Tag: Chargers vs. Browns

Chargers players stand by HC Brandon Staley’s risky fourth-down call

Justin Herbert and Derwin James sounded off on Brandon Staley’s fourth-down decision in the Chargers’ victory over the Browns.

It was a wild afternoon for the Chargers when they faced the Browns on Sunday afternoon.

Their 30-28 victory almost slipped away after Brandon Staley decided not to punt on fourth down with 1:14 remaining.

Instead, Staley called a timeout, and Justin Herbert threw a slant to Mike Williams on fourth-and-1, which was broken up by rookie cornerback Martin Emerson Jr.

“It just really felt like the slant to (WR) Mike (Williams) was going to be the play call there,” Staley said.” It just didn’t go down for us, but I had a lot of confidence in our defense to go out there and get them stopped.”

Cleveland got the ball back with L.A. hanging on to its two-point lead. The Browns had zero timeouts left and made it to the Bolts’ 35 to set up for a winning field goal. 

Chargers fans everywhere held their breaths as Cleveland’s rookie kicker Cade York took the field. The former LSU product missed the 54-yard field goal attempt and Los Angeles escaped with a win. 

Despite the win, many questioned Staley’s decision on fourth down. Nevertheless, he explained his aggressive call postgame. 

“I just wanted to finish the game with the ball,” Staley said. “I felt like we liked the play and we liked the matchup. We knew what coverage they were going to be in. We wanted to finish the game on our terms on third down. We felt like we had a good run-up against that defense. We had a pass solution. They defended it well.”

Afterward, players of the team defended Staley’s risky call, including Herbert, who admired his coach’s belief in the team’s ability to be successful on a nail-biting play. 

“I think it says a lot that he believes in us,” Herbert said. “ Just like I believe in our offensive line, our receivers, and our running backs. I knew that we would go out there and convert. It did not go our way, unfortunately, but we were riding with that play. The defense came with that big stop when we were down.”

Even safety Derwin James supported his coach, which should be a testament to this team’s camaraderie.  

“We are with them. We are going for it even though they didn’t get it, so what we have to go out there and get a stop. It’s on us to get the stop, we believe in our offense, we are going to go for it again. We don’t care.”

Although Staley’s call didn’t go as planned, it should be a comforting sight to see that his players stood behind his decision. The Chargers have some polishing up to do; however, the solidarity within a team is a factor that is paramount to a winning franchise. 

Studs and duds from Chargers’ victory over Browns

Here’s who came through and who disappointed in the Chargers’ victory over the Browns.

The Chargers went into Cleveland and found a way to win, moving to 3-2 with a 30-28 victory over the Browns after rookie kicker Cade York missed a potential game-winner.

Los Angeles finally found a rhythm offensively, but there are still a few areas for improvement.

Here’s who helped secure the victory and who needs to step up next week.

Stud: Austin Ekeler

Ekeler carried his momentum from last week’s three-touchdown performance into this one, finishing with nearly 200 yards from scrimmage on just 19 touches. The star running back looked like his usual self in Cleveland, finding plenty of running lanes and making defenders miss at nearly every turn. Even if you subtract his 71-yard scamper in the first quarter, Ekeler averaged 6.8 yards per carry. He also passed Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson for most games with a rushing and receiving touchdown in franchise history with eight.

Dud: Pass rush

Jacoby Brissett’s known weakness is pressure. The veteran isn’t a particularly mobile quarterback, so pressure forces him to speed up his decision-making and forces him into mistakes. But Los Angeles simply couldn’t generate anything in that area all game. Khalil Mack was shut out by left tackle Jedrick Wills, while Chris Rumph struggled to get close to Brissett all game. Per ESPN, only three Chargers logged a QB hit: Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, and Jerry Tillery. Tillery’s hit resulted in him and Rumph being unable to finish a sack, leading to a Brissett scramble for a first down.

Stud: Joshua Kelley

Kelley’s 4.9 yards per carry average understates how effective he was in this game after finally getting the complement of reps Chargers fans had been begging for him to get. On ten carries and two receptions, Kelley produced 82 yards from scrimmage, combining with Ekeler to produce the best performance from the running backs all season. If there was any question about who RB2 should be behind Ekeler, there isn’t now. Keep getting Kelley the ball, and let the two of them get to work.

Dud: Run defense

Listen, it’s always going to be a tough week when you’re matched up with Nick Chubb and the Browns’ offensive line. But for as much as the Chargers invested into the defensive line this offseason, you cannot give up 7.9 yards a carry to Chubb and 213 yards total. Los Angeles still has a big-play problem in the run game, evident from the jump as they gave up a 40+ yard touchdown run for the third consecutive week. The run defense did come up big in a few moments, holding Chubb to zero or negative yardage a few times in the red zone and coming up with a huge fourth down stop of Kareem Hunt in the third quarter. But overall, the unit needs to improve if this team is going to compete.

Stud: Mike Williams

Sometimes, you just have to let your star players do what they’re good at. What is Mike Williams good at? Winning at the catch point. Williams made life difficult for Cleveland’s corners all game, bringing in 10 receptions for 134 yards on 13 targets. One of those incomplete targets was a failed toe-tap attempt in the end zone. Williams won nearly every one of those ten receptions by simply being bigger and more physical than his defender, essentially playing basketball on grass and coming down with rebounds. Getting Williams into a rhythm like LA did today has proven to be a key factor in moving the ball for the Chargers as Keenan Allen works his way back from his hamstring injury.

Dud: Derwin James

James wasn’t bad in this game by any means, but he’s held to a higher standard than most players because of his superstar status. Today was not his best performance: he got bailed out by a Nick Chubb drop after playing too aggressively on a flat coverage that Chubb leaked upfield and had to fight tooth and nail with David Njoku for large stretches of the game. James seemed to be on the wrong end of plays a bit more often than is typical for the All-Pro but did lead the team in tackles with 14. Typically, a safety leading the team in tackles is a bad sign.

Stud: Responding ability

The Chargers have not had to play from behind very often this season. Typically, the script has been jumping out to an early lead and then hanging on for dear life. But down 14-0 in the first quarter, LA was forced to respond, and they did so. Ekeler’s 71-yard carry in the first quarter got the Chargers on the board and made it clear to them that they would be able to run the ball. They followed that up with two unanswered touchdowns to take a 17-14 lead. A touchdown to open the second half was followed by Christian Covington’s big fourth down stop that led to a Chargers field goal. The questionable decision to go for it on fourth and two late in the game put the defense in a disadvantageous position, but the Bolts’ defense clamped down and forced Cade York into a 54-yarder that he could not convert. It was complementary football all around: when the defense faltered, the offense responded, and vice versa.

Dud: Joshua Palmer

Something about Palmer’s timing with Herbert still seems off five weeks into the season, even after all of the offseason stories lauding the chemistry between the two. Palmer converted only half of his six targets into receptions today, finishing with three catches for 24 yards. Nobody outside of Williams was particularly effective today because of how physically the Browns’ secondary was playing in coverage, but Palmer’s struggles extended beyond the rest. The second-year player dropped two passes and bobbled a couple more, making for an all-around performance to forget.

Top Twitter reactions from Chargers’ 30-28 victory over Browns

How Twitter reacted to the Chargers’ victory over the Browns in Week 5.

The Chargers escaped with a 30-28 victory against the Browns on Sunday afternoon.

The final minutes of the game consisted of a risky call on fourth down by head coach Brandon Staley and a missed field goal by rookie kicker Cade York with 11 seconds remaining in the game.

Here’s how the internet reacted to the nail-biting game:

Everything to know from Chargers’ wild win over Browns

Highlighting everything notable from the Chargers’ Week 5 victory over the Browns.

I have said this before, but it wouldn’t be a Chargers win without doing so in nail-biting fashion. And that’s what happened at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, as Los Angeles barely squeaked out a victory over the Browns.

To recap the Bolts’ 30-28 win, here is everything to know.

Chargers vs. Browns first-half highlights

Get caught up with all the action from the Chargers vs. Browns after two quarters of play.

The Chargers trail the Browns at the half, 21-17.

Here are all of Los Angeles’ notable highlights from the first two quarters.

Down 14-0, the Chargers needed a spark. After a kickoff went through the back of the end zone, Los Angeles started from their own 25. But on first down, Ekeler found a hole, burst through it, and took it 71 yards to the Cleveland 4.

With a first down from their own 44, Joe Lombardi decided to dial up a deep shot. Justin Herbert launched his trademark down-the-field throw and Williams boxed out Denzel Ward and made a leaping grab for 38 yards.

Early in the second quarter, Joshua Kelley made his presence known with a five-yard rushing touchdown. Kelley went untouched after great blocking to seal the edge for him.

With the Chargers facing a second and goal, Herbert was under pressure by Myles Garrett and was forced to make a quick throw to avoid taking a hit. Luckily, the play called for a screen to Ekeler, who hauled in the desperation pass with one hand. Ekeler then made a defender miss and got a few blocks to score from 12 yards out.

Keys to a Chargers’ victory over Browns in Week 5

Highlighting how the Chargers can extend to 3-2 in Week 5.

The Chargers are looking to extend their record to 3-2 when they face the Browns on Sunday.

Here are the keys to victory for Los Angeles.

Pack the box

You have to limit Nick Chubb somehow, and it’s much easier to creep safeties into the box and hedge against the run when you’re not worried about a quarterback throwing deep on you. Brissett averages just 6.8 intended air yards per attempt this season, good for 24th in the league. (And ahead of Justin Herbert, who’s at 6.7. Sigh.) Last year when these teams met, Chubb rumbled for 161 yards on 21 carries against a league, and maybe decade-worst Chargers run defense. While that’s not likely to be replicated given the personnel changes on LA’s side, Chubb still has pancake chef Wyatt Teller paving the way for him. If the defensive line can’t hold up, Los Angeles must drift more players into the middle of the field.

Help the rookie

Without question, the number one priority in this game will be limiting the impact of Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney as they match up with Jamaree Salyer in the rookie’s second career start. Salyer played surprisingly well against the Texans last weekend, but Jonathan Greenard and company don’t have nearly the same level of talent as the pass rushers in Cleveland. The Chargers will be glad to see Gerald Everett’s Thursday injury designation removed, as he’s been the best blocker of the tight ends on the roster. I’d expect to see a lot of him and Sony Michel, the team’s best pass-protecting running back, on the field to help chip Garrett.

JC Jackson bounceback

For such a middle-of-the-field heavy strategy to work, the Chargers’ corners must play to their potential. On one side, Asante Samuel Jr. has been a revelation from the jump, holding his own against Davante Adams and doing all but finishing plays all season. On the other side, Jackson has only played games in even-numbered weeks, missing the opener while he recovered from ankle surgery and missing Week 3 with further complications with that ankle. Jackson hasn’t looked right all season, getting beat down the field consistently, an especially noticeable flaw last weekend. With Amari Cooper on Cleveland’s side and Jackson’s intended role in this defense, I’d expect some traveling to occur. But if Jackson once again can’t hold his own on an island, it could be a long afternoon for the big money corner.

Get Donald Parham involved

Keeping Everett in to block Garrett more may be a more realistic expectation, with Parham finally making his season debut after a hamstring injury followed him throughout training camp and the early season. Parham’s role in this offense is hard to overstate. The resident freak athlete in the tight end room, Parham is by far the biggest threat up the seam and in open space. His return should open up more room underneath as the Browns’ safeties are forced to carry him upfield. But the way to ensure that continues to happen is to get him the ball early and show Cleveland that he’s someone that must be accounted for.

Leave Derwin James on David Njoku

Njoku has been targeted at least six times and scored a touchdown in all three career games against the Chargers, including a seven-target, seven-reception, 149-yard performance last season. LA has also been a bit lenient on middle-of-the-field receivers this season, but I believe that has a lot to do with leaving Kenneth Murray in coverage more often than they should. In an ideal world, you’d want to move a player like James all over the formation to force Cleveland to account for him. But it’s pretty clear Njoku has LA’s number and his role has only expanded in the offense, on the whole, this season. Bryce Callahan also likely doesn’t have the size to put up with Njoku’s tight end frame all game long. Put Derwin on him, leave them there for 60 minutes, and see who comes out on top. 

Give Joshua Kelley the ball

The Chargers’ running back usage is harder to decipher than the Zodiac cipher. Austin Ekeler is the clear No. 1 option, but he just had his first good game of the season against a league-worst Texans team. Kelley has been the most efficient rusher by various metrics, but he has 13 carries through 4 games. Sony Michel is, as mentioned, the best pass protector but has been ineffective as a rusher. Isaiah Spiller is a healthy scratch every week because Brandon Staley says he needs to prove himself on special teams, and then Michel plays one snap in that discipline against Houston. It’s hard to be surprised that they have the 30th-best rushing attack in the league, up from last before last week’s game. With another weak run defense lining up across from Los Angeles on Sunday, I am begging Joe Lombardi to get Kelley a healthy complement of reps and show what he can do with a larger sample size.

Who are the experts taking in Chargers vs. Browns?

Find out who national pundits are favoring in the matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns.

The Los Angeles Chargers are 2.5-point favorites over the Cleveland Browns in Week 5 of the 2022 regular season. The over/under is 46.5 points, per Tipico Sportsbook.

That means oddsmakers are taking bets on whether the two teams will combine to score more than or fewer than 46.5 points.

My score prediction for the game is a 24-20 win for the Bolts, with a combined total of 44 points. So if I were putting money behind my prediction, I’d bet the under.

As for game picks, analysts slightly favor the Bolts in this one.

Expert Pick
Nate Davis (USA Today) Browns
Jarrett Bell (USA Today) Browns
Mike Clay (ESPN) Chargers
Matt Bowen (ESPN) Chargers
Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) Chargers
Bill Bender (Sporting News) Chargers
Gregg Rosenthal (NFL Media) Browns
Bleacher Report Chargers

Sunday’s game will begin at 10:00 a.m. PT and will be televised on CBS.

Chargers elevate 2 from practice squad ahead of matchup with Browns

The Chargers made a couple of roster moves ahead of their Week 5 matchup with the Browns.

The Chargers made a couple of roster moves ahead of their Week 5 matchup with the Browns.

Los Angeles promoted wide receiver Michael Bandy and kicker Taylor Bertolet from the practice squad.

With Keenan Allen out for the fourth-consecutive week due to a hamstring issue and Joshua Palmer questionable (ankle), Bandy adds depth at the position.

In the Week 4 victory over the Texans, Bandy had two catches for 49 yards.

Dustin Hopkins is battling a quad injury and is questionable for tomorrow’s game. Bertolet being elevated likely indicates that Hopkins will be inactive on Sunday.

Bertolet was signed to the practice squad earlier this week.

Chargers’ reasons for optimism vs. Browns in Week 5

Here are four reasons why the Chargers should feel optimistic about winning when they face the Browns.

The Chargers will head to Cleveland this weekend. This game will be between two 2-2 teams with vastly different narratives thus far this season.

The Browns are mostly just trying to stay in the race until Deshaun Watson returns from his suspension, while Los Angeles has to be disappointed to have dropped two games this early in the season.

Here are four reasons the Bolts should be confident that they’ll move to 3-2.

Weak defensive front

With Taven Bryan missing Week 4 with a hamstring injury, Cleveland started Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai at defensive tackle against the Falcons. Those two are two of the three worst defensive tackles in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s unclear if Bryan will be ready to go by Sunday, but even if he is, he’s 70th in PFF grade among defensive tackles. With Corey Linsley back on the field after missing Week 3 with knee tendinitis, L.A. should be able to move bodies on the interior. Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) is also questionable for this game on the edge, leaving rookies Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas as the next men up. That’s a favorable matchup for Jamaree Salyer and Trey Pipkins, who have played well above expectations this season.

Underperforming defensive backs

The Browns’ best corner per PFF has been rookie Martin Emerson Jr., a surprising outcome considering big names Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II have been taking their normal complement of snaps. Greedy Williams is also eligible to return from injured reserve this week, which could give Cleveland a boost. But overall, the defensive backs are simply not playing to expectation. The Browns are 18th in pass defense DVOA, despite playing Baker Mayfield, Joe Flacco, Mitchell Trubisky, and Marcus Mariota. The best of those quarterbacks by DVOA is Mariota at 17th, and he only completed seven passes against Cleveland. Flacco (25th) and Trubisky (27th) have already been benched. Mayfield (31st) is likely on his way if Sam Darnold can return from injured reserve soon. All this is to say, Justin Herbert (5th in DVOA) should be able to carve this secondary up.

Talent advantage

Injuries for both teams have hampered the star power of this matchup. Clowney’s status is, as we mentioned, up in the air. Myles Garrett will play, but there’s a chance he could be hindered by the shoulder injury that held him out last week. Joey Bosa is on injured reserve with his groin injury. But Los Angeles, on paper, is a more talented team than Cleveland. Despite giving up 27 points a game, the Chargers have the offensive firepower to compensate for their defensive deficiencies. If the game becomes a shootout, you have to think Hebert can outduel Jacoby Brissett, even if the latter is playing like a top-12 QB, per DVOA. Cleveland wants to lean on Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in the run game, but if L.A. can get off to a good start the way they have in every other game, they should have the talent edge to close things out.

Fourth quarter flops

One of the biggest discourse points around the Chargers is their inability to finish games. Los Angeles has given up 75 points in the second half this season, the second worst in the NFL behind only the Lions. Compare that to 33 points allowed in the first half, tied for fourth-best behind San Francisco, Dallas, and Carolina. But Cleveland is dead last in fourth-quarter points allowed at 50, a full point and a half per game worse than the next worst team. Neither of these defenses has come to play later in games so far this season, and again, if that’s the case, Herbert gives the Bolts an edge.

Flashback Friday: Chargers beat Browns in high-scoring affair in 2021

Revisiting the last time the Chargers and Browns faced off.

Around this time last year, almost to the day, the Chargers hosted the Browns. The 2021 faceoff between the teams turned into an instant classic. 

The matchup was an offensive shootout with 1,025 yards of total offense, 683 passing yards, and 52 first downs. Los Angeles and Cleveland tallied a combined 41 points in the fourth quarter. 

Justin Herbert accumulated 398 passing yards and five total touchdowns. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen totaled 165 and 75 yards, respectively. The two made up 25 of 42 targets. Austin Ekeler had 119 yards from scrimmage and three scores.

It was a day of accolades for Herbert, who earned his record 11th 300-yard game and tied a career-high four passing touchdowns. 

Baker Mayfield, who was then the Browns’ starting quarterback, had a torn left labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Still, he had his 10th career 300-yard passing game in his 50th start.

The Bolts’ run defense had been an issue all season, but this marked their worst efforts. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt ran wild for 230 yards and three touchdowns on 35 carries.

Yet despite their best efforts, the Browns became the first team in the NFL to lose a regular-season or playoff game when scoring 40-plus points with 500 yards and no turnovers. 

However, the Chargers proved early in the season that they could rally in close games and beat competitive teams like the Browns, winning by the score of 47-42.