In Week 2 of the 2023 NFL time, the Los Angeles Chargers knowledgeable a devastating additional time defeat at the palms of the Tennessee Titans. Inspite of possessing an opportunity to safe victory in the closing times, the Chargers’ destiny was sealed by a Titans area objective. Even though various aspects contributed to this loss, there were 4 folks within just the Chargers organization who bore the brunt of accountability for the consequence.
The Chargers’ Week 2 Setback
The Los Angeles Chargers uncover by themselves only accountable for their winless commence to the NFL year. Equally losses amassed by a mere 5-stage margin. As these types of, the disappointment of currently being -2 looms significant.
This defeat saw the Chargers squander an 11-point lead, finally slipping to the Tennessee Titans by a score of 27-24 in extra time. Justin Herbert showcased his prowess with 305 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Joey Bosa contributed with two of the defense’s 5 sacks, and Keenan Allen amassed 111 acquiring yards and two TDs.
In the dying times of regulation, with the Chargers possessing the ball and needing a touchdown to safe victory, they succumbed to a very important sack, forcing them to settle for Cameron Dicker’s third area target. Notably, all three of these industry goals were tried all through drives exactly where the Chargers were being inside of the Titans’ 12-property line or nearer.
In overtime, inspite of successful the coin toss and getting possession, the Chargers floundered. Justin Herbert misfired on a few consecutive pass attempts, ensuing in a important three-and-out. The Titans then marched down the discipline and strike the marginal industry purpose for the win.
Here we will search at the four Los Angeles Chargers staff to blame for their shocking reduction to the Tennessee Titans.
1. Justin Herbert
It is with a significant coronary heart that we consist of Justin Herbert listed here. He did set up major figures, but he also fell small in terms of executing for the duration of OT. There are only so quite a few excuses that can be created for Justin’s inability to seal the offer in back-to-back months when introduced with opportunities for video game-successful drives, both equally of which ended in disappointment.
At some issue, Herbert’s remarkable skills need to transcend the situations and elevate the crew to pivotal victories. If a coaching transform is considered necessary, the aim need to be on obtaining a mentor capable of maximizing Herbert’s progress.
2. Cornerbacks’ Vulnerabilities
Pursuing a disheartening functionality versus the Dolphins, the Chargers’ defense confronted a seemingly much less formidable challenge in the Titans. Recall that they had thrown 3 interceptions in 7 days 1 against the Saints. However, the Chargers inadvertently manufactured the Titans show up additional skilled. Tennessee QB Ryan Tannehill done 20 of 24 passes for 246 yards. Though they confined him to just one touchdown, that solitary rating served as the decisive blow. It set immense stress on the Chargers with 2:22 remaining in regulation.
Just one noteworthy lapse came from Asante Samuel Jr., leading straight to the Titans’ 1st touchdown. Regardless of a robust defensive start out, Tannehill exploited a really hard engage in-motion go to Treyon Burks for a massive 71-yard achieve. This established up Derrick Henry’s subsequent touchdown.
An additional important perform, a 49-garden completion to Chris Moore, unfolded with Michael Davis as the sufferer. It marked Moore’s first reception of the 2023 time.
Chris Moore catches an absolute rocket of a throw down area 😎pic.twitter.com/brPas9G4Vr
— Titans Nation (@TitansNationCP) September 17, 2023
Although the Chargers’ go protection struggled in Week 1, Sunday’s efficiency was inexcusable. The Chargers authorized two deep passes, exposing vulnerabilities in their guy protection from a Titans receiving corps not renowned for its toughness.
The summary of the video game bore an uncanny resemblance to the 2021 year finale against the Raiders. In that critical match, the Chargers had the Raiders going through a 3rd and 4 in a tie game all through extra time. Seemingly content material to run the clock down and settle for a tie, which would have secured each teams a playoff berth, the Raiders’ plans have been disrupted by Brandon Staley’s timeout to modify the protection. This shift backfired, as Josh Jacobs rushed for ten yards, location up a activity-profitable industry target for the Raiders, and ultimately ending the Chargers’ time.
Similarly, in the game towards the Titans, the Chargers faced a pivotal 3rd and 2 on the edge of field purpose range in time beyond regulation. With the Titans momentarily benching Derrick Henry, Staley named a timeout to regulate the defensive personnel. Nevertheless, Tennessee reinstated Henry, who subsequently acquired two vital yards and secured a first down, extending the Titans’ push. A 14-yard move to DeAndre Hopkins, two extra Henry runs, and the Titans clinched the victory.
Staley’s conclusion-creating in these pivotal times could probably mark a turning position in his tenure with the Chargers.
4. Offensive Line
The Chargers’ inside offensive line exhibited dominance in opposition to the Dolphins in Week 1. They set the tone in the functioning activity and mitigated force on the quarterback right up until the ultimate generate. Even so, their effectiveness in 7 days 2 starkly contrasted with this showing. As this sort of, their running activity struggled, specifically in between the tackles. In truth, they amassed only 61 hurrying yards in whole.
The principal contributors to this struggle have been Zion Johnson, Jamaree Salyer, and Corey Linsley. They just struggled to have Denico Autry, Teair Tart, and Jeffery Simmons. This mismatch also translated to the passing match, where inside tension often vexed Justin Herbert. The Titans recorded 3 sacks, five QB hits, and six tackles for decline.
Searching Forward
The Chargers’ loss to the Titans certainly let down a group with superior expectations for the season. Although various components contributed to this defeat, the underperformance of critical personnel, like Justin Herbert and head mentor Brandon Staley, was a major aspect. To rebound and pursue a playoff berth, these men and women will have to elevate their functionality ranges.