Another week, another bad coaching job by the Chargers coaching staff. That just seems to be their identity at this point. While this may not have been one of head coach Brandon Staley’s worst days, his bad coaching was seen at the worst times in this game. The players themselves certainly have a large part of the blame, Herbert himself included, but both Staley and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore have a part of the blame as well. Let’s get into this.
Lackluster Offense
Chargers OC Kellen Moore – Noel Sanchez/Charger Report
Before I get into the numerous negatives for the offense, let me point out how great some of Herberts’ throws were and how Keenan Allen was a literal route technician out there. These two are the only reason the offense had any life at all. I would say Allen had a better day than Herbert, as Herbert had a lot of lows, but don’t forget how good Herbert was at times. Now, for the harsh truth.
Run Game
Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (30) – Robert Gauthier/ Los Angeles Times
This offense was abysmal. We had under 300 yards and scored only twice when inside the 10-yard line of the endzone. Our run game was especially bad, as we only had 53 rush yards on 23 attempts. That’s barely over two yards per carry! That is just unacceptable. I mean, Ekeler returning was supposed to spark up this run game. Well instead of getting a zap, the run game got zip from him as he had only 27 of those yards.
Offensive Line
Chargers LG Zion Johnson (77) and RT Trey Pipkins III (79) – Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times
You always hear that stats can be misleading. That is definitely the case with the offensive line. On the stat sheet, it shows they allowed only one sack. They must have had a great game, right? WRONG! They couldn’t get any push for the run game and Herbert was pressured by what seemed like every other play. I really want to see how many pressures he had once the Next Gen stats get put up. This line is too talented to be performing this badly. I know Corey Linsley is on IR with a heart issue, but the other four linemen are supposed to be slightly above average in the top 5. They didn’t play like that today.
Herbert Makes Mistakes
Chargers QB Justin Herbert (10) – Tim Keown/ESPN
Herbert may have made the line look better, but he definitely didn’t play well. I know, I just said he was under constant pressure. But he still made bad throws. Twice he overthrew Allen who had broken the ankles of the defender and he would’ve gone all the way or at least a big play. Instead, they were two frustrating plays that demoralized the team. Then the final throw was a bad one. Not only that but there were multiple times that he tried to force throws or run when there was someone open elsewhere. Allen was the best player on this offense, and he would’ve had another big game like in Minnesota if Herbert hadn’t played so poorly.
This team needs to make an identity for itself, and that has to start with Herbert. That’s just the way it goes for the quarterback position. It was predicted by many, even us, that he would have a breakout season. He started out good, but the last two games haven’t been his best, to say the least.
Defensive Penalties Give Boys Life
Chargers OLB Joey Bosa (97) – Marca
There has been one constant problem in every game: The Chargers get penalties at the worst moments of the game. That was the case again with this game. Is that just their identity now? Multiple times the Chargers sacked Prescott and had them in 3rd and long. Then they would have a defensive penalty that gave them the first down and kept the drive alive. The Chargers had 9 total penalties. While the Cowboys surprisingly got 11, theirs didn’t come on 3rd downs and were able to be made up for. The defense actually played well overall. But at the worst moments, they were penalized or gave up big plays like the 60-yard dump-off to Pollard.
Conclusion: No Identity
What more can you say than the Chargers did what Chargers do? They Chargered. As they said in Friends “you pulled a Monica”, the Chargers pulled a Chargers. They had a bye week to prepare for the Cowboys, who had just gotten stomped by the 49ers. They had every advantage you could think of. Bye week, injuries, home field, Cowboys coming off a loss, everything. Yet, they found a way to lose. That is bad coaching in itself. This Chargers team has to find its identity. They can’t run the ball, they can’t throw deep anymore, they can’t stop opposing offenses. They just keep it close, then lose. Until they change it, that’s how it’ll be.
