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And the Donks got their asses whooped. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Ravens were angry (and the Donks are not very good). Chargers back in 2nd place.
Alright, 5-3 and 2nd place. 🙌🙌
Man, I know the offense goes conservative when we are up by two scores, but I absolutely love the football we’re playing.
The pass and run finally worked together today. Beautiful to see.
Better. The IOL is concerning even though yes, both tackles had some struggles today.
I see center and TE as 2 big draft targets. Probably another guard.
Dicker’s gotta nip the yips. 4 points today.
I just watched the condensed game replay. A few initial thoughts:
- Going into the season, I never thought I would say this, but the Chargers really missed QJ. I think having Johnson play against the Cardinals could have made a difference
- Poona Ford was a beast in the middle of the line. The dude constantly ate double-teams
- Bosa was a bit better (and came close to having a sack). He still lost the edge on a big run. I think I would bring him back very slowly and target having him at full-speed at the end of the year. Having a healthy Bosa in the playoffs could make a big difference
- Why the fuck did Henley not see the field last year? He’s awesome
- If the Chargers want to run the ball, they need to go against their tendencies and throw the ball on 1st down. Teams are continuing to crowd the LOS. There were frequently 9 players within 5 yards of the LOS, especially on 1st down. The play calling needs to change
Good win, but the Chargers offense going to sleep when they get a lead is a problem. They need to put teams away, especially when the defense is getting so many turnovers.
Good observations and I’m in particular agreement with your last paragraph. The defense is playing really well, especially considering we’re on rookie backup CB’s. But they need consistent complementary play from the offense. Better teams will gas our defense if the offense keeps going 3 and out for long stretches.
And whoever is calling the offensive line blocking assignments needs help.
The rate that the OL gets fooled is a huge problem. I was hoping that this coaching staff would prove to be an advantage, and they have been, especially on defense where every position group is exceeding expectations. However, the OL and TEs are not playing up to their abilities. This needs to be addressed.
Unfortunately I think our center and TE group as a whole is playing close to their abilities. Both areas need upgrades.
This is probably right. I do think that the LBs and especially the DBs are playing way above their ability. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when everyone knows what their job is and can focus on playing football.
I’m embarrassed that I stuck up for Staley as much as I did. I don’t know what influence Brandon is having in SF, but that team has definitely taken a step back this year. On a ex-Charger-HC positive note, Anthony Lynn seems to have the Washington running game sorted out.
My frustration on the running plays is two-fold: (1) they are struggling running wide; and (2) they are predictable trying to run left behind Slater and Johnson. I think they will improve somewhat if they start running more between the tackles and try to run right more. Become less predictable. I’d also like to see a draw or two with JK to keep the LBs honest. Yes, IOL is the biggest weakness on the team and I don’t see that being fixed this year but at this point +2 yards up the middle is better than minus three running wide.
I don’t know what the stats say but I thought they were better than games past in throwing on first down. The second half struck me as an execution problem throwing and a complete blocking fiasco running.
If we are going to get greedy and not just ask for a playoff appearance but going far in the playoffs they need to be able to run the ball enough for Herbert to be at third and five or less after two runs. If they can do that they will sustain drives, give the defense a chance to rest and put teams away.
Yesterday they not only threw unsuccessfully in the second half but took almost no time off the clock. Third quarter and first half of the fourth quarter they must have averaged 1 -1 and 1/2 minute possessions. Not winning football even with such a good defense.
@gbgh this is my biggest gripe/concern right now. WTH happens in the locker room at halftime??
I think it differs by game. There were a couple of games where Herbert’s injury and OT injuries were the story (Steelers, Chiefs). They played conservative to try to keep Herbert from further aggravating his high ankle sprain. There were a couple of games play calling was too conservative despite Herbert feeling better (Cardinals, Broncos). This last game I thought it was execution. The play calling was pretty good, but they could not run to save their lives and either Herbert or the receivers missed on a few key plays.
Said another way, they are improving but not there yet. The injuries are fixed (for now) and the play calling IMO is better (Roman calling many more pass plays down the field and in general in the second half). Now they need to solve the execution issues. I think this is fundamentally a run game problem. They become one dimensional when they cannot run especially when the other team knows the Chargers want to run to kill clock (e.g. when they have a sizeable lead (Broncos, Browns). This is a talent problem we all know with the IOL, but also a run play call problem IMO. I want them to stop running wide when up in the second half and trying to kill clock. With the O line play there is too much opportunity for negative plays when they run wide in obvious run situations – up 3 scores in the second half.
When they are up 3 scores and trying to kill clock, I want them to go up the gut, gain 2-3 yards, then do it again and ask Herbert to convert a few 3rd and 4-6’s. Not every series, but enough to kill some clock. No more 3 and outs taking 1 minute or less off the clock because they lose 3 yards on first down running wide, complete a five yard pass on second down and have an incomplete pass on third down. The Chargers will lose games up 3 scores against good teams if they keep doing what they did in the Broncos and Browns games in the second half. I was much less concerned with them scoring in the second half and much more concerned with limiting the number of times they gave the ball back to the Browns and putting the Chargers’ D back on the field.
If they are up two or fewer scores or down, then let’s see a continuation of what we have seen frequently in the first half of games (Panthers, Broncos, Saints, Browns). Herbert throwing first and running second.
@gbgh yeah, I can swallow the lack of point production to some degree. What I choke on, as you mentioned, is not controlling the TOP when we’re leading. That is going to bite us in the ass against better competition.
Yes, IOL is a liability right now. So, where’s that stud lead blocker to help with inside runs? It’s not Matlock.
Very happy for the win, of course. Garrett gave me concern for a bit….the guy is a game wrecker when he gets going. Not sure just what changed to slow him down the second half other than more attention?
Speaking of second half slowdowns….they’re still concerning. IMO, the foot doesn’t come of the throttle (or throat) just because you have a lead. Anything can happen to swing momentum. These long unproductive stretches need to end.
The defense?? Nothing but ballers here. Still is the real deal, Hart showing plenty of heart, Mack is still a force, Derwin and Henley everywhere. Fox had himself a GAME. Three interceptions. Quality depth is showing out here.
Special teams….great PR from Derius….welcome back! FG block by Tart….how long has it been? Some yips from unexpected source Dicker but I’m confident he’ll work that out.
And QJ….nice job, young man. Yes, blown coverage on the long TD but he & Herb took advantage. Showed off his jets after the catch. I’m giving him my lunch pail this week. Back big after missing 2 weeks. Say what you will but I think it’s obvious the kid wants it.
Now let’s go whup some Titans ass.
Thus far, QJ has been impressive. I think he could have made the difference in the Cardinal game. He still missed a (somewhat difficult) catch that would have been a big 2nd half pickup, but overall, impressive progress.
The other interesting WR is Jalen Reagor. Dude is a former 1st round pick, still only 25, fast and shifty. He’s kind of a bigger Davis that can catch. His issue has always been making bonehead plays (like fumbling out of the back of the end zone). He was elevated again this last week. I think if I were Hortiz, I would IR Rice and elevate Jalen.
Raiders fire their OC, OL Coach and QB coach:
Getsy’s dismissal after just nine games makes him one of the quickest assistants to be fired in NFL history; the Arizona Cardinals previously dismissed offensive coordinator Mike McCoy after just seven games during the 2008 season.
Almost broke McCoy’s (who is currently working to get Peterson fired in Jax) record for failing quickly. It looks like Norv’s son (Scott) is going to replace him.
Telesco, after inheriting Rivers and lucking into Herbert, is finding out how much more difficult it is to win without a franchise QB. Even with a franchise QB, Telesco had a losing record. The Raiders look to be trending toward a top-5 pick. Will be interesting to see how long Tommy holds on to his job.
5-12 last season. Entered offseason with major roster and salary cap issues. Now 5-3 and seemingly improving, despite dealing with serious injuries.
I am happy to say that this GM and coaching staff are who we thought they were.
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