The Los Angeles Chargers fell to their cross-town rivals, the Rams, in Week 3. Several thoughts, takeaways and reactions from the loss.
Not many expected the Los Angeles Chargers to beat the Los Angeles Rams “on the road” in Week 3, but for a while, it looked like the Bolts were going to give them a run for their money. Mixed in with some good play by offensive players were some poor efforts by those on defense, however, in what was ultimately a losing effort.
The most notable problem against the Rams was the lack of playmaking on defense. It appeared the Chargers had no answer for the superior play calling of Sean McVay. The big plays were few and far between, and the Rams rolled down the field on what appeared to be drive to score points. The Rams only punted once on Sunday.
The offense, in my opinion, looked great against what is supposedly the best defense in the league. Most every possession resulted in points or, unfortunately, a good drive that ended in some sort of turnover. Austin Ekeler continued to dominate, and Melvin Gordon made some huge plays in the run game as well. The two were not as featured in the passing game as I would have imagined, however.
Philip Rivers was outstanding. Yes, the Rams lost two of their best corners throughout the game, but No. 17 had himself a good day against a tough team. Fans should feel confident that the offense can move the ball well, but have to clean up ball security and stop forcing the ball up the middle to find even greater success. Rivers is playing great and the team has a few easier games ahead for the defense to find its footing.
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Mike Williams was also a standout in this one, nabbing two touchdowns and a catching a total of 81 yards. Against All-Pro Marcus Peters, Williams outran and out-bodied the defender en route to an impressive score on a dime from Rivers. He’s the No. 3 receiver on the team behind Keenan Allen and Gordon, and should immediately become the WR2 following another impressive performance.
One of the plays that will stick out from this game will be the blocked punt. Let’s get this out of the way: It’s not Derwin James’ fault. Would it have been avoided if he took the touchback? Absolutely. But it’s not on him.
The Chargers seemed content with running the ball to almost catastrophic results straight at Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald. The Chargers needed to block for punter Drew Kaser, and they didn’t do that either. James’ job is to stop the offense, and he did.
James, for that matter, played fairly well once again. I don’t remember him being tested one-on-one in the passing game often, but he did pull down a great route-reading interception in the one pass I can remember him being near. As for tackles, he continues to fill the stat sheet with 10 combined tackles. The rookie safety/linebacker/pass rusher can do it all.
On paper, Melvin Ingram has not played well in the absence of Joey Bosa. With almost no help from the other side of the line, Ingram hasn’t made the kind of explosive impact fans are accustomed to seeing. Offensive coordinators have had an easy time scheming around his presence.
Moving forward, expect better from the Chargers. Gus Bradley’s defense started slowly last year, but finished the season as a top unit. The offense should stay consistent, as there are too many playmakers for the team to be stagnant. Hold your head up, Bolts fans.