Tag: dallas cowboys news

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Cowboys.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 7:

USA Today: 19 (Previous: 20)

“You can argue they stole defeat from the jaws of victory yet again. Now? Better regroup quickly for a short week that will end in Kansas City against the rested Chiefs … in a game the Bolts really need.”

Touchdown Wire: 12 (Previous: 11)

“Every week, the Chargers ruin their lives, go to rehab, get clean, and then relapse. And then the cycle repeats the next week.”

NFL: 14 (Previous: 13)

“Having entered Monday night’s game with a mangled finger on his non-throwing hand, Justin Herbert looked pretty unencumbered early but struggled at times late. Herbert missed a wide-open Keenan Allen twice on deep balls (one in each half), couldn’t find Josh Palmer on a critical turnover on downs, nearly threw an interception with about nine minutes left and did throw a pick to essentially end the game. The 4th-and-1 incompletion to Palmer in the red zone and Bolts CB Michael Davis’ whiffed tackle on Tony Pollard — while other Los Angeles defenders stood nearby and watched — were almost too on the nose for the Chargers, the way these plays have piled up this season. A few critical penalties (some wiping out big gains) really put it over the top, and breakdowns late on both sides cost L.A. yet another close game.

CBS Sports: 21 (Previous: 18)

“When will Brandon Staley learn it’s OK to take field goals to tie games? It cost him again against the Cowboys. Typical.”

ESPN: 14 (Previous: 13)

Lesson learned: Every game is going to be close.

“It doesn’t matter if it is the Aidan O’Connell-led Raiders or the record-setting Dolphins offense; the Chargers have found ways to be in close games each week. All five of the Chargers’ games have been decided by seven points or less. It’s a point coach Brandon Staley has attempted to dismiss. “It’s not college football where, you know, Georgia is playing UAB, you know, or, or Austin Peay,” he said. But at some point, this team will need to become more consistent and put opponents away. Until then, the Chargers will always be a step below the contenders in the AFC.”

Yahoo Sports: 14 (Previous: 13)

“Monday night’s loss was the quintessential Chargers game. They had chances to win but somehow lost yet another close game. It’s uncanny how all Chargers losses seem to go that way. The Chiefs are up next on the schedule and L.A. is in danger of digging itself a big hole by the end of October.”

The Athletic: 21 (Previous: 13)

“The Chargers defense, which gave up conversions on third-and-19, third-and-6 and third-and-9 on the Cowboys’ go-ahead drive Monday night, is 30th in the league in yards per play allowed (5.8) and 27th in defensive success rate (55.8 percent). The Chargers are a disappointment at 2-3, and it’s particularly acute considering they have only beaten the Vikings and Raiders.”

The Chargers are coming off their bye. Despite not playing, that doesn’t mean there isn’t some moving around in power rankings.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of Week 6:

USA Today: 20 (Previous: 22)

“Did you know WR Keenan Allen owns the NFL record for most games – three – with at least 15 receptions? With wingman Mike Williams down for the count, wouldn’t be a shock if Allen extends that mark before this year is out.”

Touchdown Wire: 11 (Previous: 11)

“The Chargers are like the latest Halloween franchise. More so, Justin Herbert’s career has had the same arc as the iconic horror films. The first two movies, much like Herbert’s first two seasons, were fantastic. And then Halloween III: Season of the Witch happened, and lots of people were annoyed by the lack of Michael Myers. Now, the young quarterback is trying to salvage this season and make it his Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers- one of the best movies in the franchise. They play Dallas next week on Monday night, which is sure to feature some incredibly stupid football.”

NFL: 13 (Previous: 13)

“The panic meter dropped after the team hit the bye at 2-2 with two straight victories. But reality sets in: The Chargers must play games in 13 straight weeks, and the remaining schedule includes the following foes: the Cowboys this coming Monday, the Chiefs in Week 7 (and Week 18), the Lions in Week 10, the Ravens in Week 12 and the Bills in Week 16. Close victories over the Vikings and Raiders don’t inspire enough confidence that all is right in Chargerville heading into that stretch. The biggest worry is limiting explosive pass plays, and many of L.A.’s remaining opponents throw the ball pretty well. There’s a long road ahead.”

CBS Sports: 18 (Previous: 16)

“They come off their bye with a big home game against the Cowboys. That will be a challenge for Justin Herbert and gang.”

ESPN: 12 (Previous: 12)

Fantasy surprise: WR Keenan Allen

“Through the first five weeks — including a bye week for the Chargers — Allen has the seventh most fantasy points in PPR leagues of any receiver, ahead of other top receivers, including A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles and Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders. Allen’s best game came in Week 3, where he broke franchise and league records, catching 18 passes for 215 yards and throwing a 40-yard touchdown pass in a win over the Minnesota Vikings.”

Yahoo Sports: 13 (Previous: 14)

“The Chargers’ next game, on Monday night against the Cowboys, is a big game for both teams. The Chargers probably would be better off if Dallas hadn’t been embarrassed on Sunday night, but nothing they can do about that. Cowboys at Chargers will be a fun game (probably attended by 90 percent Cowboys fans).”

The Athletic: 13 (Previous: 11)

“If (when?) Brandon Staley gets fired, this draft class will be thrown into the list of reasons. Not high, but it’ll be there. First-round wide receiver Quentin Johnston, 4.49 speed at 6-foot-4, has six catches for 44 yards. Fourth-round receiver Derius Davis, 4.36 speed, has four catches for 24 yards. Second-round defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu is the only rookie contributing.”