Around the AFC West: Broncos gain ground, Chiefs and Chargers drop
By Ellen Mathis
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a pretty bad loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. The Chargers lost to a third string, undrafted quarterback out of Samford named Devlin “Duck” Hodges. The story of this game is turnovers. The Chargers turned over the ball repeatedly in the first half of this game and quickly were down 24-0. They were never able to claw their way back from that deficit despite two touchdown passes to newly returned tight end Hunter Henry from Philip Rivers.
The Chargers defense could not stop James Conner and the Pittsburgh run and they could not run the ball. The Chargers do not look like themselves (although they characteristically missed a field goal).
The outstanding star was the Steelers defense. It was as if Rivers forgot that Devin Bush does not play for the Chargers. He was responsible for 2 turnovers alone. The one shining hope for the Chargers was the return of Henry. He had missed time due to a knee injury, but made an immediate impact in his return. Additionally, the Chargers did not lose anyone to injury during this game.
The Chargers travel to Tennessee next week to take on the Titans. The Titans are coming off a terrible game against the Broncos, one in which their franchise quarterback—is he?—Marcus Mariota was benched for Ryan Tannehill. It remains to be seen who will be the starting quarterback will be on Sunday. The Chargers need to win to keep playoff hopes alive as the Raiders and Chiefs (despite the Chiefs’ losses) appear to be pulling away from the pack.
With so many questions surrounding the Titans, I believe the Chargers will get the ship righted with a close win against the Titans on Sunday.
Opening line odds for the Chargers in Week 7: +2.0.
Game time is 3:05 p.m.