The discussions amongst fans and media following the Chargers’ loss to the Titans have spanned all sides of the spectrum – from being factual and objective to being completely over-reactionary.
Here are two truths and two overreactions from Week 2:
Truth: The offense crumbles in the 4th quarter
The Chargers have tried to create an identity on offense in just two weeks. The run game was much better in week one when Austin Ekeler wasn’t injured, and the passing game was much smoother and more interesting than the previous season – but in both games, the offense could not close out the fourth quarter despite having multiple opportunities to do so. The Chargers offense couldn’t score a single touchdown in four offensive possessions this past Sunday near the end of the game. They also failed to score in overtime, giving the ball back to the Titans after a very quick three and out, resulting in a loss by just a field goal. The offense is struggling in the passing game, with defenses easily covering a relatively slow and undynamic offense. Without speed, separation, and a healthy Ekeler, the Chargers’ offense will continue to suffer as opposing defensive coordinators will be able to predict the next round of playcalls and cornerback matchups will be able to cover the big body wide receiver corps without much struggle. It is imperative that quarterback Justin Herbert unlearns some nasty habits from his time under previous offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and allows himself to confidently close out games the way he used to while the defense continues struggling on the other side of the ball. Herbert’s lack of rushing and unwillingness to roll out of the pocket is dampening what could be a thrilling offense – these are all easy fixes, but they will have to be done sooner rather than later, or else these late struggles may continue to be a trend.
Overreaction: Drafting Quentin Johnston may have been a mistake
The Chargers opted to take Johnston in the first round over multiple other wide receiver threats who were still available after him. Not a knock on Johnston, but there are several targets who would have been a better suit for this Chargers offense and unless he starts seeing the field more, then it seems like it may have been a waste of a pick. This past Sunday, Johnston played only ten snaps all game, which is one less snap than fourth-round pick Derius Davis. By no means does this mean that Johnston is not a great wide receiver or that there are problems with his skillset. It does mean that the Chargers did not fill a necessary hole with their first-round pick and instead drafted someone who was in line with the team’s archetypal wide receiver. Assuming that Mike Williams might no longer be a Charger next season – since the cap space will be dwindling – then Johnston may have been the pick to replace him, which would make the most sense. Still, him receiving such limited snaps doesn’t bode well for his ability to progress as a rookie and have a practical learning experience. With the Chargers taking both Johnston and Davis in the 2023 draft, and each of them seeing only 10 and 11 snaps, respectively, it would have made much more sense to draft someone like WR Zay Flowers, who instead would have been able to take on 21 snaps per game and provide the offense with the speed and agility that they are lacking. This also would have freed up round 4 for the Chargers to use on another defensive player. Hopefully, Johnston can start taking on a more prominent role in the offense, meaning Joshua Palmer would see the bench more frequently. If not, then we made the wrong pick.
Truth: The defense is still in rough shape, but performed better than in Week 1
The Chargers defense in Week 1 against the Dolphins was abysmal. There were no sacks, hits, hardly any passes defended and they allowed over 500 yards and 36 points. This week, the Chargers managed to make some important plays with five sacks – two of which came from Joey Bosa, who was on limited snaps all game, and the defensive line held Derrick Henry to under 100 yards, which is no easy feat. Still, the Chargers struggled in the passing defense and not only allowed 27 points this week but also allowed Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill to rack up a 123.3 RTG and a completion percentage of 83% – the second-best in his entire career. After watching Tannehill have a horrendous game in week one, with a rating of just 28.8 after throwing three interceptions for 0 touchdowns, most people expected him to have a similar – if not only slightly better – performance, but the Chargers instead handed his WRs to him on a silver platter. The Titans offense carved through the Chargers’ passing defense like butter and unnecessary penalties were drawn throughout the game as Los Angeles continued to be undisciplined. A silver lining in this defensive performance was Kenneth Murray, who was torn to shreds online and on paper last week after having one of the worst defensive performances in the league. This past Sunday, Murray wore the green dot and made an excellent case for why he should continue doing so in the coming weeks. Murray was all over the field – in a good way – and logged multiple tackles, hits, and was reading the offense much more clearly. It might be time to let Murray take the reins and call the plays on the field if it means that his production is truly that much better when he does.
Overreaction: The Chargers could very well go 0-6 to start the season
In one of my biggest overreactions, I’m starting to get incredibly worried about the direction the Chargers are going. The team is currently on a four-game losing streak. Each of those games, the Chargers offense was logging fantastic points, but the defense failed to hold the other team back, and when it mattered most, the 4th quarter offense couldn’t get it done. The Chargers have yet to bounce back from last season, and while head coach Brandon Staley assured the media this past Sunday that the Jaguars loss isn’t hanging over anyone’s heads, it’s hard not to think that it still is when so many players seem checked out. Khalil Mack and wide receiver Keenan Allen both believe that there “is something missing” on their team, though they aren’t sure what. The Chargers should be winning these games, but they continue to struggle and make terrible mistakes on the field and in the coaching area. The team is relatively predictable and boring, and the most reliable part is the kicking squad – which, for Chargers fans, is a crazy statement to read. The schedule coming up is challenging, with the Vikings starting this next round of games. The Chargers defense is the thing I am most worried about. They will have difficulty locking up WRs Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Although the Raiders had a terrible game against the Cowboys this weekend, they scored 34 points against the Rams defense the week prior, which doesn’t bode well for the upcoming Week 4 matchup. The Chargers then move on to face the Cowboys and the Chiefs. Both teams have challenging offenses to cover, and Dallas has a defense that scares even the best teams in the league, which will be an actual test for offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who was coaching there last season. In any case, the Chargers will have to arrive at the stadium next week with changed attitudes and better game plans. Otherwise, it’s not looking good.
