The Chargers fell to the Patriots by the score of 27-24.
To recap Week 8, here is everything we know:
It was over when…
Nick Folk connected from 30 yards with a little over two minutes remaining.
Notable numbers
The Chargers were 4-of-12 on third-down situations.
The Patriots won the time of possession battle, 35:24 to 24:36.
Quarterback Justin Herbert was picked off twice.
Herbert was sacked three times.
The Chargers allowed a punt return average of 20 yards.
The Chargers’ first down yards per play average was only 4.94 yards.
Stars of the game
RB Justin Jackson: 3 carries for 79 yards, long of 75
RB Austin Ekeler: 124 yards from scrimmage, touchdown
S Derwin James: 12 tackles, tackle for loss, forced fumble
WR Josh Palmer: First NFL receiving touchdown
Quick takes
Bill Belichick knows how to get the better of Justin Herbert. In two games, Herbert averaged just 216 yards, had a completion percentage of 50, threw for two touchdowns, four interceptions, and was sacked six times.
Aside from the Patriots’ solid defensive game plan, a handful of Herbert’s throws were off the mark and his decision-making was questionable. However, the offense’s lack of execution also included…
Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s play-calling on early downs continued to hinder the unit. As opposed to letting Herbert throw the ball, designed run plays were called far often than not.
Lombardi’s decisions put Herbert in many unfavorable positions, and it did not help that the team’s skill players struggled with dropped passes in crucial situations throughout the duration of the game.
Last season, the Patriots defense got to Justin Herbert with primarily twists/stunts. This time around it was blitzes on the right side of the line, which continues to be exploited.
Justin Jackson is the clear-cut RB2. Larry Rountree turned four carries into just 11 yards.
The run defense looked (slightly) better today with the presence of Justin Jones. Even though they allowed a total of 141 yards, the group allowed an average of only 3.6 yards per carry. Still an evident issue nonetheless.
Mac Jones was held to just 218 yards passing, but he mustered big plays that went for 44 yards and 33 yards. Jones also took advantage of the favorable field positions, which were attributed to…
The punt coverage unit, which allowed returner Gunner Olszewski to average 20 yards per punt, continues to be an issue.
Recapping the newest additions performances:
Andre Roberts: Returned three kicks for an average of 23.7 yards and a long of 29 yards.
Dustin Hopkins: Made all three extra points and his lone field goal attempt from 48 yards out.
The Chargers still have some work to do in terms of discipline. Too many costly penalties, including a Michael Davis hold on third down that turned into a touchdown.
Kind of fitting that the former Chargers had big plays. Adrian Phillips picked off Herbert twice and Hunter Henry recovered the onside kick at the end to seal the deal.
What’s next?
The Chargers are on the road to take on the Eagles next Sunday, Nov. 7 at 2:05 pm PT.
