:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/23813611/20130917_hcs_sy4_015.0.jpg)
Welcome back to the snap report, a weekly feature where we look at the Chargers players involved in each offensive and defensive snap and track how players earn and lose playing time as the year continues. As always, these snap counts come from the NFL and the numbers are rounded to the nearest percent.
Welp, the loss to the Dolphins last week pretty much eliminated the playoff chances for the Chargers this year. With that being said, perhaps we'll be getting extended looks at some of the younger players in the coming weeks as the new coach and general manager try and evaluate who gets to stay on the bus to rebuild town. Or maybe Antonio Gates will get all the snaps. Here's a look at the offensive snap counts from the Dolphins game:
Not too much changed from the team that lost to the Broncos. Chad Rinehart played the full game after leaving early against the Broncos, and was one of the few bright spots along the offensive line against the Dolphins. D.J. Fluker, on the other hand, had a game to forget in his first start at left tackle. Fluker struggled mostly in pass protection, giving up three hits (one sack) and three hurries. Hopefully King Dunlap will be able to return soon so Fluker can go back to the right side.
Ryan Mathews received a (deserved) increase is snaps and delivered a great performance, running for 127 yards on 19 carries. Seyi Ajirotutu got his most snaps of the season while Keenan Allen was sidelined with injury for most of the fourth quarter.
Here are the snap counts for the defense:
Jarret Johnson once again returned from injury only to be forced out again, this time with a hand injury requiring surgery, and will be out for the foreseeable future. With Larry English also injured, Reggie Walker filled in at outside linebacker.
Derek Cox played the whole game against the Dolphins, with Richard Marshall taking over third cornerback duties after Johnny Patrick left with a concussion. It's getting pretty thin out there for the second worst defense in the league (according to PFF), let's see if they can dig deep against the Chiefs this week.