It was another day that ended in disappointment for Los Angeles Chargers fans, as the team dropped to 0-4 on the season with it’s 26-24 loss to the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. With yet another narrow loss, the Chargers have lost three of their games by three points or less, meaning they are a mere eight points from a 3-1 record. Here are some Chargers takeaways from Sunday’s defeat.
Week Four Los Angeles Chargers Takeaways
Bad Blood among Rivers, Coaching Staff
In the middle of the third quarter, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers exploded in rage. He clearly directed most of his ire at Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.
The stimulus for Rivers outburst was the inability or refusal on Wisenhunt’s part to call a play on fourth down fast enough to avoid a delay of game penalty. It’s also possible that Whisenhunt called a play, and Rivers disagreed with the call.
Rivers has been known to fly off the handle at times in the past, but this is possibly the worst it’s ever been. It’s also one of the only times that the object of his wrath was obviously a coach.
Fans of the Chargers have voiced their displeasure with the conservative play calling of Whisenhunt before, and, after head coach Anthony Lynn’s press conference, it appears that the Chargers are at least considering replacing him.
Passing Game Shows Signs of Life while the Defense and Running Game Falter
It was Rivers best game on the season, as the veteran signal caller completed 22 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions. The receivers played very well in their own right. Both Keenan Allen and Tyrell Williams had over a 100 yards receiving, and Williams scored a touchdown.
The running game looked horrible, however. Austin Ekeler’s 35 yard touchdown, his only carry of the game, accounted for most of the Chargers measly 58 yards on the ground. Star running back Melvin Gordon routinely met Eagles defenders in the backfield. Gordon managed only 22 yards on ten carries.
The defense turned in it’s worst performance of the year in this game. While corner Casey Hayward and the rest of the defensive backs played fairly well, they were unable to stop the Eagle’s rushing attack, which resulted in 214 rushing yards. The Eagles were able to consistently move down the field and, while the Chargers frequently forced them to kick field goals, maintained possession incredibly well and will leave California with a win.
It seems the Chargers are incapable of playing well in all phases of the game. Against the Kansas City Chiefs in week three, the passing game let the Bolts down while the defense stood firm. Special teams blew it in weeks one and two. The Chargers will need to improve in all areas, and attain some level of consistency, if they are to turn this season around.
Fan Attendance Remains a Concern
For the third straight week, the visiting team was welcomed to a very friendly crowd. The Chargers players must be disgusted at the lack of support in their new city. Perhaps the team would have more fans if they were winning games. They do turn in exciting conclusions with electrifying performances by talented players like Keenan Allen. They are a truly fun to watch team, so they certainly aren’t turning away supporters because of boredom.
It likely has to do with the Chargers relocation. Perhaps Los Angeles NFL fans grew accustomed to the absence of an NFL team. They could already have a team they support. It could be that Los Angeles simply boasts far too many distractions. This would make it difficult for a healthy fan base to ever be cultivated. Potential Chargers fans may perceive owner Dean Spanos as disloyal to the city that housed his team for 60 years. They could be wary of throwing their support behind him. Whatever the reason, lack of fan supports is a thorn in the Chargers side that refuses to subsist.
In week five, the Chargers will face the (0-4) New York Giants, and someone will walk away 1-4.
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