In a disappointing turn of events, the Los Angeles Chargers faced their first loss of the season, falling 21-18 to the New York Giants on Sunday. The game, marked by sloppy play and numerous penalties, showcased the Chargers’ inability to capitalize on a matchup against rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, who was making his debut as a starter in the regular season.
The Chargers’ performance was described as a “complete team loss” by safety Derwin James Jr. Throughout the game, the team committed a staggering 14 penalties, matching the most penalties in a game since 2000, as reported by TruMedia. The penalties were evenly distributed across all three phases of the game, with the offense committing six penalties, the defense another six, and special teams contributing two.
One significant turning point occurred in the first quarter when left tackle Joe Alt suffered an ankle injury, forcing him to leave the game. Coach Jim Harbaugh did not provide an update on Alt’s condition following the loss. Austin Deculus, who had been acquired in a trade in August, stepped in to fill Alt’s role at left tackle. Unfortunately, the Chargers struggled to protect quarterback Justin Herbert against a formidable Giants defensive front, which included four first-round draft picks: edge rushers Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter, and Brian Burns, along with defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. These defenders dominated the game, consistently pressuring Herbert.
Despite the Chargers’ attempts to bolster their offensive line, the pressure on Herbert was relentless. Carter, in particular, showcased his versatility by defeating blockers from various positions. He was instrumental in creating swift pressure, even getting past center Bradley Bozeman and left guard Zion Johnson. The trio of Carter, Thibodeaux, and Burns collectively recorded all 12 hits and both sacks on Herbert throughout the game. “We can put a better product out there than that,” Johnson lamented.
Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert has faced significant pressure this season, having been hit 33 times so far, with only Joe Flacco of the Cleveland Browns and Cam Ward of the Tennessee Titans experiencing more hits. Harbaugh commented on the concerning trend, acknowledging that Herbert is “taking too many” hits, emphasizing the need for improved offensive protection.
Turnovers further compounded the Chargers' troubles, with Herbert throwing two crucial interceptions during the game. The first interception occurred when receiver Ladd McConkey collided with tight end Tyler Conklin on a pick play, allowing defensive back Dru Phillips to capitalize and return the interception to the Chargers’ 3-yard line. The Giants converted this turnover into 10 points, underscoring the importance of minimizing mistakes.
McConkey, who had struggled throughout the game, caught only one of his six targets and recorded three drops, two of which were on critical third-down attempts. “We just got to be better,” Herbert stated, reflecting on the team's need to eliminate penalties and turnovers.
On the defensive side, the Chargers allowed Dart to find his rhythm early in the game, especially with his legs. Dart rushed for 28 yards during a game-opening touchdown drive, showcasing his scrambling ability. The Chargers have now allowed a concerning total of 134 scramble yards over the first four games of the season, ranking them among the bottom of the league.
Although the Chargers tightened their defense in the second half, limiting Dart’s rushing yards, the Giants still managed to score eight points in the final two quarters, benefiting from the Chargers' offensive struggles. Receiver Quentin Johnston led the Chargers with eight catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, while rookie running back Omarion Hampton provided a much-needed spark with 128 rushing yards, including a 54-yard touchdown run.
Despite their struggles, the Chargers had opportunities to secure a victory. The defense executed a goal-line stand with just over five minutes remaining, showcasing their resilience. Tuli Tuipulotu, who recorded four sacks, made a crucial tackle for loss on a third-and-goal attempt. However, the Chargers’ offense stalled on their subsequent drive, with Herbert being sacked once again, leading to lost time and missed opportunities.
Looking ahead, the Chargers must focus on playing disciplined football to avoid repeating the mistakes seen in this game. The loss drops their record to 3-1, and the team will need to regroup and refine their strategies in order to bounce back effectively in the upcoming games. “It’s uncharacteristic,” linebacker Daiyan Henley concluded, emphasizing the team's commitment to holding themselves accountable to a higher standard.
