209 passing yards and two interceptions. New England did a great job of pressuring him and taking away his targets all afternoon long.

When Herbert did have time to throw the football, he was off the mark on a lot of his passes, primarily overthrowing his targets.

The Chargers didn’t have many opportunities to run the ball today, only rushing 15 times for 70 yards. Running backs Austin Ekeler and Kalen Ballage split the carries, 8 and 7, respectively.

Cornerback Stephon Gilmore got the best of wide receiver Keenan Allen, limiting him to only five catches for 48 yards on 11 targets. WR Mike Williams and tight end Hunter Henry were non-factors, as well.

The run defense has been concerning as of late. It was no different today, especially without linebacker Denzel Perryman, as the unit allowed 165 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. There was very little push upfront and defenders looked uninspired to tackle.

While the Patriots only threw the ball 22 times, the pass rush was nearly nonexistent. Linebacker Kenneth Murray was the player who had the team’s lone sack.

Special teams were as bad as it gets. They allowed two touchdowns and had a couple of bone-headed penalties.

All in all, the Chargers were flat out embarrassed and did not look like they were ready to play today. Coach Anthony Lynn might be loved as a person, but he is not proven as a coach anymore.

Up Next

The Chargers play host to the Falcons next Sunday, Dec. 13 at 1:25 p.m. PT. The game will be televised on CBS.