The Los Angeles Chargers suffered a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football in Week 12 of the 2023 NFL season. Despite a strong defensive effort, the Chargers' offense struggled to execute and make plays, resulting in a 20-10 defeat. In this article, we will identify and discuss the four Chargers personnel most to blame for their Week 12 loss to the Ravens.
Week 12 Loss
In their Week 12 away victory, the Ravens' defense exhibited a commanding performance against the Chargers. Their dominance was so pronounced that it seemed to transport quarterback Chargers Justin Herbert back to his second career start in Week 3 of the 2020 season. The Chargers, on Sunday night, experienced a downfall marked by four turnovers. These included an interception and a lost fumble by Herbert. That's in addition to lost fumbles by Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen and running back Austin Ekeler. This marked the Chargers' first four-turnover game since Herbert's second start, which resulted in a 21-16 home loss against the Carolina Panthers.
Characteristic of the Chargers, they found themselves falling just short once again. Despite a rare missed field goal by Justin Tucker that gave them possession with just under three minutes remaining, the Chargers couldn't capitalize. Herbert struggled to connect with his receivers when it mattered most. This encapsulated the essence of the Chargers' season.
The game on Sunday unfolded as a quintessential Chargers narrative, with self-inflicted setbacks plaguing their performance. Although Baltimore provided opportunities for Los Angeles to claw back, the Chargers ultimately lived up to their reputation of outdoing themselves in terms of setbacks.
Here we will look at the four Los Angeles Chargers who are most to blame for their Week 12 loss vs. the Baltimore Ravens.
Justin Herbert
Despite Justin Herbert's effective running, highlighted by a 35-yarder in the fourth quarter, the quarterback faced challenges. He notably encountered a controversial non-call that disrupted his momentum. The first half ended with a mere three points, and the overall offensive output amounted to just 10 points, a disappointing outcome considering the commendable performance of the defense. The absence of a robust vertical game and another 3-point loss contribute to the frustration of what is perceived as a perplexing season for the Chargers.
Herbert's stat line in the game reflected mixed results. He completed 29 of 44 pass attempts for 217 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He also rushed four times for 47 yards but suffered a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter. A strip-sack by Jadeveon Clowney led to Herbert undergoing a concussion evaluation. However, he was eventually cleared to continue playing. Despite his efforts to mount a late comeback, Herbert's two turnovers significantly contributed to the Chargers' third consecutive loss.
Austin Ekeler
The spotlight on the Week 12 defeat also turns to Austin Ekeler, prompting a critical evaluation of his recent performances. Sure, last week showcased his best game of the year, marred only by a subpar run off the left side. That said, Ekeler's performance against the Ravens highlighted a stark regression. With an average of just 3.2 yards per carry, the Chargers once again failed to reach 100 yards rushing in the game.
Of particular concern were Ekeler's runs on first down, emphasizing a noticeable decline in explosiveness since his return from an early-season ankle sprain. He did remain a productive receiving option with five catches for 32 yards. Still, the attempts to utilize him as an elusive back akin to the previous season seem increasingly mismatched with his current capabilities. The looming possibility of the Chargers parting ways with Ekeler in the offseason gains traction as his on-field performance continues to deteriorate.
Fumblers
A significant factor contributing to the Week 12 defeat was the issue of ball security. Again, the Chargers notched three fumbles and an interception. Justin Herbert's interception came with limited consequences as it occurred on an end-of-half Hail Mary. However, the three fumbles, originating from key offensive players, had more profound implications.
Herbert's strip on a critical third down in the red zone disrupted a promising Chargers drive. It wasted much of the third quarter. Keenan Allen's fumble in the second quarter, occurring on a play closely resembling an incomplete pass, squandered an opportunity following a defensive stop, granting the Ravens a field goal. Austin Ekeler's fumble on the subsequent possession halted a two-minute drill just before halftime. With key offensive contributors like Quentin Johnston sidelined the reliance on Allen and Ekeler becomes paramount. When these primary playmakers falter, winning becomes an uphill battle for the Chargers.
Coaching
Head coach Brandon Staley faced criticism for the Week 12 loss, with specific instances drawing attention. The game's opening play featured a misstep with 12 defenders on the field, necessitating an early timeout. Despite a somewhat loose defensive performance, the unit managed to make crucial plays. Staley's decision not to go for it on fourth-and-1 also added to the coaching scrutiny. Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's cautious approach, reminiscent of facing the formidable '75 Steelers, contributed to the overall narrative of coaching decisions playing a role in the Chargers' defeat.
Looking Ahead
The Los Angeles Chargers' Week 12 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens was a collective effort marked by challenges faced by key players, strategic decisions, and lapses in execution. Justin Herbert's valiant efforts were marred by critical turnovers. Austin Ekeler's performance decline underscored the offensive struggles that contributed to the team's third consecutive loss. The issue of ball security, with three fumbles and an interception, further compounded their woes. Coaching decisions, including Brandon Staley's early misstep and subsequent strategic choices, added to the scrutiny surrounding the defeat. As the Chargers navigate the remainder of the season, addressing these challenges becomes paramount to regain momentum and steer the course towards success.
Follow Us
Subscribe