Chargers lose to the Panthers 28-16

That was pathetic. The Chargers lost today in probably their worst game of the season. The first half was just about as it gets.

The Chargers, who have the best opening drive offense in the NFL this season, started out with a 3 and out. That set the tone for the first half. The offense managed nothing through the 1st quarter while the defense gave up 10 points to Cam Newton and the Panthers offense. To make matters worse, Melvin Gordon, who is 3 yards shy of 1000 yards on the season, went down with a hip injury and was out the rest of the game.

In the 2nd Quarter the Chargers put together 1 good drive on offense, which was capped off with a Hunter Henry touchdown. The defense meanwhile gave up another 13 points, handicapped by bad field position from poor punts Philip Rivers turnovers. The 2nd quarter also saw the 2nd big injury, Joey Bosa hurt his kneck and also possibly knocked himself out but somehow still came down with the sack. He would not re-enter the game but reportedly passed concussion protocol and does not have a concussion.

After half time both teams started the 3rd quarter with FG drives. The Chargers defense then forced a 3 and out, which the offense took advantage of with a quick drive finishing with a 19 yard TD pass to Dontrelle Inman.

With the score at 26-16 going into the 4th, Philip Rivers tried to be gunslinger Rivers and it all fell apart. On the first drive of the 4th quarter for san Diego Rivers throws his 2nd INT, and 4th turnover, of the game. The Panthers got down to the 4 yard line where Trovon Reed made an interception at the goal line which he returned 99 yards for a TD. However upon review, he was touched down at the San Diego 3 yard line. The next series ended up with a bad safety where Rivers should have been able to throw the ball away. On the next Chargers series, gunslinger Rivers sealed the game throwing an INT on a deep pass on 4th and 10.

This was quite possibly the worst game I’ve seen Rivers play. The offensive line did him 0 favors, but this was just a terrible game. And even worse, because the Denver Broncos lost today I’m pretty sure the Chargers still have a shot at the playoffs...

Oh well, time to get ready to hear “we didnt execute” about 20 times.