The Chargers had the look. All-gold uniforms. Retro logos. Powder-blue finish zones with script from the nostalgic days of Dan Fouts and Don Coryell.
However their protection?
As useless as disco when it counted most.
Indianapolis Colts working again Jonathan Taylor, the NFL’s main rusher, trampled the Chargers on Sunday with touchdowns of 23, eight and 19 yards in a 38-24 victory at SoFi Stadium.
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Sam Farmer breaks down what went improper for the Chargers of their 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
“Till we get it mounted, till we put that fireside out…” Chargers All-Professional security Derwin James Jr. stated. “The final two, three video games, we haven’t been ourselves on protection.”
The Chargers have misplaced three of their previous 4 video games and wish some quick-drying cement to patch the holes with Minnesota coming to city for a Thursday night time sport.
“Brief week,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh stated. “We didn’t play our greatest in any section, however now it’s time to regroup, refit and prepare.”
If Harbaugh has any solutions, he wasn’t sharing them outdoors the locker room Sunday. He stood in entrance of the media, gripped the lectern and stared into the gap.
“It wasn’t our greatest day, however do I’ve confidence in my crew? Sure,” he stated. “Do I consider they’re combating? Yeah. And that’s all you may actually ask for as a coach.”
It was simply one other Sunday for Taylor who got here into Week 7 main the league in speeding yards and touchdowns, and averaged 5.9 yards per carry in opposition to a Chargers protection that had been respectable so far. That protection allowed a median of 20.8 factors within the six earlier video games.
That helped open the passing lanes for Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who threw a pair of touchdowns and once more made an early-season case for Comeback Participant of the Yr after his profession had seemingly flamed out with the New York Giants.
Indianapolis Colts working again Jonathan Taylor is tackled by Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh throughout the first half of the Chargers’ 38-24 loss Sunday.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Instances)
It was the second journey to Los Angeles in 4 weeks for the Colts, who misplaced to the Rams right here in Week 4.
The Chargers, whose distinctive look was a nod to the Seventies, had been sleepwalking within the first half earlier than coming to life within the second.
Justin Herbert stored the house crew considerably within the sport with three landing passes after halftime however discovered himself attempting to dig out of a deep gap all day.
The Chargers truly outgained the Colts, 445 yards to 401, and held the ball for 9 minutes longer, however Indianapolis was extra environment friendly with its possessions, higher within the crimson zone, and took benefit of its alternatives.
He noticed two of his passes intercepted within the first half. The primary was batted excessive within the air on the line of scrimmage and plucked by 314-pound defensive deal with Grover Stewart. The second choose got here within the crimson zone, when security Nick Cross slipped in entrance of Quentin Johnston in the long run zone to intercept an eight-yard go.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert slides whereas scrambling throughout the second half Sunday.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Instances)
The Chargers, who trailed at halftime, 23-3, clawed their method again into the sport with landing passes to Johnston, Keenan Allen and Oronde Gadsden II.
It has been a rollercoaster of a season for the Chargers, who ran the desk in opposition to the AFC West within the first three weeks, then misplaced back-to-back video games to the Giants and Washington Commanders, earlier than rebounding with a come-from-behind win at Miami.
Denver got here from behind Sunday to beat the Giants, 33-32, knocking the Chargers out of the highest spot within the division. In the meantime, Kansas Metropolis stomped Las Vegas, 31-0, and could possibly be gathering a few of that acquainted momentum. It isn’t getting any simpler for the Chargers.
Herbert was hit 15 occasions by the Colts — 3 times greater than the Chargers hit Jones — and sacked 3 times. Extra punishment for a quarterback who has been underneath intense stress all season.
“That’s soccer,” he stated. “That’s a part of the job. We threw the ball loads as we speak and that’s going to occur. The offensive line is doing an unbelievable job battling and I can all the time get the ball out faster.”
Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin breaks up a go supposed for Chargers vast receiver Ladd McConkey in the long run zone throughout the fourth quarter Sunday.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Instances)
In opposition to the Colts, the troubles started early for the Chargers. After the house crew’s first snap, Chargers left deal with Austin Deculus lay face down on the turf. He was the crew’s fourth participant to line up as Herbert’s blindside protector.
It was an ankle damage that felled Deculus — he wound up returning within the second quarter with a cumbersome brace — and the Chargers turned to the flippantly skilled Foster Sarell, who immediately held one of the crucial necessary positions on the sphere.
Simply extra offensive line madness for the Chargers, who’ve cycled by six tackles to date. Their line was as soon as thought of an space of energy.
The Chargers are shedding the “college gold” uniforms and changing them Thursday with acquainted navy ones. They should make greater than superficial modifications, nevertheless.
James, for one, is completely satisfied the following sport is coming so quickly.
“Sure, sir,” he stated with the slightest glint of optimism. “I can’t wait to get this style out of my mouth.”
