Chargers News: Bolts Fall Short In Upset Bid At Lambeau
Green Bay Packers 27, San Diego Chargers 20 – F
The Chargers (2-4) had four chances in the waning seconds of the game, to force OT (or go for 2 and the win) against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. After Rivers and co. orchestrated a 77-yard drive to get them to the three yard line with 33 seconds left and 2 timeouts, disaster struck.
1st down: A handoff to Danny Woodhead was stuffed for just a gain of one and the Chargers spent their second timeout.
2nd down: Rivers locked in on Gates in the corner of the end zone but the throw was over his head. Woodhead was open a ft into the end zone but Rivers didn’t see him in the flat.
3rd down: Handoff to Woodhead again up the middle, stuffed behind the line for a loss of one. Burn their last timeout.
4th down: Rivers is pressured throws it to Woodhead, the same exact spot he was open on 2nd down, but was batted down by Rookie Damarious Randle with 15 seconds left.
Keenan Allen was not on the field during this drive as he exited in the third quarter with a hip injury. Before that however, he compiled one of the best receving lines in Chargers history. He finished with 14 receptions, just two shy of breaking the franchise record, and 157 yards.
On a day when Philip Rivers had a career day, setting franchise records for completions (43), attempts (63) and passing yards (503), most people will remember the loss more than anything.
The Chargers had a hard time stopping the run again as James Starks 112 yards on just 12 carries. Taking a 65-yarder to the house in the first quarter to extend the Pack lead to 14-3.
The Chargers dominated the time of possession, 38 minutes to 22 as they had no problem moving the ball for the most part throughout the day but just could not finish drives with points.
On a 4th and 3 from the GB 12 yard line in the 2nd quarter, down 14-3, the Chargers went for but failed to convert. The Packers drove down and scored another field goal.
Melving Gordon had 28 yards, 25 coming of those coming on one play, but exited early with an ankle injury. It wasn’t quite the homecoming most of us envisioned but hopefully the injury isn’t significant enough to miss more time.
The Chargers did convert a 4th down with time running out earlier in the game. At the end of the first half, in really a must score situation, the Chargers went for it on 4th and goal from the Green Bay 1-yard line. With 2-seconds left, Rivers found Dontrelle Inman in the back of the end zone to cut the deficit to 17-10 at half.
The Chargers defense played well and kept Aaron Rodgers in the pocket and made him look down right pedestrian compared to what we all know A-Rod is capable of. Jeremy Attaochu continues to shine, he had 2 sacks and another tackle for loss. The front seven from the Chargers played inspired and Corey Liuget added another sack while rookie Denzel Perryman crushed Eddie Lacy behind the line of scrimmage and forced a fumble.
The Bolts tied it up at 17 with a 79-yard, 8 play drive, ending with a 19-yard Rivers to Ladarius Green connection.
The Pack would answer back with a Rodgers to James Jones completion. Brandon Flowers was again
victimized, as Jason Verrett continues to outperform the veteran corner.
Both teams would get field goals in the fourth quarter to put the Chargers down 27-20, as it set up the late game drama.
Back-to-back tough losses for the Chargers as they move to 2-4 on the season. The Broncos somehow won again to move to 6-0. The Chargers have a favorable schedule upcoming, but need to get healthy and play inspired like they did today.
Top Performers:
Philip Rivers – 43/65, 503 yards, 2 TD’s
Melvin Gordon – 7 carries, 29 yards
Keenan Allen – 14 rec, 157 yards
Game ball:
Obviously it’s Philip Rios. The guy sets all sorts of franchise marks, 500 yards, 2 TD’s no interceptions. He played a hell of a game. It’s a shame people will remember how he couldn’t quite muster one more score at the end of the game, but that’s how it goes when you live in Paradise.
Up Next:
The Chargers will travel back home to take on division rival Oakland Raiders. It will be the first divisional game for the Bolts this season and will be paramount they get a W to keep the Broncos from running away with the Division.
Quick Preview:
The Oakland Raiders are coming off their bye week so they will have had two weeks to prepare for the Chargers. They have played well so far this season, led by second year QB Derek Carr. They have young players all over the field who can make plays. Rookie wideout Amari Cooper will be a handful on the outside, and RB Latavius Murray will be pounding the rock between the tackles. The Chargers’ O-line will also have to figure out how to slow down Khalil Mack, talented pass-rusher in his second year.
Bolt Up!
Nick was born and raised in San Diego where he became a Chargers and Padres fan, attending numerous home games throughout the years with his dad. He then went on to attend college at the University of Arizona. There he earned his degree in marketing and now lives in San Francisco where he dreams of the the sunny beaches of San Diego. Bear Down.