Tag: Chargers lose

Instant analysis of Chargers’ stunning loss to Jaguars in wild-card round

Recapping the Los Angeles Chargers’ loss to Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night.

The Chargers fell victim to the third-largest comeback in NFL playoff history as the Jaguars came from behind 27 points to win 31-30.

To recap the AFC wild-card bout between Los Angeles and Jacksonville, here is everything to know.

Twitter reacts to Chargers’ loss to Vikings

What the general population thought of the Chargers’ Week 10 loss to the Vikings.

In a game of a timid offense, dropped passes, and lack of defensive execution, the Chargers fell to the Vikings, 27-20.

Following Los Angeles’ loss to Minnesota in Week 10, here’s a look at how the general population reacted on social media.

Twitter reacts to Chargers’ preseason loss to 49ers

It’s only the preseason, but many still voiced what they thought of the Chargers’ loss to the 49ers.

In the second preseason matchup of the year, the Chargers fell short to the 49ers by the score of 15-10.

Even though it was a preseason bout, Bolts and football fans alike still had their opinion on game, which they went to social media to voice.

Here’s a look at how Twitter reacted:

Everything we know about Chargers’ loss to 49ers in preseason Week 2

Recapping the Chargers’ preseason loss to the 49ers.

In a relatively low-scoring affair, the Chargers were unable to come out on top over the 49ers, losing by the score of 15-10.

To recap Sunday’s preseason matchup, here is everything we know:

It was over when….

49ers quarterback Trey Lance found wide receiver Travis Benjamin in the end zone with six minutes remaining in the third quarter. The Chargers had five opportunities after the score to take the lead again but were unable to.

Keys of the game

The two teams combined for 25 penalties.

The Chargers forced three turnovers, but only managed to capitalize off of one of them.

The offense was only 2-of-11 on third-down situations.

The offensive unit only combined for 171 yards of total offense.

3 stars of the game

QB Easton Stick: 10-of-14, 85 passing yards, one touchdown, three carries for 15 yards

EDGE Kyler Fackrell: Two tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, three quarterback hits

LB Nick Niemann: 8 total tackles, one tackle for loss

Quick-hitters

With his performance, Stick made the battle for Justin Herbert’s backup a lot more interesting. Chase Daniel, on the other hand, didn’t help his cause, only amassing 60 yards passing on 21 attempts, in addition to an interception.

Stick and Daniel were sacked five times and pressured on multiple occasions, which particularly speaks for the lack of offensive line depth, including Trey Pipkins or Storm Norton, who have not proven themselves as reliable swing tackles.

Neither Joshua Kelley or Larry Rountree III separated themselves in the battle of the backfield, as the two only combined for 21 yards on 15 carries. However, they both made some nice plays in the passing game.

The interior part of the defensive line was strong in the pass-rush department, but they weren’t as effective in the run game, as the Niners averaged four yards per carry.

Luckily for the guys in the trenches, the second line of defense was nearly always there to clean things up, including Niemann and Cole Christiansen, who combined for 15 tackles.

There wasn’t much to take away from the kicking battle, considering there was only one field goal attempt, which was executed by Michael Badgley from 50 yards out.

Speaking of special teams, the coverage wasn’t all that great. San Francisco averaged 20 yards on their kick returns and 18 yards on their punt returns.

What’s next?

The Chargers close out the preseason slate on the road against the Seahawks on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 7:00 pm PT.

What Chargers said following loss to Raiders in Week 9

The Chargers are becoming at loss of words after another close loss

There was a slight moment where the Chargers thought they were on the other side of the spectrum in yesterday’s loss to the Raiders.

On the final play of the game, tight end Donald Parham reeled in what looked like the game-winning catch. Unfortunately, the call was overturned after the review revealed that Parham juggled the ball as he went to the ground.

Prior to that, the same play was ran. The only difference is that it went to wide receiver Mike Williams, who also was unable to pull it in. The decision to run the same play two times in a row was head-scratching to some, but not to coach Anthony Lynn.

“I thought it was a good call,” Lynn said. “We didn’t execute the play.”

Originally, Lynn thought it was a touchdown, but the referees overturned it.

At Sunday’s post-game media availability, the only way to express Lynn’s emotions would be disappointment after dropping another close game.

“I told the guys just keep competing. They did what I asked them to do. “We’ve been kicked in the gut six times. That’s six times too many for me,” Lynn said.

The engineer of the offense, quarterback Justin Herbert, has been in this situation many times this season and the common thing he has continued to express is optimism for his team, despite all of the close losses.

“I believe in our coaching staff and I believe in the team we have here. It hasn’t gone our way over the past couple weeks, but we’re a tough team. We’re a tight locker room and I believe 100 percent in all the guys and all the coaching staff that we have here,” Lynn said.

Another player who is doing everything he can to keep the Chargers chugging along in games is wide receiver Keenan Allen.

“[Expletive], I could talk about this since the second week of the season. Just close games. We’re not winning them. That’s just been the story of the season so far in the first half,” Allen said.

Instant analysis of Chargers’ 31-26 loss to Raiders

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down the heartbreaking loss to the Raiders.

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Another heartbreaker.

Here is our instant analysis from the Chargers’ 31-26 loss to the Raiders in Week 9:

Injury Report

Tackle Bryan Bulaga (back) and running back Justin Jackson (knee) both left the game in the first quarter. Neither player returned.

Play of the Game: Justin Herbert to Tyron Johnson for 50 yards

This should become “Justin Herbert’s best throw of the game” because it’s becoming a weekly thing. While it only led to a field goal, this was an absolute dime.

Quick Takes

Quarterback Justin Herbert had yet another solid performance, finishing with 28-of-42 passing for 326 yards and two touchdowns, including 24 yards on the ground.

The ground game, too, had another great outing. Led by running back Kalen Ballage, the unit racked up 128 yards on 31 carries. Ballage finished with 69 yards and a touchdown on 15 rushes.

The offensive line struggled in pass protection, particularly on the right side after Bulaga went out of the game. Trey Pipkins allowed two sacks on the afternoon.

Despite dealing with a sore throat, wide receiver Keenan Allen didn’t let that slow him down. Allen finished with nine receptions for 103 yards and a score.

The final drive could’ve been a different result if wide receiver Mike Williams or tight end Donald Parham would have reeled in the football. But the play-calling was still questionable. The majority of that drive consisted of running back check-downs and they could’ve drawn up something different than two goal-line fades.

The defensive line missed defensive end Joey Bosa immensely. The group only had one sack, which was by defensive tackle Jerry Tillery. Quarterback Derek Carr had a lot of time to distribute the ball, which he did a nice job of doing down the field.

Speaking of that, the secondary continues to be an issue. But cornerback Casey Hayward deserves the majority of the blame, as he gave up two plays for over 45 yards each. Hayward was responsible for wide receiver Nelson Agholor’s touchdown.

The Chargers knew that the Raiders aren’t afraid to run the football. Even though they knew it was coming, they still had no answer for the rushing attack. A combination between lack of push up front and missed tackles led to Las Vegas amassing 160 yards and two touchdowns.

Special teams matter. If wide receiver K.J. Hill wouldn’t have muffed that punt with about eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter after a great defensive stand, the outcome could’ve been different. Instead, it led to the game-ensuing field goal.

Up Next

The Chargers travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins next Sunday, Nov. 15 at 1:05 p.m. PT.

Instant analysis of Chargers’ 31-30 loss to Broncos

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down the loss to the Broncos in Week 8.

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The Chargers looked strong in the beginning, but they lost in typical fashion to the Broncos on Sunday, falling by the score of 31-30.

Here is our instant analysis from Los Angeles’ Week 8 loss:

Injury Report

Edge defender Joey Bosa and running back Troymaine Pope both left the game to be evaluated for concussions. They did not return and their statuses remain unknown.

Play of the Game:  Mike Williams’ touchdown

Quarterback Justin Herbert had a few beautiful passes throughout the course of the day, but this throw to Williams in the end zone was his best.

Notable Number

4: Justin Herbert joins Texans QB Deshaun Watson as the only rookies in NFL history with three passing touchdowns in 4 consecutive games.

Quick Takes

Justin Herbert had a slow start but came to life before the half where he engineered 14 points and another seven out of the tunnel. But after that, it all went downhill. Herbert finished 29-of-43 passing for 278 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Herbert connected with eight different targets. Keenan Allen continued to be his security blanket in crucial moments. Allen finished with nine catches for 67 yards and a touchdown. Mike Williams continues to gain Herbert’s trust as the primary deep target. Williams had 99 yards and a score on five receptions.

Coach Anthony Lynn put a big emphasis on finding a consistent running game, and the group delivered. Led by RBs Justin Jackson and Troymaine Pope, the unit combined for 210 yards on 38 carries.

Once again, the defense started out hot. In the first half, the Broncos amassed only 60 yards, which was put together by generating constant pressure on QB Drew Lock and swallowing up RBs Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay.

However, things took a turn near the midway point of the third quarter. Denver’s ground game found success due to the defensive line’s lack of push and missed tackles, and Lock was finding soft spots in coverage, which ultimately led to their 21-point comeback.

The secondary started to look depleted, which is largely due to the lack of depth with the injuries. But it makes you wonder if benching CB Desmond King was the right call. Brandon Facyson was the one who had the defensive pass interference call which put the Broncos in a position to seal the deal.

The entire coaching staff deserves to be questioned. If the Chargers had blown one or two double-digit leads, then it’s understanding to blame it primarily on the players. But it has been four in a row. They are the first team in NFL history to blow four leads of 16 points or more in four straight games.

Up Next

The Chargers return home for another AFC West battle against the Raiders next Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2:05 p.m. PT.

Chargers HC Anthony Lynn, players reap high praise on QB Justin Herbert

The sky is the limit for Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert.

It’s only been four games, but quarterback Justin Herbert has shown that he’s the answer at the position for the Chargers for many years to come.

Herbert’s play on Monday night was what kept the team Los Angeles alive in their 30-27 loss to the Saints, as he tossed four touchdowns – the most ever by a rookie on Monday Night Football.

Herbert did this while missing three starting offensive linemen and wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Austin Ekeler.

“I thought the kid did some good things,” coach Anthony Lynn said on Herbert.

Herbert was pressured on 20 of his 38 dropbacks last night, per Pro Football Focus. However, he overcame being under duress.

While he still managed to make some great things happen in bad situations, Lynn noted the poor performance from the offensive line.

“My quarterback was running for his life,” Lynn said.

The 22-year old leads the NFL when pressured in adjusted completion rate and efficiency.

Three of Herbert’s touchdowns went to wide receiver Mike Williams and tight end Hunter Henry, with the other going to WR Keenan Allen.

After Allen left the game with a back injury, Herbert resorted to Williams, where the two connected five times for 109 yards, including a deep bomb for 64 yards.

“I just told him trust me. That’s the main thing I tell him every day. ‘Trust me, bro. It may not look sweet, just throw it up. I’ll go get it,'” Williams said.

Herbert also leaned on Henry, targeting him eight times. The 25-year old tight end, like the majority of the population, believes the future is bright for Herbert, and knows the team now has to back him up in order to help capture his first professional win.

“The kid is a stud. Great player. I just hate for him. He still hasn’t gotten his first win as a starter, but the kid is playing out of his mind. We all need to be better for him. Pick him up because he’s playing really, really good,” Henry said.

The good, the bad and the ugly from Chargers’ 30-27 loss to Saints

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out the good, the bad and the ugly from the Los Angeles Chargers’ loss to the New Orleans Saints.

The Chargers lost to the Saints in overtime on Monday Night Football in typical fashion, leading by 17 points and letting it slip away. Los Angeles will have plenty of reflecting heading into their bye week.

But before that, here’s a look at the good, the bad and the ugly from Week 5:

The Good

QB Justin Herbert: What more could you ask for from Herbert? The rookie went toe to toe with future Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees, finishing 20-of-34 passing for 264 yards and four touchdowns, which marks the most in MNF history. Herbert did this all while being in the face of pressure all night, and missing some of his top skill players (Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler). The future is bright.

WR Mike Williams: We knew it was a matter of time until Herbert started taking more deep shots to Williams. After Allen went down, Williams became Herbert’s go-to target. He turned eight targets into five catches for 109 yards and two scores, including an outstanding grab in the fourth quarter that put the Chargers in position for the go-ahead field goal (which was missed).

Run defense: Before the game, I said that the Chargers must find a way to minimize Saints running back Alvin Kamara’s effect on the game. While Kamara made some splash days through the air, him and RB Latavius Murray struggled to get anything going on the ground, failing to go over 100 yards. Credit goes to defensive tackle Linval Joseph, edge defender Uchenna Nwosu, linebackers Kenneth Murray, Kyzir White and safety Rayshawn Jenkins, all of whom played vital roles in the run game.

The Bad

Offensive line: The offensive line had no answer for the Saints pass rush. Herbert was sacked three times and was pressured 14 times (37.8% pressure rate, the defense’s highest in a game this season), per Next Gen Stats. The offense managed managed to go over 100 yards on the ground, but the guys up front failed to get push more often than not.

Conservative play-calling in the second half: Roll with what’s working. The Chargers failed to do so out of the locker room when they had the lead. They took the conservative route rather than being aggressive on early downs by choosing to run the ball on nine of their 14 first-down plays in the second half and overtime. The result? They averaged only 1.11 yards per carry on their first-down rush attempts. While it speaks to the lack of trust they had in the offensive line in pass protection, Herbert showed that he was capable of overcoming the copious amount of pressure.

Punt coverage: Special teams isn’t talked about often, but the Chargers have the worst special teams rating in the NFL, per Football Outsiders. Ty Long was close to having a few of his punts blocked, which speaks to the poor punt protection. Meanwhile, the Saints were set up in ideal field position all night (barring a couple called back due to penalties) due to the lackluster coverage.

The Ugly

Second-half defense: There were some positives on the defensive side of the ball, including the run defense, which was mentioned above. Along with that, free safety Nasir Adderley picked up his first career interception. But other than that, the unit fell apart when they had a commanding lead. Soft/busted coverages and lack of pressure led to quarterback Drew Brees’ comeback after being down 17 points. The unit is banged up, and the bye week couldn’t have come at a better time to get healthy.

Michael Badgley: The Chargers could’ve sworn that the kicking nightmares were behind them. But last night was a flashback to a couple of seasons ago when they had their kicker carousel. Badgley missed an extra point on the team’s first touchdown and the go-ahead 50-yard field goal, leaving four points on the field, which would’ve enough to give them the victory. Last week, Badgley missed a field goal, too. His seat is getting warm.

What HC Anthony Lynn said following Chargers’ loss to Buccaneers

A lot of blame for the Los Angeles Chargers’ loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is being put on the coaching staff.

The Chargers dropped their third consecutive game on Sunday, losing to the Buccaneers by the score of 38-31.

Everything was in Los Angeles’ favor during the first half, as they led by 17 points at one point. However, miscues and a defensive meltdown backfired as quarterback Tom Brady orchestrated a major comeback.

The defense was stout in the first half, but they fell apart right out of the locker room. Brady was lights out, picking apart defenders at all areas of the field. As a result, he finished with 369 yards and five touchdowns.

Coach Anthony Lynn blamed the poor defensive performance on blown assignments, adding they gave up some explosive plays in the second half.

There were a few “what ifs” in this game and one them came with eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when L.A. elected to punt on 4th-and-1 at their own 34-yard line, down by four points.

Lynn said he considered going for it, but he thought he had enough time left on the clock to punt it away. Tampa Bay turned the punt into three points, as Brady led the team 72 yards down the field.

“When we have them against the ropes we need to learn to knock them out,” Lynn said. “We had a chance to win. You go out there and get your butt kicked sometimes that happens, but in these games, we had a chance to win these games.”

One of the very few positives from the game was rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, yet again. Herbert finished with 20-of-25 passing for 290 yards and three touchdowns.

“I thought he played well, but we lost the game,” Lynn said. Anytime we lose a game, it’s not good enough, so I can’t say someone played outstanding and we go out and lose the damn football game.”

Lynn went more in depth what how he felt about Herbert’s performance. “I thought he handled the situation we put him in well. He made some great throws early, we took some shots, he stood in the pocket, he got rid of the ball and that’s what good quarterbacks do.”

Lynn was non committal following the game, but he will have a tough decision to make over the next couple of days as he will have to announce the team’s starting quarterback moving forward, with Tyrod Taylor close to being completely healthy.

“I can’t answer that right now. My mind is still on this game.”