It was a sweet win for us Chargers fans, that’s for sure. It’s games like these that the Bolts have lost in the past. A lack of late-game defensive stops. Followed by a bone-headed call. Cap it off with a game-winning field goal. And yet… the Chargers won?!? Maybe things really ARE changing down in Los Angeles/San Diego after all…
In the Beginning…
The Browns’ first offensive drive flowed to perfection – ran the ball effectively, peppered in a few passes, and capitalized with a dominant run to cap it off from Nick Chubb. Scary way to start the game. Even when the Bolts brought pressure, we couldn’t get home It was embarrassing – the Browns were in total control, with zero disruption from the defense. What was the most telling was when Brissett sneaked his way for 3 yards and a first down – that truly showed how much their O-line was man-handling Khalil Mack & company.
And it’s a bit humorous, looking back – that although Myles Garrett did not affect the game, the Browns’ defense put up one hell of a contest in… the passing game?!? Well, initially, at least. In fact, the Chargers’ offensive line played well. Very well. Zion Johnson and Jamaree Salyer appear to be some gems, shout out the often-hated Tom Telesco. But when it came to the passing game, one could speculate that Herbert still isn’t himself (and they’d probably be right) – but the Chargers passing attack was flat-out abysmal. When you’re relying on Mike Dub to overcome a DB on his back every play, or Josh Palmer to get some YAC – you’re not going to be very effective. At least, exclusively…
The whole energy in the stadium shifted with the HUGE run by Ekeler, which truly goes to show the tangible power of momentum. The Chargers saw that the Browns could in fact move the ball, and conversely – the Defense began to have something to fight for, they started to bring more guys into the box, and blitz the run. That’s the chance you gotta take against a team like the Browns. Sure, their passing game was playing above par, but Brissett is no Patrick Mahomes, and Amari Cooper is no Cooper Kupp.
The Irony Kicks In…
All game, their run defense caused our DB’s to play 3 deep on the threat of play action – which opened up the dinks and dunks for 5-10 yards, which the Browns hit consistently – which kept drives alive and gave their offense rhythm. Honestly, the passing also opened up the Defense for the run. The Browns were constantly adjusting, and it showed after the back to back three and outs. The Chargers were SO intently focused on the run (and justifiably so) that the Browns could throw it wherever they wanted.
What the game came down to was the Chargers’ rushing attack. Woah, that felt weird to say for once. With over 200+ yards on the ground and both Ekeler AND Kelley cooking, to say it was refreshing would be an understatement. There’s no doubt that the Chargers’ Offense won the game – but the final kicker of irony was the Bolts’ Defense saving themselves on what would’ve been a go-ahead drive. And it wasn’t JC Jackson, Khalil Mack, or even Asante Samuel Jr… Alohi Gillman.
Stars are usually the ones who win games. It sounds like an exaggeration, but it’s true. You look around the league, it’s Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce who have given the Chiefs a dynasty. How about Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams? Shoot, look at what Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald did for the Rams! For the Chargers, you’d think it’d be Justin Herbert and Bosa/Mack. However, if this game showed us fans anything – it’s that role players are just as important… and significant when it comes to the win and loss column.
A Couple of Chargers Surprises – Closing Thoughts
Mike Williams also stepped up and showed us Chargers fans that he can be the go-to target in the absence of Keenan Allen. In other words, it’s games like these that really show that he was worth the contract he received in the offseason. DeAndre Carter and Josh Palmer were almost absent. They had a few catches here and there, but other than that? It was exclusively three men: Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, and Joshua Kelley.
As the Chargers move forward, the hope is that there are a few things that can be learned from this exciting win:
A) Jamaree Salyer appears to be an answer at tackle, and Zion Johnson is a long-term answer at guard. When Slater comes back (which unfortunately doesn’t seem like any time soon) – with a line that features This O-line is really coming along…
B) Austin Ekeler needs to be fed. It’s been two weeks in a row (and two wins in a row) that Austin Ekeler has scored multiple times, resulting in a Chargers victory. Who would’ve thought the answer throughout Herbo’s injury-induced slump that the answer would’ve been right behind him? Give him the ball, however, you have to.
C) The Chargers’ defense may be far from bulletproof, but it isn’t garbage. What so ever. Surely, the game would’ve been much different if the Chargers were able to stop the Browns throughout the game. But give Cleveland some credit – their 1-2 punch at running back, and their O-line is ELITE. And who ended up coming through in clutch time? The defense…
D) Brandon Staley needs to chill. Like, big time. The buck NEEDS to stop here. It’s like a man/woman you go on a few dates with, and it’s fun and refreshing and new in the beginning – but then you start noticing all of the flaws. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not calling for Staley’s firing. But on that same token, my goodness, you need to have some logic in your decisions.
All in all, it was a crucial win for the Chargers, not just to stay afloat in the standings – but merely for the sake of morale and getting back on track to those high aspirations that were set in the summer. Sure, it was “only” against the Browns. Sure, the Bolts are still missing some VERY key players – but it just goes to show that the Chargers are still in this thing, after all. Clearly, it’s going to be a wild ride – but one that, as a Chargers fan, I’m pretty damn excited for.
