Chargers Gift Wrap Another Game, Losing 34-31 in Oakland
Well it happened again, as the San Diego Chargers once again gave away a game in which they were leading in the fourth quarter. Could it get any more tragic? Who wrote this script that we are watching being played out before us, and when does the happy ending take place?
I wrote a piece last week pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of the Oakland Raiders.
I wrote how Derek Carr is a very young, up and coming quarterback, and how Amari Cooper is an awesome receiver who was due for a breakout game.
As I was watching the game, I thought the Chargers outplayed Oakland for most of the game, trading blows in a rather entertaining typical AFC West game. When the fourth came into play, the Chargers (as its been the case for the entire season), couldn’t get out of their own way.
Philip Rivers threw a couple of awful picks in the game that left Chargers fans upset. Melvin Gordon fumbled (once again this week) deep in Chargers’ territory. These turnovers led to 14 Raider points in the game and were easily the difference between a victory or a loss.
The Bolts were down 10 in the fourth, and I thought “well there’s no way they blow a lead this week.” But little did I know that something way more embarrassing was in store for the Bolts (more on that later).
Rivers and the offense put together a nice looking drive to get within a field goal late in the fourth. After the Chargers defense came up with a huge stop it looked somewhat promising for the Bolts. Philip Rivers led a great drive all the way to the Oakland 19-yard line with just over two minutes remaining in the game. The Chargers had 4th and inches and most fans wanted the team to go for it, but Mike McCoy didn’t have the intestinal fortitude to do it. Instead he opted to attempt a 36 yard field goal. A chip shot for Josh Lambo.
So just when you thought there was no way for the Chargers to find another painful way to lose, they outdid themselves. The punter that Telesco wasted a draft pick on, fumbled the snap, and Chargers fans were reminded of the fact that God truly hates San Diego sports.
Game Balls
The rookie tight end is really looking like a great pick by the Chargers. He is blocking well and quickly becoming a reliable target for Philip Rivers. He caught three passes on Sunday for 74 yards and a touchdown, including a 58 yard catch and run. He is emerging, and that is refreshing with an aging Antonio Gates on the roster.
Joey Bosa
He finally made his pro debut and recorded two sacks on the day. He had five tackles, three of them for a loss. He played in 27 of a possible 71 defensive plays, so that makes his performance even more impressive. The Chargers had to wait for his services, but he looks like he can get to the QB consistently.
So now the Chargers have a short week and a lot of questions about the future of head coach Mike McCoy. This season has been excruciatingly painful for all of the fans. Now the Chargers host the world champion Denver Broncos on TNF in a game that has the feel of a funeral. The 1-4 Chargers need a win in the worst way.
I am a lawyer that loves everything San Diego!