The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a devastating 20-16 loss against the Houston Texans, where they missed an opportunity to play for an AFC West title in Week 18.
LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a devastating 20-16 loss against the Houston Texans, where they missed an opportunity to play for an AFC West title in Week 18.
The story of the game for LA was missed op[prumities. Normally an automatic kicker, Cameron Dicker missed a 32-yard field goal and an extra point as well, which made the difference. Rookie tight end Orande Gadsden also had a costly drop that resulted in a red zone interception. The Chargers really kicked themselves in the foot in Week 17.
Offensively, Justin Herbert did everything he could to propel Los Angeles to a win as he had 201 passing yards and an interception. Herbert was sacked five times by the ferocious Texans front, including Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, who were creating pressure all day long.
The only constant receiver in the pass game really was Quentin Johsnton, who hauled in five catches for 98 yards. Omarion Hampton, out of the backfield, added eight catches for 31 yards as well, which at times was a good safety net for Herbert.
On the ground, LA couldn’t get anything going. Herbert had 37 yards just escaping from sacks and moving the chains, most of which came on a 28-yard run that gave the Chargers life. Hampton was locked up with 14 carries for 29 yards on a 2.1-yard average, but was able to punch one run in for a score in the fourth quarter.
The Los Angeles defense looked like it was in for a long day after the start. On Houston’s first two drives, they torched the Chargers’ defense for 142 yards and two touchdowns. However, after that, the stout pass defense of LA flushed their mistakes and allowed 244 passing yards for the game (102 yards after the first two drives).
The receivers for Houston included the big-shot plays from the pair of Iowa State rookies.
Jayden Higgins started off the day with his touchdown, which went for 75 yards on the first possession. Higgins ended the day with two catches for 88 yards and that score. Then Jaylin Noel made his play, which resulted in a 43-yard score. Noel totaled three catches for 54 yards and the touchdown. Veteran Nico Collins added three catches for 57 yards as well.
The rush defense for LA had an average da,y allowing 118 yards on 34 carries for an average of 3.4 yards per attempt. Woody Marks' return for Houston really helped their ground game. After a tough defensive penalty (Called after a sack on third down) on the Chargers, the Texans were able to finish the game on the back of Marks and the offensive line.
The story of the game really was the missed opportunities by the Chargers in a few areas. Their red zone offense was very inefficient, their kicker missed kicks he normally makes, and they had few penalties against them, but the ones that were called were costly. Lastly, the offensive line was manhandled all day long, and Herbert did everything he could to keep the offense flowing. The offensive line may cost them their season if it does not improve because right now their run game is very inconsistent, and Herbert is running for his life in the pass game.
Going into Week 18, the first thing to look at is currently the Chargers are currently the sixth seed, so assuming all the favorites win, they can stay there and will most likely head to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the Wild Card round.
However, LA has to go play the Denver Broncos this week, and Denver is playing for the number one overall seed, so this game is going to be a hard-fought one.
As a result of injuries to Herbert and the struggles of the offensive line, Los Angeles has decided to rest Herbert to avoid any major risks, which will most likely slot the Chargers in at the seventh seed.
So we are going to look at the most likely matchups for the Wild Card Round.
The game many expect to take shape is for LA to travel to play the New England Patriots. This matchup would be very intriguing with both Herbert and Drake Maye looking for their first playoff wins.
Both teams have a lot to prove. The Chargers have to prove they can perform on the biggest stage, especially Herbert, who, at times, has struggled in situations like this.
The Patriots, on the other hand, must prove that their schedule was not the reason they have had a great season. That they are actually an elite team and can perform against good defenses and good offenses.
Other matchups could include the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Denver Broncos, and the AFC North winner between the Steelers and Ravens.
All of these matchups will be very tough, especially with the offensive line Los Angeles has been riding with. The Chargers did go 2-1 in these matchups in the regular season, but with more film, these games will continue to get tougher.
Without protection and a consistent run game, it will be very tough to offset these issues, so it will require a great game plan from offensive coordinator Greg Roman come playoff time.
This is one of the better Charger teams in recent history, and the story of this season has been health concerns and missed opportunities. LA has to offset these problems, and these playoffs are going to be very interesting.
So go ahead, grab some of your favorite snacks, pull up your favorite teams, and watch the standings take their final shape for the playoffs.
Category: General Sports
