Tag: Chargers vs. Saints

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.

Watch: Chargers QB Justin Herbert’s best plays from ‘Monday Night Football’ debut

Chargers rookie Justin Herbert once again showed that he is capable of being one of the better quarterbacks in the league.

Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert did everything he could to give the Chargers a chance in their loss to the Saints on Monday night. But ultimately, it wasn’t enough.

Despite being under constant pressure all night long, Herbert kept battling, making a handful of dazzling throws, four of which led to touchdowns.

On the night, Herbert finished 20-of-34 for 264 yards and four scores. His four touchdown passes are the most thrown by a rookie on Monday Night Football in NFL history.

To relive the first-round pick’s phenomenal showing last night, here are his best plays:

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Instant analysis of Chargers’ 30-27 loss to Saints

Breakdown of the Los Angeles Chargers’ 30-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

The Chargers once again had their opponent right where they wanted them early on in the contest, but they ultimately let the contest slip away, allowing the Saints to claw their way back in. The result? Los Angeles lost to New Orleans, 30-27 in overtime.

Here is our instant analysis from the Monday night matchup:

Injury Report

Wide receiver Keenan Allen suffered a back injury early on in the contest. Allen was attended by the team’s trainers, but he was ruled out following the half. His status remains to be seen.

Edge defender Uchenna Nwosu went down in the fourth quarter. Nwosu was spotted in the medical tent and never returned to the field. His status is up in the air.

Cornerback Casey Hayward left in the fourth quarter with an undisclosed injury. Hayward was replaced by Brandon Facyson.

Play of the Game: Mike Williams’ phenomenal catch

Rookie quarterback Justin Herbert made some outstanding throws all night, but the most eyebrow-raising play came in the fourth quarter when he connected with Williams, where he went up over two defenders to reel in the pass.

Notable Number

4: Justin Herbert made history by becoming the first rookie to throw 4 touchdowns on Monday Night Football.

Quick Notes

What more can you expect 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. Herbert did this all while being in the face of pressure all night.

Herbert did miss some throws, including a crucial one to a wide open K.J. Hill in overtime, but it will come with timing and experience. The positives still outweigh the negatives.

Speaking of being under duress, the Chargers 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 Chargers took the conservative route rather than being aggressive on early downs, especially late in the game, which speaks to the lack of trust they have in the offensive line in pass protection.

Justin Jackson led the backfield with 42 snaps as opposed to Joshua Kelley with 25. Jackson took advantage of his carries, turning the 15 of them into 71 yards (4.7 YPC). Meanwhile, Kelley had yet again another underwhelming performance, failing to go over 30 yards on the ground.

We knew it was a matter of time until Herbert started taking more deep shots to Mike Williams. After Allen went down, Williams became Herbert’s go-to target. Williams turned eight targets into five catches for 109 yards and two scores.

The defense did a nice job limiting Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray to less than 100 yards rushing. Kyzir White, Rayshawn Jenkins and Kenneth Murray did their jobs to close in on plays. Kudos also goes to Linval Joseph and Uchenna Nwosu, who played vital roles in the run game.

It was only a matter of time until Brees was going to start finding holes in the secondary. Blown coverages and being blatantly out beat were a theme in the second half. Emmanuel Sanders was his go-to target and they flat out flourished, combining for 122 yards on 12 catches.

While White led the team in tackles (15), he continues to be a liability in coverage.

Michael Badgley has to be on the hot seat. Badgley missed an extra point on the team’s first touchdown and the go-ahead 50-yard field goal.

Up Next

The Chargers were set to host the Jets next Sunday, but they will now enjoy their bye week after the schedule change. Los Angeles’ next game will be against the Jaguars on Oct. 25 at 1:25 p.m. PT.

First Half Highlights: Chargers vs. Saints

View highlights from the first half of Monday’s game between the Chargers and Saints.

The Chargers lead the Saints by the score of 20-10 at the half.

Los Angeles has been carried by rookie quarterback Justin Herbert’s dominance. Herbert is 9-of-13 passing for 109 yards and three touchdowns.

Herbert linked up with wide receivers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and tight end Hunter Henry in the end zone.

Herbert continues to exemplify his arm strength.

Aside from the final drive, where the Saints scored their first touchdown, the defense has done a good job at pressuring QB Drew Brees and keeping everything underneath.

Sitting atop of the notable defensive plays was free safety Nasir Adderley’s first career interception.

Inactive report for Chargers’ Week 5 matchup vs. Saints

The Los Angeles Chargers will have two of their key players available.

The Los Angeles Chargers are on the road to take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 5 of the regular season.

Here is a look at their inactives today:

Tyrod Taylor

Jason Moore Jr

Joe Reed

Jahleel Addae

Trai Turner

Bryan Bulaga

Joe Gaziano

EDGE Joey Bosa and WR Mike Williams are officially active. Bosa has been banged up by knee, ankle and tricep injuries while Williams dealt with a hamstring injury.

Guard Trai Turner and tackle Bryan Bulaga remain out of the action while they recover from their perspective injuries. Trey Pipkins will start at right tackle while Ryan Groy starts at right guard.

Chargers promote EDGE Joe Gaziano, RB Troymaine Pope to active roster

The Los Angeles Chargers added two players to the active roster ahead of the matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

The Los Angeles Chargers announced Monday that they have elevated edge defender Joe Gaziano and running back Troymaine Pope to the active roster ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

EDGE Joey Bosa is currently questionable with ankle, triceps and knee injuries. Gaziano, the undrafted rookie out of Northwestern, is capable of filling in as a base defensive end.

Gaziano finished his collegiate career with 152 tackles, 49 tackles for loss, 30 sacks, 15 passes defensed and 10 forced fumbles.

Pope was added as the third running back behind Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley. Star RB Austin Ekeler was placed on the injured reserve after sustaining a hamstring injury in last weekend’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

How to watch, listen, stream Chargers vs. Saints

How to tune in to the Monday night matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and New Orleans Saints.

The Los Angeles Chargers are looking to get back on track, as they’re set to face the New Orleans Saints.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Week 5 matchup:

Game Information

Los Angeles Chargers vs. New Orleans Saints

Monday, Oct. 12 — 5:15 p.m. PT

Mercedes-Benz Superdome — New Orleans, LA

Television

The game will be televised on ESPN.

Radio

ALT 98.7 FM

KBUA 105.5 / KBUE 94.3 FM

Streaming

fuboTV (try it free)

3 keys to a Chargers’ win vs. Saints in Week 5

Laying out how the Los Angeles Chargers can get the win on Monday Night Football.

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The Chargers are set to play under the lights against the Saints on Monday night.

With that being said, here are three keys to Los Angeles snapping their three-game losing streak:

Let it loose

Rookie Justin Herbert was named the team’s starting quarterback moving forward. Herbert has shown that he belongs in the league, averaging nearly 300 passing yards against some of the stingiest defenses in his first three starts.

The first-round pick should have a favorable matchup against a defense that’s surrendering 30.8 points per game, 11 passing touchdowns and is allowing opponents in the end zone on 82.4% of their trips in the red zone, which is the worst in the NFL. They are also last in defensive pass interference calls (11).

Herbert may feel the heat quite a bit, knowing Los Angeles will be without tackle Bryan Bulaga and guard Trai Turner again and New Orleans has 10 sacks and 20 quarterback hits so far this season. However, he leads the NFL in passing yards while under pressure (433).

The running game may be put a little bit to the side this weekend, not only because of the absence of RB Austin Ekeler, but because the Saints ranks 6th against the run in 2020, allowing 97 yards per game and 3.6 yards per attempt. Therefore, Herbert should have plenty of opportunities to let it rip.

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Prediction poll for matchup between Chargers vs. Saints

Will Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert pick up his first win in primetime?

The Los Angeles Chargers are set to face off against the New Orleans Saints on Monday, Oct. 12 at 5:15 p.m. PT at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Chargers are looking to get back on track before their bye week after dropping three consecutive games, all of which were within a touchdown. For the Saints, they are eager to pick up their third win on the season before their bye week, as well.

Rookie Justin Herbert was given the keys as the starter for the rest of the season, hoping to pick up his first professional victory. Herbert has performed at a high level against stiff competition. He could be in for another big day, facing a Saints defense that ranks near the bottom in the league.

On the other hand, Los Angeles is coming off arguably their worst defensive performances. New Orleans’ offense has enough fire power to give L.A. fits, even without star wide receiver Michael Thomas. Running back Alvin Kamara is more than capable of making life difficult for the Bolts.

With Herbert under center, the Chargers have shown that they’re capable of going toe to toe with the toughest teams, and I expect it to be no different on Monday night. Los Angeles is missing a handful of key players on defense, which quarterback Drew Brees should have no issue exploiting.

The bottom line is that the contest should be an offensive shootout. What it will come down to is who wins the turnover battle, which the Bolts have struggled with. Before heading into their bye, I expect the Chargers to learn from their mistakes and minimize them.

I have Los Angeles defeating New Orleans by the score of 27-24.

With that, who do you think will win Monday’s contest?

Check out the poll below and let us know what you think.

Saints WR Michael Thomas ruled out vs. Chargers

The New Orleans Saints will be without one of their top offensive weapons on Monday night.

There was a chance that the Saints could have had one of their top playmakers available for the Monday matchup against the Chargers. But he will be forced to watch from the sidelines.

New Orleans ruled out wide receiver Michael Thomas after he had an altercation with safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson at practice this weekend.

Thomas had been listed as questionable with an ankle injury, but the Saints ruled him out with a non-related injury.

Thomas has not played since Week 1 due his lingering injury. He was a limited participant all week at practice.

Thomas led the NFL with 149 catches and 1,725 receiving yards in 2019.