Tag: Joshua Palmer

Chargers secure second-half comeback over Broncos: Instant analysis of Week 16 win

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ loss to the Broncos in a game that saw Los Angeles complete a double-digit comeback.

The Chargers pieced together a double-digit comeback in the second half, taking down the Broncos in a 34-27 battle on Thursday night.

Here’s our recap of Los Angeles’ Week 16 win.

It was over when…

Justin Herbert pitched the ball to Hassan Haskins, who ran for a 34-yard touchdown with 2:27 remaining to go up by 10.

Notable number

The Chargers swept the Broncos for the first time since the 2010 season.

3 stars of the game

  1. QB Justin Herbert: 281 yards, 2 passing touchdowns
  2. RB Gus Edwards: 2 rushing TDs
  3. WR Ladd McConkey: 6 catches, 87 yards

Quick hits

  • Before their win, the Chargers had lost 13 straight games when trailing by double digits, the fifth-longest active streak in the NFL.
  • Credit offensive coordinator Greg Roman for devising a game plan that resulted in 34 points against the league’s best defense.
  • The Chargers totaled 380 yards, 263 passing and 117 rushing, averaging 6.2 yards per play. They went 3 of 4 in the red zone.
  • Justin Herbert connected with ten different pass-catchers.
  • According to Next Gen Stats, Herbert used play action on a career-high 47.2% of his dropbacks against Denver, finishing 12 of 15 for 155 yards with a play fake.
  • Ladd McConkey led all receivers with 87 yards. Joshua Palmer was second with 41 yards on three catches.
  • Before his 43-yard run, Gus Edwards was only averaging 1.9. yards per carry. Still, Edwards found the end zone twice, bringing his touchdown total to four on the season.
  • After giving up three touchdowns in the first half, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter made some adjustments by dialing up and executing more pressure to mitigate the thin defensive backfield.
  • In the second half, Los Angeles forced four punts, two of which were three-and-outs, on five of Denver’s possessions.
  • Ryan Ficken, knowing the free-kick law, paid off as Cameron Dicker’s 57-yard field goal was good right before the half, the first free-kick FG since 1976.
  • The Chargers now have a 97% chance to make the playoffs after the win.

What’s next?

The Chargers are back on the road to face the Patriots (3-11) on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10:00 am PT.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 15 loss to Buccaneers

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

In Week 15, the Chargers were outmatched by the Buccaneers in their 40-17 loss.

Along the way, there were some standout performers and others who did not contribute as much.

Here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

OT Joe Alt — 75.1

WR Quentin Johnston — 73.2

OT Rashawn Slater — 69.6

QB Justin Herbert — 63.4

OL Jamaree Salyer — 63.3

Top 5 Defense

DT Poona Ford — 79.0

DT Teair Tart — 78.5

S Derwin James — 75.6

S Elijah Molden — 72.3

LB Junior Colson — 72.2

Bottom 5 Offense

RB Kimani Vidal — 45.9

WR Josh Palmer — 47.8

TE Eric Tomlinson — 49.9

TE Stone Smartt — 50.5

TE Tucker Fisk — 50.8

Bottom 5 Defense

CB Cam Hart — 26.0

LB Daiyan Henley — 35.7

EDGE Khalil Mack — 39.1

DT Otito Ogbonnia — 41.0

S Marcus Maye — 45.8

Chargers overwhelmed by Buccaneers: Instant analysis of Week 15 loss

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ loss to the Buccaneers, who overwhelmed Los Angeles in every facet of this game.

The Chargers stood no chance against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay won, 40-17. Los Angeles is now 8-6.

Here’s our recap of L.A.’s Week 15 loss.

It was over when…

Baker Mayfield connected with Mike Evans for a 35-yard touchdown to go up 30-17. There was no answer to the Buccaneers’ offensive dominance.

Notable number

Justin Herbert’s streak without an interception ended at 357 attempts. Herbert failed to become the first player in NFL history without an interception in 12 consecutive games within a single season.

3 stars of the game

  1. WR Ladd McConkey: 5 catches, 58 yards, touchdown
  2. WR Quentin Johnston: 5 catches, 45 yards, TD
  3. S Elijah Molden: 9 tackles, tackle for loss

Quick hits

  • The Chargers were outgained by nearly 300 yards. They only had 207 compared to the Buccaneers’ 505.
  • Los Angeles was 0-of-6 on third-down opportunities, while the Buccaneers were 9-of-15.
  • The Chargers allowed the Buccaneers to rush for 223 yards. Los Angeles only had 32 rushing yards.
  • The Chargers’ cornerbacks struggled to cover Mike Evans all game. Evans had nine catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
  • The Chargers’ second-half offensive struggles continued, as they failed to score a single point. On the other hand, the Buccaneers scored on five consecutive possessions and put up 27 points in the second half.
  • Baker Mayfield was kept upright for most of the game, as he was only hit three times. The same can’t be said about Justin Herbert, who was under duress for most of the game. Herbert was hit 13 times and sacked three times.
  • The Chargers defense held the Buccaneers to one score on four trips to the red zone.
  • Los Angeles forced two turnovers, an interception and a forced fumble.

What’s next?

The Chargers face the Broncos (9-5) in a crucial divisional matchup on Thursday night, Dec. 19, at 5:15 pm PT.

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Buccaneers stack up before Week 15 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Buccaneers stack up statistically on offense and defense ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Buccaneers are set to square off this Sunday.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Tampa Bay stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 15 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Buccaneers
Points per game 21.3 ppg (20th) 27.9 ppg (5th)
Passing offense 198.1 ypg (25th) 241.0 ypg (6th)
Rushing offense 111.5 ypg (19th) 138.3 ypg (7th)
Total offense 309.5 ypg (24th) 379.3 ypg (3rd)
3rd down conversions 38.37% (15th) 47.17% (2nd)
Red zone scoring 54.55% (19th) 68.63% (4th)
Sacks allowed 38 (23rd) 32 (16th)
Turnovers 6 (1st) 18 (20th)

Defense

Category Chargers Buccaneers
Points allowed 15.9 ppg (1st) 23.8 ppg (22nd)
Passing defense 206.1 ypg (8th) 253.4 ypg (30th)
Rushing defense 117.6 ypg (14th) 115.2 ypg (11th)
Total defense 323.7 ypg (11th) 368.5 ypg (28th)
3rd down conversions 35.03% (7th) 41.92% (23rd)
Red zone defense 41.94% (1st) 51.02% (10th)
Sacks 39 (5th) 35 (11th)
Takeaways 17 (10th) 16 (14th)

Game Balls: 5 standouts from Chargers’ Week 14 loss to Chiefs

Despite the tough Week 14 loss to the Chiefs, the Chargers showed why they are a legitimate threat in the AFC.

It was a devastating loss for the Chargers in Week 14, all but ending their chances at the AFC West title. After a slow start, Jim Harbaugh’s squad responded with a stellar second half to give them a chance at getting the win.

There were still things to be satisfied with in the loss, including these five standout players:

QB Justin Herbert

Despite the absence of top wideout Ladd McConkey, Herbert still played exceptional. The impressive play came despite the fact that the game was on the road against a good defense, in addition to him playing through injury throughout the game. Herbert completed 70% of his passes for 213 yards through the air and his first passing TD since Week 11 against the Bengals. Most importantly, he continues to take care of the ball as still has just one interception this year across 366 pass attempts.

WR Quentin Johnston

With McConkey out, Johnston stepped up with five catches for 48 yards and a late third quarter TD that gave the Chargers the lead. He held on for a huge third down conversion early in the game despite taking a big hit. Johnston continues to show signs of being an improved player after his disappointing 2023 rookie season.

TE Stone Smartt

The Chargers’ tight end room has struggled throughout the 2024 campaign. Will Dissly has stepped up at times, but he left Sunday night’s game with a shoulder injury. That forced Smartt into action, who played a season-high 22 snaps. The third-year tight end finished with three catches and a career-high 54 yards and could see more playing time moving forward.

LB Daiyan Henley

Henley has not only emerged as the Chargers’ best linebacker this season, but he’s been one of the best defenders in the AFC altogether. In the loss, he was all over the field with a team-high eight total tackles. Henley provided two pressures and was exceptional in coverage, which included a forced incompletion.

CB Kristian Fulton

Fulton continues to have a breakout season for Jesse Minter and the Chargers. The veteran helped lock up Kansas City’s wide receivers, as they finished with just 210 passing yards. In fact, according to Pro Football Focus, Fulton was the fourth-best corner in Week 14 in terms of limiting separation from opposing wideouts. With Asante Samuel Jr.’s injuries this season, Fulton’s emergence has been even more crucial.

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 14

The Chargers held the Chiefs to less than 300 yards of total offense, so how did that impact them in the rankings?

The Chargers fell to 8-5 after losing to the Chiefs on Sunday night.

Los Angeles’ defense held its own, limiting Kansas City to less than 300 yards of total offense and containing Patrick Mahomes for most of the game. Offensively, the Bolts couldn’t get anything going in the first half but had a surge in the second half.

With Week 15 coming up, how do the Bolts compare to the rest of the NFL? Here is where Los Angeles ranks:

Offense

Category Stat Rank
Points per game 21.3 ppg 20th
Passing offense 198.1 ypg 25th
Rushing offense 111.5 ypg 19th
Total offense 309.5 ypg 24th
3rd down conversions 38.37% 15th
Red zone scoring 54.55% 19th
Sacks allowed 38 23rd
Turnovers 6 1st

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 15.9 ppg 1st
Passing defense 206.1 ypg 8th
Rushing defense 117.6 ypg 14th
Total defense 323.7 ypg 11th
3rd down conversions 35.03% 7th
Red zone defense 41.94% 1st
Sacks 39 5th
Takeaways 17 10th

 

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 14 loss to Chiefs

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

In Week 14, the Chargers lost to the Chiefs in a game that came down to the last play.

Along the way, there were some standout performers and others who did not contribute as much.

Here are the best and worst performers from Monday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

TE Stone Smartt — 93.4

QB Justin Herbert — 89.9

OT Rashawn Slater — 81.9

WR Quentin Johnston — 80.2

TE Tucker Fisk — 68.9

Top 5 Defense

LB Daiyan Henley — 84.3

EDGE Khalil Mack — 82.8

DT Teair Tart — 75.5

S Marcus Maye — 74.1

S Derwin James — 73.2

Bottom 5 Offense

FB Scott Matlock — 43.4

OL Trey Pipkins — 43.9

TE Will Dissly — 54.3

WR Jalen Reagor — 54.3

RB Gus Edwards — 54.4

Bottom 5 Defense

EDGE Joey Bosa — 39.1

LB Junior Colson — 41.0

DT Morgan Fox — 41.2

CB Cam Hart — 41.4

CB Ja’Sir Taylor — 49.9

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Chiefs stack up before Week 14 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Chiefs stack up statistically on offense and defense ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Chiefs are set to square off this upcoming Sunday night.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Kansas City stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 14 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Chiefs
Points per game 21.7 ppg (18th) 24.1 ppg (11th)
Passing offense 198.4 ypg (24th) 229.8 ypg (12th)
Rushing offense 112.9 ypg (18th) 111.8 ypg (19th)
Total offense 311.3 ypg (24th) 341.6 ypg (15th)
3rd down conversions 37.74% (18th) 51.83% (1st)
Red zone scoring 53.33% (21st) 52.08% (24th)
Sacks allowed 35 (23rd) 32 (20th)
Turnovers 6 (1st) 14 (14th)

Defense

Category Chargers Chiefs
Points allowed 15.7 ppg (1st) 19.6 ppg (8th)
Passing defense 206.4 ypg (10th) 224.1 ypg (23rd)
Rushing defense 119.4 ypg (14th) 87.3 ypg (3rd)
Total defense 325.8 ypg (14th) 311.9 ypg (8th)
3rd down conversions 33.33% (2nd) 39.46% (18th)
Red zone defense 42.86% (2nd) 51.28% (10th)
Sacks 36 (6th) 24 (27th)
Takeaways 17 (10th) 10 (27th)

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 13

The Chargers only mustered 187 yards of total offense, so how did that impact them in the rankings?

The Chargers improved to 8-4 after beating the Falcons in Week 13.

Los Angeles’ defense, which compiled four interceptions on the day, was why they won the game. The offense only managed 187 yards of total offense and allowed five sacks to a Falcons defense with just ten entering Sunday.

With Week 14 coming up, how do the Bolts compare to the rest of the NFL? Here is where Los Angeles ranks:

Offense

Category Stat Rank
Points per game 21.7 ppg 18th
Passing offense 198.4 ypg 24th
Rushing offense 112.9 ypg 18th
Total offense 311.3 ypg 24th
3rd down conversions 37.74% 18th
Red zone scoring 53.33% 21st
Sacks allowed 30 21st
Turnovers 5 1st

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 15.7 ppg 1st
Passing defense 206.4 ypg 10th
Rushing defense 119.4 ypg 14th
Total defense 325.8 ypg 14th
3rd down conversions 33.33% 2nd
Red zone defense 42.86% 2nd
Sacks 35 T-6th
Takeaways 13 14th

 

Chargers pull out gritty win over Falcons: Instant analysis of Week 13 victory

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ gritty win over the Falcons behind a four-interception performance.

The Chargers defeated the Falcons on Sunday, improving to 8-4.

Here’s our recap of the Week 13 win.

It was over when…

Derwin James intercepted Kirk Cousins with 47 seconds remaining.

Notable number

Per AP Sports’ Joe Reedy, Ladd McConkey’s 105 yards are the most receiving yards by a Chargers rookie in the first half since 1991.

3 stars of the game

  1. WR Ladd McConkey: McConkey was the only productive player in the passing game. He finished the game with a season-high nine receptions for 117 yards.
  2. CB Tarheeb Still: The rookie out of Maryland was a ball magnet, finishing with two interceptions, including one he took back to the house for a touchdown.
  3. S Marcus Maye: This could’ve gone to Derwin James, who closed the game with a pick. But Maye, who was signed just this past week after being released by the Dolphins, had one in the end zone on the drive right before.

Quick hits

  • The Chargers’ offense was underwhelming. They failed to find the end zone the entire game, even on their two trips to the red zone.
  • Their only offensive points came from Cameron Dicker’s three made field goals.
  • The Chargers were 3-of-14 on third down. They had 187 yards of total offense.
  • The second-half offensive struggles continued. They only picked up two first downs on four drives.
  • The Falcons entered this game with one of the worst pressure rates, only having ten sacks. Atlanta flipped the switch, as they lived in the Chargers’ backfield. Justin Herbert was sacked five times.
  • Gus Edwards and Kimani Vidal combined for ten rushes, finishing with 5.3 and 5.0 yards per carry, respectively.
  • Aside from McConkey, the pass-catching group was lackluster. Quentin Johnston was the next productive receiver, with only 14 yards on two catches. Six pass catchers had just one catch.
  • The defense was why the Chargers came out of this game victorious. Jesse Minter’s unit combined for four interceptions, headlined by Still, who had two, one he returned for a score.
  • The run defense held its own, limiting a good backfield of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to 3.5 yards per carry.

What’s next?

The Chargers are on the road again to face the Chiefs next Sunday night, Dec. 8, at 5:20 pm PT.