Chargers Week 14 power rankings roundup

Dan Hanzus of NFL.com continues to rank the Chargers better than everyone else. He’s the only one who doesn’t rank the Bolts in the bottom five of the league so you gotta love the guy for that alone.

With that being said, here are this week’s various rankings for the Chargers after their latest loss to the Patriots.

Enjoy!

NFL.com - #25

“We reached rock bottom in the Anthony Lynn era with Sunday’s 45-0 destruction at the hands of the Patriots. The Chargers struggled in all phases, but special teams delivered a dud for the ages. Los Angeles missed a 46-yard field-goal attempt, surrendered a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown and allowed a blocked field-goal try to be returned for a score ... all in the first half. The Patriots added a 61-yard punt return in the third quarter, as well. By one measurement, it was the worst special teams game of the last 20 years. All of this reflects poorly on Lynn, who has seen his chances to return next season decrease by the week.” — Dan Hanzus

Bleacher Report - #28

For much of the 2020 season, the Chargers have been finding new and inventive ways to lose close games. But they apparently decided that had gotten boring, so they decided to get absolutely blasted instead.

Just about everything that could go wrong did Sunday against the Pats. The offense managed only 258 total yards and turned it over twice. The defense allowed 165 yards on the ground. New England scored twice on special teams, including a blocked field goal at the end of the first half that just about summed up the 2020 Chargers.

As the losses pile up, the future of head coach Anthony Lynn has become a hot topic. But Lynn told reporters after the game that he isn’t wasting time worrying about his job prospects beyond this year.

“That’s out of my control, my job status. But I talk to Dean (Spanos) all the time,” he said. “It’s my job to get this team back on track and if I’m here I will.”

That’s all well and good, but given how the season has imploded in L.A., Lynn isn’t likely to return as the Chargers head coach next year.

“Special teams are never a major talking point, unless you’re discussing the Chargers,” Sobleski said. “Why? Los Angeles currently has one of the worst-performing units the league has ever seen. According to Football Outsiders’ Aaron Schatz, the Chargers special teams’ DVOA through 13 weeks is worse than any team on record since at least 1985. Justin Herbert and Joey Bosa are exciting pieces to build around, but the Chargers aren’t a well-coached squad, and it shows.” — NFL Staff

ESPN - #28

Person with most at stake: Head coach Anthony Lynn

Lynn has been on the hot seat for the past few weeks, with questions about clock and game management. Sunday’s 45-0 loss to New England, which was filled with penalties and special-teams miscues, didn’t help. He is a really nice man, and the players love him (at least outwardly), but ownership has to be getting fed up with all the losses ... by one score or not. — Shelley Smith

The Ringer - #28

For The Win - #28

“I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again. It’s cute and fun and nice that the Chargers have an outstanding young quarterback (Justin Herbert). But this team stinks, particularly on special teams.” — Henry McKenna

Pro Football Talk - #29

“The Chargers, if looking for a new coach, should try to hire a current head coach from another team; more than a few surely would be interested.” — Mike Florio

Fansided - #30

“The Bolts returned home to take on the Patriots, a team they had dropped five straight games to dating back to 2010. Rookie signal-caller Justin Herbert was humbled by Bill Belichick’s defense as he hit on just 26-of-53 passes for only 209 yards and two interceptions. The defense gave up 165 yards rushing and the Chargers’ special teams allowed a pair of touchdown via a punt return as well as a blocked field goal on the final play of the first half.” — Russell Baxter