Tag: Chargers Lions

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 11: Where Chargers stand after loss to Lions

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Lions.

The Chargers are coming off a shootout loss to the Lions.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 11:

USA Today: 15 (Previous: 14)

“In QB Justin Herbert’s three-plus seasons, the Bolts have lost 13 games by three or fewer points – the most in the NFL since 2020. Sorry, but not blaming him for this.”

Touchdown Wire: 15 (Previous: 14)

“That was a pretty typical Chargers’ loss. Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen play like Batman and Robin, but what good is it when The Joker is your head coach and defensive play-caller?”

NFL: 18 (Previous: 16)

“Not sure if the lose-two, win-two pace will keep up all season, but the Chargers followed their most recent pair of victories with a defensive nightmare that landed them back in the loss column, so some things are repeating. Even a brilliant Justin Herbert performance wasn’t enough against the Lions. The defensive showing was even worse than what the Bolts displayed during the pounding Miami laid on them in Week 1 at home. Speaking of, the Chargers are suddenly 2-3 in Inglewood, with the two victories coming against the Bears and Raiders. The four remaining road games are winnable. The four home games all could be tough ones, including a prime-time matchup against the Ravens and the regular-season finale against the Chiefs. The 4-5 Chargers have five teams to pass in the playoff standings, and they’re only 2-3 so far vs. AFC foes. They’re not dead yet, but they’ve got to get going very soon.”

CBS Sports: 19 (Previous: 15)

“The defense is bad right now, which shouldn’t be the case with the supposed stars on that side of the ball and a defensive-minded head coach. They are in a hole now in the playoff chase.”

ESPN: 16 (Previous: 14)

Biggest remaining game: Week 11 at Green Bay

“The Chargers dropped to 4-5 after Sunday’s loss to the Lions, moving them to third place in the AFC West and the 12th seed in the conference. A loss to the struggling Packers in Week 11 would be a significant hit to the Chargers’ playoff chances, especially with a game against the Ravens, the AFC’s No. 2 seed, in Week 12.”

Yahoo Sports: 16 (Previous: 13)

“The Chargers have given up the second-most yards in the NFL, the most passing yards and the third-most net yards per pass attempt, via Pro Football Reference. This is not the defense the Chargers signed up for when they hired Brandon Staley, who was previously the Rams’ defensive coordinator. If the defense doesn’t turn around, that’s what will cost Staley his head coaching job.”

The Athletic: 17 (Previous: 16)

Coach status: Shaky

“Brandon Staley went from being the defensive coordinator at John Carroll University, a 3,600-student private college in Ohio to an NFL head coach in five years, and it’s possible that the ascent was too fast. Staley’s background is on defense, but the Chargers are 24th in points allowed (23.9 ppg) after Sunday, which dropped Staley to 23-20 as a head coach. Justin Herbert had a 114.9 passer rating and the Chargers scored touchdowns on their final five possessions against Detroit, and they still lost.”

Chargers WRs Jalen Guyton, Quentin Johnston flash vs. Lions

Jalen Guyton and Quentin Johnston stepped up while Keenan Allen was nursing a shoulder injury for most of the second half.

Despite the tough loss, two Chargers wide receivers stepped up while Keenan Allen was nursing a shoulder injury for most of the second half in Sunday’s game against the Lions.

Jalen Guyton scored his first touchdown since December 16, 2021. It was an 18-yard score in the third quarter that tied both teams at 24 apiece. This was only Guyton’s second game this season for Los Angeles. 

Guyton finished with four receptions on six targets for 41 yards.

“There’s really no feeling like being out there with the guys,” Guyton said of his return to the field. “I put a lot of work in, it was a long time coming. It’s priceless.”

Not long after Guyton’s touchdown, rookie Quentin Johnston tied the game at 31 with his first career touchdown on a crucial fourth down. The score was a 16-play, 75-yard drive featuring eight plays inside Detroit’s 10-yard line. 

Johnston finished with four catches for 34 yards and drew three defensive pass interference penalties.

“I feel more confident,” the rookie said on scoring his first touchdown. “I’m gaining the trust of the quarterback more and more.” 

If players like Guyton and Johnston continue to be consistent, they can help quarterback Justin Herbert have more dependable options to turn to on the field, especially while Joshua Palmer remains on injured reserve. 

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 10 loss to Lions

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest-graded Chargers players from the loss to the Lions.

In Week 10, the Chargers fell short to the Lions, 41-38.

Outcome aside, there were some standout performers and others that were duds.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who played at least 35% of the snaps on offense (72) or defense (66).

Top 5 Offense

WR Keenan Allen – 92.1

QB Justin Herbert – 83.6

OT Rashawn Slater – 72.4

TE Donald Parham Jr. – 66.7

RB Austin Ekeler – 66.6

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Khalil Mack – 78.8

EDGE Joey Bosa – 66.1

DT Austin Johnson – 65.3

S Derwin James Jr. – 63.4

EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 63.1

Bottom 5 Offense

OL Jamaree Salyer – 61.1

WR Quentin Johnston – 59.7

OT Trey Pipkins – 56.9

C Will Clapp – 54.0

OL Zion Johnson – 53.0

Bottom 5 Defense

DT Nick Williams – 54.7

CB Asante Samuel Jr. – 46.3

S Alohi Gilman – 39.9

LB Eric Kendricks – 30.0

LB Kenneth Murray – 27.3

Social media reacts to Chargers’ loss to Lions

Here is how the general population reacted to the Chargers’ loss to the Lions.

Despite a spectacular performance from the Chargers offense, Los Angeles fell short to the Lions.

The Bolts are now 4-5 after a heartbreaking loss.

Here’s how social media reacted to the failed comeback:

 

Highlight: Chargers WR Quentin Johnston scores first career touchdown vs. Lions

Quentin Johnston’s first touchdown was a clutch one.

The Chargers tied the game against the Lions at 31 apiece with a passing touchdown to rookie Quentin Johnston.

It marked Johnston’s first career touchdown.

It was a 16-play, 75-yard drive, with eight plays inside Detroit’s 10-yard line.

Highlight: Chargers tie game with beautiful pass by Justin Herbert vs. Lions

Justin Herbert has found his groove.

We have a ball game.

After a good defensive stand to force a punt, the Chargers drove down the field on a 10-play, 92-yard drive that was capped with a passing touchdown to Jalen Guyton.

Justin Herbert layered the football in between two defenders and Guyton was there to reel it in the end zone.

This play was right after Keenan Allen went off to the sidelines with a left shoulder injury.

Highlight: Keenan Allen’s touchdown gives Chargers offense life vs. Lions

Keenan Allen is having a great game.

After struggling on the offensive end for most of the first half, the Chargers finally found life with a great drive that was capped with a Keenan Allen touchdown for 29 yards.

Allen ran a great route. Justin Herbert made a great throw. The wideout made a great catch.

How to watch, listen, stream, wager Chargers vs. Lions

To get you prepared for Week 10, here is everything you need to know about the matchup between the Chargers and Lions.

The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to push past .500 when they take on the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 10 matchup:

Game Information

Who: Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers

When: Sunday, Nov. 12 at 1:05 p.m. PT

Where: SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, CA

Television

Those in the red area will get the game on CBS.

Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will have the call.

Radio

ALT 98.7 FM

KBUA 105.5 / KBUE 94.3 FM

Streaming

fuboTV (try it free)

Betting

Lines are from BetMGM Sportsbook

  • Moneyline (ML): Lions -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Chargers +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Lions -3 (-110) | Chargers +3 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 48.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Social Media

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Chargers’ causes for concern vs. Lions

Here is why the Lions could come out victorious on Sunday.

Riding a two game winning streak, the Chargers host the 6-2 Lions at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.

Here are four reasons to be worried about Los Angeles falling back under .500.

Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Lions?

Find out who the experts are picking between the Chargers and Lions.

The Chargers are 3-point underdogs to the Lions in Week 10 of the 2023 regular season. The over/under is 48.5 points, per BetMGM Sportsbook.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 48.5 points.

My score prediction for the game is a 30-21 win for the Lions, with a combined total of 51 points. So if I were putting money behind my prediction, I’d bet the over.

As for game picks, analysts are leaning toward the Lions winning.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Lions
Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Chargers
Mike Clay (ESPN) Chargers
Matt Bowen (ESPN) Lions
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Chargers
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Lions
NFL.com Staff Lions (5 to 0)
Bleacher Report Lions

Sunday’s game will begin at 1:05 p.m. PT and will be televised on CBS.