The Los Angeles Chargers picked up a playoff-clinching win against the Colts on Monday night, ending a 4-year playoff drought for the often unlucky franchise. After a first-quarter stalemate that left both teams scoreless, it was all Chargers the rest of the game, as the Chargers completely shut out the Colts in the second half en route to their 9th victory of the season.
For an injury-riddled Chargers squad that has had multiple stars miss time including Joey Bosa, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Rashawn Slater, and J.C Jackson to name a few, the grit and perseverance this squad showed to somehow find their way to the playoffs is simply amazing.
Here are studs and duds from the Chargers’ big win on Monday night.
Los Angeles Chargers studs and duds vs. Colts
Keenan Allen, WR – STUD
In arguably his best game of the year, Allen was an essential part to the Chargers victory on Monday night. Allen hauled in 11 receptions for 104 yards, and was a reliable chain-mover for Justin Herbert all night long, making plays when needed, and almost scoring a touchdown on this insane trick play by the Chargers’ offense
Allen is heating up at the right time for the Chargers, as the 10-year pro is averaging 94 yards a game over his past three contests, and looks to build off Monday’s success in the final two games as the Chargers battle for playoff positioning
Dru Tranquill, LB – STUD
Have a day Dru Tranquill! The 4th- year pro out of Notre Dame was all over the place for the Chargers Monday night, finishing with 11 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 QB hit. Tranquill was constantly flying around the field whether it be slowing down the run game (Colts rushed for only 69 total yards as a team) or putting the pressure on Backup QB Nick Foles, Tranquill let his presence be felt. The young Chargers stud has now collected 21 tackles and 2 sacks in his past two games and is currently 10th in the league in tackles with 82.
The Chargers DBs – STUDS
Here to spoil Nick Foles’ first start this season, the Chargers’ secondary played absolutely lights-out football. The starting trio of Asante Samuel Jr., Michael Davis, and Derwin James all registered an interception each and helped limit Foles to just 143 yards through the air on the night. After losing J.C Jackson earlier this season, this Chargers secondary proved tonight just how dangerous they can still be.
Nassir Adderly, S – DUD
While the Chargers team as a whole played well all around, it could have been a better game for Adderly. The safety finished with just one tackle, and no passes defended as a starter in tonight’s game. While the Colts’ offense struggled to generate much of a threat, you would have liked to see more production out of your starting safety
Chargers first-quarter offense – DUD
Even though the Chargers ended up with the win, you would have liked to see them get off to a better start against an obviously inferior team. Against a team like the Colts, it was not too big of a deal, but against contenders like the Chiefs and the Bills, you got to be able to put points on the board in the first frame.
The Chargers will return home next week with an afternoon affair against the Rams.