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Another swell game that was, huh? Things actually started looking pretty good for the recently-signed WR Danario Alexander early in the game. On the first possession of the game, the Chargers were faced with 3rd-and-10 when Rivers connected with Danario Alexander — enough for a first down — and he broke two tackles to carry the ball down the field for a touchdown.
But that wasn't his only contribution in the game: Alexander finished his day with 5 receptions for 134 yards. Take out the 1 80-yard TD completion, and he still went 4-54; not terrible for a free agent signed less than two weeks ago.
Obviously, it wasn't quite enough to overcome the team's own blunders. Take out a blocked punt return and at stupid Philip Rivers pick-six interception — and assume the Tampa offense doesn't score again — and the Chargers actually win the game by 4 points.
But, those things still happened, and the Chargers still lost. How culpable is on General Manager A.J. Smith? Has he fielded a competitive team? Are the team's struggles player-related, or are other factors at play?
Last week, you guys were a little more generous with Smith's job rating. His rating seems to be moving in step with the Chargers' winning percentage.