Tag: Easton Stick

2023 Power Rankings Roundup, Week 18: Where Chargers stand after loss to Broncos

Here is what the national media thinks of the Chargers after their loss to the Broncos.

The Chargers are coming off a loss to the Broncos.

Here is what the national media thinks of the Bolts ahead of the final week of the regular season:

USA Today: 30 (Previous: 30)

“Given how little went right for this team, credit veteran OLB Khalil Mack. Not only did he surpass 100 career sacks, he managed a career-best 16 in 2023 to do it. A guy who might be a cap casualty in 2024 should have several suitors if so.”

Touchdown Wire: 28 (Previous: 27)

NFL: 27 (Previous: 27)

“It was interesting hearing the CBS broadcast crew continue to talk about the Chargers being a talented team, albeit one that has been ravaged by injury this season. That might be true, but even taking the injuries into account, I’ve started to question whether the Chargers actually are among the league’s more talented clubs. Especially considering the high-priced veterans who might not be back, along with a host of young players who have yet to fully realize their potential — or, as in the case of some offensive linemen, who have taken a step backward in their development. I still think that whoever ends up running this team will be taking on a relatively attractive job, with Justin Herbert and a few other pieces in place. But when one considers their salary-cap situation (projected to be almost $35 million in the red in 2024, per Over The Cap) and the veterans who might be lost this offseason, the roster might not be as stacked as some assume.”

CBS Sports: 30 (Previous: 30)

“So much for the interim coach boost. That lasted a week. Now it’s on to finding the right guy for the long term.”

Yahoo Sports: 27 (Previous: 27)

“The Chargers need the season to end. Sunday’s loss to the Broncos was an ugly one, especially on offense.”

The Athletic: 29 (Previous: 28)

The lesson: Coaching hires are a crap shoot

“This is not a new lesson. The Chargers are just the most recent team to highlight it. They hired Brandon Staley in 2021 because he was the hot defensive name. They fired him after 14 games this year because he was 5-9 and his defense stunk. The coaching change hasn’t changed the team’s luck. The Chargers have lost four straight and seven of their last eight heading into the season finale against the Chiefs.”

ESPN: 28 (Previous: 29)

Biggest offseason contract to watch: WR Keenan Allen

“There are many players to choose from, including Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Mike Williams, who all will have cap hits upward of $30 million next season. But Allen is linked to the Chargers in a way those other players aren’t. Drafted in the third round in 2013, Allen is the longest-tenured Charger, having been part of the team from Philip Rivers in San Diego to Justin Herbert in L.A. and for everything in between. But Allen is 31 and has a cap hit of $34.7 million next season. With a new regime, Allen could be playing elsewhere in 2024.”

Chargers WR Alex Erickson steps up in Keenan Allen, Joshua Palmer’s absence

Alex Erickson raised some eyebrows in the loss to the Broncos.

The Chargers were without top wide receivers Keenan Allen and Joshua Palmer on Sunday against the Broncos.

While they were sidelined with their respective injuries, Alex Erickson took advantage of his bigger role.

Erickson led the team in receiving with seven catches for 98 yards, marking the second-highest totals in those categories of his career.

“Alex is a really good player and I’m really grateful we have him,” Easton Stick said. “A veteran in that room I think is really good right now. Obviously, with our injuries, he’s kind of like that stabilizing, calming force, he can fix many things and he’s seen a lot of football.”

After standing out with the Jets during this past preseason, Erickson was signed to the Chargers practice squad ahead of the 2023 season. He remained there until he was signed to the active roster on Dec. 2.

Erickson made himself known in the Week 13 victory over the Patriots when he hauled a 23-yard reception to seal the game.

In five games, Erickson has 14 receptions on 24 targets for 203 yards and a touchdown.

If Allen or Palmer remain out for the season finale against the Chiefs, Erickson will have the opportunity to capitalize on that performance and garner some attention as he will be seeking a new contract this offseason.

Studs and duds from Chargers’ loss to the Broncos

Here is who stood out in the Chargers’ loss to the Broncos.

The Chargers have just one game left following a 16-9 loss to the Broncos. LA’s losing streak in Denver extends from four years to five as a result. Their last win at Mile High was in 2018.

Granted, this result didn’t matter for the team as they fell out of contention weeks ago. But as the slow trudge towards the finish line continues for the team, there were some performances that stood out positively and negatively.

As always, let’s talk about the Chargers’ studs and duds.

Stud: Alex Erickson

Erickson had 98 yards on seven receptions Sunday, proving to be a pretty consistent target for Easton Stick early on. Later in the postgame press conference, Stick gave Erickson credit for his veteran presence in the wide receiver room for helping out the younger guys.

Despite some low snap counts throughout the season, Erickson makes plays whenever his number is called. His 3rd and 11 reception against the Patriots iced the game for the Chargers.  He recorded a touchdown against the Raiders when the offense was largely shut out. In all seven of his games this season, he’s recorded at least one reception.

It was nice to see the veteran journeyman receiver rewarded for his efforts and contributing in what’s been a year of attrition for the Chargers’ receivers.

Dud: Austin Ekeler

It’s been the worst season of Ekeler’s career. Despite a stock-up week against Buffalo, his performance against the Broncos was largely the same as the rest of his 2023. Including against Denver, Ekeler has averaged less than four yards per carry in nine of his 13 games. He also recorded another fumble on the year.

Not to say Joshua Kelley or Isaiah Spiller would be better, as they haven’t exactly lit the world on fire with their play either. But I’m not understanding the Chargers’ motive for their backfield carries to be dominated by Ekeler in volume. With most of his season incentives out of reach production-wise, the attack has to be more balanced. The Chargers also should be investing this time into seeing what they have in Spiller for 2024.

From an efficiency standpoint, it’s better for the Chargers to employ more of a running back-by-committee approach as well. The first game against Denver at SoFi was the last time each running back got at least three carries. It’s also the last time the running back room averaged 4.0+ yards per carry as a group.

Stud: Derwin James

James went back to what appeared to be his more standard safety role this week after a relatively confusing last month of usage. James had been working out of the STAR role in the slot and that came to a head against Buffalo when he had one of his lowest snap counts of the season in a confusing rotation. Defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley admitted his usage was “a coaching error”.

James came up with two passes defended, a sack, and some big hits that ended plays early. He was flying around and had 12 total tackles, second on the team to only Eric Kendricks.

I’m not sure it was a perfect game that alleviated the Chargers of all questions regarding James going forward, but he looked more comfortable. It was a step in the right direction towards seeing what the plan is for the former All-Pro safety in 2024 under different leadership.

Dud: Quentin Johnston

This was never going to be an easy assignment for Johnston with Keenan Allen and Joshua Palmer out. It left him to effectively be the No. 1 wide receiver that Patrick Surtain would shadow. And well, it went about as one would expect. Six targets for Quentin Johnston, three receptions, 29 yards. Add another drop in there as well.

Since the firings of Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco, I’ve thought about Johnston a lot. He’s going to enter the 2024 campaign under a general manager and head coach who did not draft him. That could be said for many members of the 2022 and 2023 Chargers draft classes, but it’s notable with Johnston given his tumultuous rookie season.

If Johnston does not become a much more fluid athlete next year as a route runner and separator, it’s going to be tough to carve out a role in the league. He doesn’t have the surest hands and isn’t able to get contested catches like Mike Williams. To properly use him as a “yards-after-catch threat,” he has to be able to improve at the smaller nuances of playing NFL wideout first.

Stud: Khalil Mack

Mack eclipsed 100 sacks in his career after adding to his historic season against Denver. In addition to becoming one of just 19 players in NFL history to hit 100 sacks in 10 seasons, Mack’s 16 sacks in 2023 are a single-season career high.

Despite how south the season has gone for the Chargers, Mack has been one of the lone bright spots. Whether it’s a live viewing of the game or a film watch later, his nonstop effort and motor always pop off the screen. Mack also made key plays against the run game on Sunday.

The Chargers have to do whatever it takes to convince Mack to come back in 2024. They need his leadership and his production now more than ever in this transition period for the franchise.

Dud: Tackling

The last three years of the Chargers defense can be distilled down to one play against Denver.

Five, six, or seven missed tackles (whatever the official count is) on one play is just unacceptable in that scenario. And yet, no one is surprised. Third down has been marred by poor tackling, bad penalties, and ultimately gruesome execution.

You can take Staley off the Chargers, but you can’t take his imprint off of the remains of this defense in the meantime. Just a unit in dire need of a personnel and fundamentals overhaul.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 17 loss to Broncos

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest-graded Chargers players from the loss to the Broncos.

In Week 17, the Chargers came up short against the Broncos 16-9.

Outcome aside, there were some standout performers and others that were duds.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who played at least 35% of the snaps on offense (65) or defense (69).

Top 5 Offense

WR Alex Erickson – 77.2

OT Trey Pipkins – 70.7

TE Stone Smartt – 70.4

OL Jordan McFadden – 69.5

QB Easton Stick – 66.7

Top 5 Defense

S Derwin James – 88.4

LB Eric Kendricks – 85.4

S Alohi Gilman – 74.9

LB Nick Niemann – 71.1

EDGE Khalil Mack – 71.0

Bottom 5 Offense

TE Gerald Everett – 59.8

OL Jamaree Salyer – 56.7

OL Brenden Jaimes – 54.1

WR Keelan Doss – 52.8

RB Austin Ekeler – 52.8

Bottom 5 Defense

CB Michael Davis – 50.2

EDGE Justin Hollins – 48.2

DT Austin Johnson – 44.4

DT Otito Ogbonnia – 34.9

DT Scott Matlock – 32.5

Social media reacts to Chargers’ 16-9 loss to Broncos

Here’s how social media reacted to the Chargers’ loss to the Broncos.

The Chargers extended their losing streak to four after falling short to the Broncos.

Here’s how social media reacted to Los Angeles’ loss to Denver:

4 takeaways from Chargers’ 16-9 loss to Broncos

Highlighting everything notable from the Chargers’ loss to the Broncos.

The Chargers kept pace with the Giants and Titans in the race for the fifth overall pick on Sunday.

Here’s what to take away from the performance on the field.

Everything to know about Chargers’ loss to Broncos

The Chargers lost their fourth-straight game.

The Chargers lost their fourth-straight game, falling to the Broncos on Sunday 16-9.

To recap the Week 17 game between Los Angeles and Denver, here is everything to know.

Staff predictions for Chargers vs. Broncos in Week 17

Find out who the Chargers Wire staff is picking between Los Angeles and Denver.

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 17 against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Dec. 31 at 1:25 p.m. PT.

Who is going to come out victorious?

Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:

Gavino:

This is a game between two depleted rosters and backup quarterbacks playing. While the Chargers showed some life under interim head coach Giff Smith last weekend against the Bills, winning at Mile High is not an easy task. I believe we see a low-scoring affair that ultimately goes in the Broncos’ favor.

Broncos 17, Chargers 14

Alex K:

You know how the days between Christmas and the New Year all run together, and you never really end up doing anything because of the general brain fog of the end of the holiday season? The Chargers and Broncos are going through that, too. Don’t expect much offense from either team, as both are starting backup quarterbacks and missing their top receiver.

Chargers 17, Broncos 16

Alex I:

Both the Chargers and Broncos come into this game without much to play for from a 2023 standpoint. LA’s key injuries list is long and they fired Brandon Staley two weeks ago. Meanwhile, in Denver, Sean Payton and management decided to effectively end Russell Wilson’s Denver tenure after a loss to New England.

Jarrett Stidham will get the start at quarterback in Wilson’s place. Stidham vs. Easton Stick is probably not the matchup many expected coming into the season. But between the two skeleton squads, the Chargers have gotten worse offensive results recently. Denver has more of their key contributors available to them (in other words, they’re not starting Quentin Johnston against Patrick Surtain).

The tank keeps on rolling, but the Chargers keep it competitive in Giff Smith’s third game.

Broncos 17, Chargers 16

Valentina:

The Chargers face the Broncos on Sunday and it will definitely be an interesting game since both teams are starting their backup quarterbacks. While Justin Herbert is out due to an injury, Denver has had some major internal problems as Broncos head coach Sean Payton chose to bench quarterback Russell Wilson. With all the drama going on in Denver, I think the Chargers will take this one home. 

Chargers 20, Broncos 16

5 keys to a Chargers win over Broncos

Here is how the Chargers defeat the Broncos.

The Chargers have late-season pride on the line in a matchup with division rival Denver in Week 17.

Neither team seems to be playing for much of a chance at the playoffs, despite the Broncos not being mathematically eliminated. Benching Russell Wilson has had them in the national media’s spotlight this week.

How can the Chargers get their first win under interim head coach Giff Smith while breaking their four-year-long losing streak in Denver? Let’s go over it.

Now or never for the run game

No way around it: LA’s run game has been absolutely dreadful in 2023. The Chargers have averaged over five yards per carry just once in their last eight games. The run blocking has taken a step back and Austin Ekeler has clearly regressed. Isaiah Spiller and Joshua Kelley haven’t brought much production to the table as of late either.

I wrote about it in my last Broncos-Chargers preview, but Denver’s run defense is still really bad. In fact, it’s gotten worse since their last meeting. They rank 31st in average rush yards allowed with 141.1.

Well, the Chargers have two weeks to show some signs of life on the ground. Austin Ekeler did have a more efficient night overall against Buffalo. But the Chargers really need to get something from Isaiah Spiller going forward. He should be fed more carries as the only longer-term contract asset on this roster. Kelley and Ekeler are free agents after the year.

Surviving Sean Payton’s initial scripts

Obviously, Denver’s quarterback change is an interesting variable to introduce into the picture this week. But either way, Sean Payton has been one of the better offensive scripters historically. This year, Denver ranks 7th in the NFL in first-quarter scoring.

It’s the second and third quarter where the Broncos have struggled with consistency. If the Chargers can come out hot with a defensive effort similar to the one they showed early in Buffalo last week, it could make their lives a lot easier. Outside of the scripted offense perspective and Denver not adapting well later in games, it’s obviously important to not let Stidham get comfortable either.

Dealing with Vance Joseph’s pressures better this time

The Chargers’ offensive line struggled with Vance Joseph’s blitzes and simulated pressures in their first matchup of the season. LA’s offensive line allowed 18 out of the team’s 20 pressures. Will Clapp, Jamaree Salyer, and the interior of that offensive line struggled in particular. Trey Pipkins also set his 2023 season-high for pressures allowed with seven.

Rashawn Slater and the aforementioned Pipkins need to have better showings in particular on the outside considering the inexperience of Brenden Jaimes on the interior. Ultimately, the line needs to have proper communication and execution if they’re going to hold up against the strain of Denver’s aggressive playcalling.

Can Quentin Johnston get something going?

Joshua Palmer and Keenan Allen are out. Frankly, one has to wonder from a long-term standpoint whether it’s better for the Chargers to shut them down for the rest of the season.

Nonetheless, it will be Quentin Johnston this week as the team’s natural WR1. In the two Easton Stick starts after they hooked up on some long throws in the Denver game, Johnston has been rather unremarkable. He has just four receptions on ten targets for 52 yards in the last two games.

We’ve seen some flashes from Johnston here or there, but it would be nice for the Chargers’ offense to see some evidence of a wire-to-wire takeover game. If they’re going to beat Denver with the receivers they’ll be rolling out on Sunday, they’re going to need it.

Good luck against Patrick Surtain.

Turnover battle is must win

In the Easton Stick era, winning the turnover battle is more of a requirement than it’s previously been. Even after beating the Bills 3-0 on turnover margin, the Chargers still lost due to some drives that resulted in Cameron Dicker field goals instead of touchdowns.

This is a test for Stick as well. Last week was the first game of his career in which he committed zero turnover-worthy plays. In the games against Las Vegas and Denver, he committed six combined. He has to play disciplined, sound football for the Chargers’ defensive turnovers to truly count.

Make Stidham uncomfortable. Get some strip sacks. Take a pick-six back to the house. Regardless of how it happens, the Chargers need to win the turnover margin for any shot to win in these last two contests.

4 matchups to watch in Chargers vs. Broncos

Here are a few matchups to keep an eye on in the game.

The Chargers’ extended audition for 2024 continues on Sunday with a matchup against the Broncos, a team that has only recently entered the “looking ahead to next year” tier.

Here are a few matchups to keep an eye on in the game.