The Chargers had an excellent opportunity to head into their Week 12 bye with a boatload of momentum had they been able to beat the Jaguars and move to 8-3. However, the exact opposite of the ideal situation happened.
The Bolts were blown out by the Jaguars on the road 35-6 behind what had to be the most uninspired performance by the team under Jim Harbaugh. There was simply no life in any of the three phases and that translated to exactly what you’d expect in the box score.
Rightfully so, the Chargers
took a tumble in this week’s power rankings. They’re still in a decent spot at 7-4, but there’s only one, maybe two, very winnable games left on the schedule.
Let’s go ahead and see where they landed this week.
Sports Illustrated – #13
‘‘Some pretty horrifying news for Jim Harbaugh, who loves Justin Herbert like an old person loves his golden retriever: Herbert is on pace to be the most hit and pressured quarterback since the advent of hit and pressure statistics. Is there any way L.A. can keep this up?” – Conor Orr
ESPN – #14
“Analysts have placed Herbert in the upper echelon of quarterbacks since he entered the league in 2020, but he hasn’t elevated the Chargers to postseason success. Instead, his two playoff appearances have been some of the most embarrassing losses in team history. The Chargers signed Herbert to a five-year, $262.5 million deal in July 2023, and the organization believes he will lead the team to a title. So if the Chargers go another year without winning a playoff game, Los Angeles will likely place blame on and consider moving on from Roman, who has drawn ire for uncreative playcalling.” – Kris Rhim
The Athletic – #15
“The Chargers clearly thought next week’s bye came this weekend. It’s the only real explanation for being outgained by 210 yards by the Jaguars. Los Angeles averaged 3 yards per play, and Justin Herbert was 10-of-18 for 81 yards and an interception as the Chargers saw their three-game winning streak snapped. “We were out-physicaled,” said Jim Harbaugh, who must have hated to say it.” – Josh Kendall
Yahoo Sports – #16
“That was a troubling loss for the Chargers. They’re unlikely to fall off completely, but the flaws are evident. The offensive line in particular is a liability due to injuries, and Justin Herbert is taking way too much punishment. The Chargers’ season could go either way from here on out.”
CBS Sports – #16
‘‘What the heck happened in Jacksonville? They head to their bye with a lot of questions. They have to get the offensive line figured out.” – Pete Prisco
Pro Football Talk – #16
“It’s not going to be easy to come back from Sunday’s Duval demolition.” – Mike Florio
USA Today – #17
“Duval County is just a house of horrors for QB Justin Herbert, who really needs a week off … along with the rest of this wounded roster.” – Nate Davis
