Highlighting everything notable from the Los Angeles Chargers’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Chargers had no answers for quarterback Lamar Jackson and company and the Ravens’ dominant defense from the get-go.
Outmatched through all four quarters, Los Angeles fell to Baltimore by the score of 34-6.
To recap Week 6, here is everything we know:
It was over when…
The Ravens scored their first touchdown on a 12-play, 90-yard drive, which set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Notable numbers of the game
The Ravens held the Chargers to just 4.4 yards per pass and 2.2 yards per rush.
The Chargers were 3-of-12 on third down and 1-of-4 on fourth down.
The Chargers allowed 187 rushing yards.
The Ravens controlled the time of possession, 38:07 to 21:53.
Stars of the game
LB Kyzir White: 8 tackles, 2 interceptions, tackle for loss, quarterback hit
WR Keenan Allen: 5 receptions on 5 targets for 50 yards
EDGE Joey Bosa: 5 tackles, 2 quarterback hits, sack
Quick takes
It was only a matter of time until quarterback Justin Herbert came to earth. Herbert was held to just 22 of 39 passing for 195 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
The Ravens defense did an excellent job of getting pressure and keeping his pass-catching options locked up with good coverage for the most part, but Herbert was off the mark on a handful of throws.
Baltimore bottled up Los Angeles’ run game, holding them to 26 yards on 12 carries.
Keenan Allen was open for a good portion of the game, but instead, Herbert resorted to Mike Williams and Jared Cook early on, despite the lack of success. Williams and Cook each dropped two balls.
Allen did not get targeted from 4:32 in the first quarter until 14:13 in the fourth quarter. Nevertheless, he finished the game as the most productive pass-catcher.
The blocking all-around was not at its best, but especially in pass protection on the edges. Herbert was pressured numerous times, hit four times and sacked twice. The Ravens did a great job of scheming up and successfully getting home on blitzes.
I felt like Lombardi’s play designs were not at their best. Early-down efficiency was lackluster due to run plays and underneath passes, which hindered the offense to produce more manageable situations on third and fourth down.
Once again, the Chargers could not stop the run. Baltimore’s offensive line had its own against a flimsy Los Angeles front. As a result, Devonta Freeman, Latavius Murray, and Le’Veon Bell looked like they were in 2015 form.
Drue Tranquill’s presence was missed, as Amen Ogbongbemiga experienced some growing pains in his debut. Kyzir White, however, continued to produce positive plays.
The secondary had some lapses in coverage, specifically in the middle of the field against tight end Mark Andrews, who had five catches for 68 yards and the Ravens’ only receiving touchdown.
Michael Davis was benched in favor of Tevaughn Campbell for a reason that remains to be seen. Davis has been one of the more consistent defensive backs and I felt like he would have had success covering Andrews.
Tristan Vizcaino only had one opportunity for an extra point due to the lack of offensive production, but he still missed it. Vizcaino’s consistency issues are maddening, which is why the team may want to consider bringing someone in for a tryout.
The coverage units on special teams were not good. Devin Duvernay averaged 35 yards on kick returns and 14.7 on punt returns.
What’s next?
Sitting at 4-2, the Chargers are on a bye next weekend before returning home to take on the Patriots on Halloween.
