San Diego Chargers Three Phase Analysis
Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) has a word with San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) after the Chargers final play of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. The Patriots won 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
After a three-game losing streak and then a three-game winning streak, the San Diego Chargeers were defeated by the Patriots on Sunday Night Football, dropping to an 8-5 record. In this article, I will be reviewing all three phases of the Chargers 23-14 loss to the New England Patriots.
Let’s take a look at how the Chargers offense performed against New England.
O. San Diego Chargers. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS OFFENSE. C-. After scoring an average of 30.5 points per game in the past two games, the Chargers offensive performance against the Patriots was underwhelming to say the least. Rivers passed for 189 yards and a touchdown on 20 of 33 passing. While the Patriots defended two passes, Rivers still missed his receivers nearly 40% of the time. The once fruitful Keenan Allen connection which produced 225 yards and three touchdowns on 17 catches in the past two games was shut down on Sunday as Allen went for just three yards on two catches. Malcolm Floyd had a great game, scoring the Bolts lone offensive touchdown on a 15-yard touchdown grab. <p>As for the running game, Ryan Mathews had 44 yards on 11 carries for a 4.0 yards per carry average. While he was stopped at times, Mathews should have been given the ball more than he was. 11 carries for a back like Mathews is simply not enough for a winning ball club.</p> <p>Another problem with the Bolts on Sunday was not about turnovers, but about the offensive line. Rivers was sacked four times and was hit another seven times on Sunday by the Patriots pass rush. You cannot allow those types of numbers to the opposing defense, especially with the high-powered offense of the Patriots waiting eagerly on the sidelines. One of my keys to victory was protecting Philip Rivers and the Chargers failed to do so versus New England.</p> <p>Overall the Chargers attained 216 total yards against an average defense. Considering the way they played against a much better Ravens and Rams D, the Bolts under-performed on Sunday Night and will have a lot of things to work on this week in practice.</p>