The Chargers were on the wrong end of a beatdown inside their own stadium this past Sunday at the hands of the Colts. The defense was non-existent in the first half and was only marginally better after
halftime. Offensively, Justin Herbert threw for 420 yards and three scores but that somehow wasn’t enough after throwing two early interceptions.
Los Angeles has a lot to work on in a short period of time before they are back at home to host the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday Night Football. Luckily, their opponent is 3-3 and struggling with injuries of their own.
There’s a chance for them to get back in the win column, but not if they come out and play in a similar manner as this past Sunday. Start fast, end faster should be the mantra.
Let’s take a look at where the Chargers settled after their latest loss.
Sporting News – #14
“The Chargers have lost their way with their running game and injuries along the offensive line, getting suddenly too pass-happy with Justin Herbert out of necessity. But the defense giving up chunk runs and passes should be more concerning to Jesse Minter and Jim Harbaugh.” – Vinnie Iyer
ESPN – #15
“A fifth-round rookie, Gadsden was a healthy inactive for the Chargers’ first two games of the season, but he has emerged as one of quarterback Justin Herbert’s favorite targets. Gadsden had his best showing in Week 7 — and one of the best games by a Chargers tight end in recent memory — with seven catches for 164 yards and one touchdown. Gadsden had the most receiving yards by a tight end since Antonio Gates in 2013.” – Kris Rhim
CBS Sports – #15
“The defense has issues after a fast start. Even Justin Herbert and 400 passing yards couldn’t overcome that against the Colts.” – Pete Prisco
The Athletic – #15
“Reality check: Their defense is a problem. And not in a good way. “We looked like trash,” safety Derwin James said. They allowed the Colts to average 6.9 yards per play, recorded only one sack and allowed 24 first downs.” – Josh Kendall
Bleacher Report – #15
“Justin Herbert is the only reason why the Chargers are competitive at this point in time. He threw for a staggering 420 yards against the Indianapolis Colts just to give his team a chance.”
“It wasn’t enough, though, not when the defense is being rolled and the quarterback’s offensive line is decimated by injuries.”
“The Chargers have lost three of their last four, with a quick turnaround in Week 8 by playing on Thursday Night Football. Herbert can only do so much to keep this squad afloat.” – Brent Sobleski
Pro Football Talk – #17
“Not even Jim Harbaugh can change what the Chargers are.” – Mike Florio
NFL.com – #17
“Things have gone south since the Bolts’ 3-0 start to the season, with injuries playing a big role, but I’d be lying if I told you I expected things to fall apart. The defense has allowed 27 or more points in each of the past three games, and Justin Herbert has six interceptions in his past five games, including two on Sunday against Indianapolis. We know now this is a dangerous Colts unit, but the Chargers were humbled in the first half before rallying and making it a closer score. They’re struggling to run the ball consistently, and even the pass game has had some major missteps. The schedule might allow for the Chargers to regain their momentum a bit, and their 3-0 mark in the AFC West still holds up well, but it’s hard not to be worried about what the product has looked like lately.” – Eric Edholm
USA Today – #20
“The Bolts are getting jolted of late, but don’t blame Oronde Gadsden II − just the third rookie tight end in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) with at least 150 receiving yards and a touchdown grab in a game.” – Nate Davis
