Chargers Week 14 snaps counts

The Chargers did the thing. They won a close game with a game-winning field goal kicked by none other than the Money Badger.

Do we believe he deserves the nickname again? Probably not, honestly, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Happy Victory Monday, all.

Here are this week’s snap counts from Sunday along with my notes and thoughts.

Enjoy!

Offense

Notes

• The Chargers offensive line took a couple hits in this one with Bryan Bulaga and Trai Turner both leaving early due to presumed concussions. Bulaga sustained a hit to the head after just three plays while Turner played three quarters of the game before exiting. This continues to be a disastrous season for the Bolts’ two newest acquisitions along the offensive line. Both were seen as “fixes” for the line but neither has played more than half of the possible snaps so far this season. In their place, Storm Norton and Cole Toner filled in at right tackle and right guard, respectively.
• Tyron Johnson played a career-high 54 snaps (74%) on Sunday and rewarded the Chargers with six receptions for 55 yards and his second touchdown of the season.
• The backfield ended up being 60% for Austin Ekeler, 32 percent for Kalen Ballage, and 15 percent for Justin Jackson. This wasn’t a surprising split, but it remains to be seen if Jackson is being brought back slowly after returning from IR. However, Ballage has also earned his fair share of snaps due to his play and availability.
• Both Johnson and rookie K.J. Hill saw an increase in snaps due to Mike Williams being ruled out early with back soreness. Hill caught his only target for four yards but it was a nifty fingertip snag that reminded the audience of the former Buckeye’s potential.

Defense

Notes

• I’m not sure if there was an injury or if Gus Braley decided to use Chris Harris Jr. and Casey Hayward as their two corners in base defense, but Michael Davis, arguably the team’s best corner this season, played just 70% of the defensive snaps against the Falcons. Davis has played his way into a new contract in 2021 while Hayward has seen a surprisingly drastic regression this year.
• Isaac Rochell got the start at base end in place of Jerry Tillery this week and played just 65 percent of the defense’s snaps. Uchenna Nwosu saw only 17 snaps (30% ) but managed to record his fourth sack of the season.
• Safety Alohi Gilman and linebacker Malik Jefferson both saw at least one snap on defense. This is very minor news but it’s still interesting to see them get any time at all. Will Nas’ struggles force the team to play Gilman a bit more? Who knows.
• After several weeks of seeing him play significant snaps, it was strange to see Tevaughn Campbell receive zero snaps on defense against the Falcons. With the increase usage of dime package and the secondary regaining their health, it’s not surprising to see some players fall back into special teams duties.

Special Teams

Notes

• Michael Badgley made a 43-yard field goal as time expired to win it for the Bolts and that’s a big deal for obvious reasons. Will the kick become a turning point for his future fortunes? The entire fan base certainly hopes so.
• Nasir Adderley returned a kickoff 76 yards which was by far the longest kickoff return by the Chargers in some time. The Bolts only got three points on the drive, but Lynn’s first performance as the team’s special teams coordinator was a pleasant surprise.