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The Los Angeles Chargers thought they figured out their kicking problems this week by releasing punter Drew Kaser and signing Donnie Jones to replace him as both the punter and place holder.
But don’t be surprised if the Chargers revisit their kicking options again after another lackluster performance from the kicker despite winning 26-10 over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
Sturgis was put to the test early, as the Chargers opened their first drive of the day with a Sturgis 49-yard field goal giving Los Angeles 3-0 lead.
The Raiders would tie the game early in the 2nd quarter with a 24-yard Matt McCrane field goal.
The two teams sputtered toward the end of half untill late in the 2nd quarter, when Philip Rivers hit Austin Ekeelr on a swing pass, and Ekeler took it to the end zone for a 44-yard score.
Then, on the Raiders first play on the ensuing possession, Jatavis Brown knocked loose a Martavis Bryant reception that was recovered by Jahleel Addae.
The Chargers would capitalize with a six-play 45-yard drive with a 1-yard Melvin Gordon run. The drive also included a huge Melvin Gordon catch and run inside the 10 -yard line.
Los Angeles had a chance to increase their lead going into half when Raiders defensive end Bruce Irvin gifted the Chargers an extra play plus 15-yards on a failed hail Mary attempt, with a roughing the passer penalty.
It was all for naught though as Sturgis missed the field goal attempt.
Despite the special teams miscue, a 3-3 stalemate turned into a 17-3 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Chargers increased their lead on a Sturgis 30-yard field goal pushing the score to 20-3.
On their next possession, Oakland would drive to the Chargers 1-yard line but Melvin Ingram thwarted that scoring opportunity intercepting the Derek Carr pass and returning the ball 5-yards out of the end zone.
Then on the very next play, Rivers found Tyrell Williams streaking down the field for a 48-yard gain. The drive was capped off 8 plays later on a Virgil Green 13-yard touchdown reception.
The Sturgis kicking woes continued, as he missed the extra point try off the upright. The replay showed that Jones’ hold was put down correctly- laces out, and it was clearly Sturgis’ fault.
It was Sturgis’ 4th missed PAT this season this year.
The Chargers would lead 26-3 when the Raiders would score their lone touchdown of the day on a Carr to Jordy Nelson play.
By then the Chargers lead would be too much for the Raiders to overcome as the Chargers expired the rest of the time in the game, winning 26-10.
The win moves Los Angeles into second place in the AFC West with a 3-2 record.