Numbers Game: The Good Stats from Chargers vs Redskins
By Conor Cahill
Nov 3, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs with the ball past Washington Redskins free safety David Amerson (39) attempts to make a tackle during the game at FedEx Field. The Redskins defeated the Chargers 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Chargers vs Redskins
Well, it was a disappointing day to be a Chargers fan. In a retro, norv-esque fashion, the Chargers snatched defeat from the jaws of victory and fall 30-24 to the Washington Redskins. Games like this prove just how far this team still has to go. But, there were some promising stats Chargers fans can feel good about. Here are my good stats for the game:
1. Keenan Allen: 8 catches, 128 yards, 1 TD
Keenan Allen is a stud. He had a couple bad plays in this game, but for the most part, he destroyed the Redskins’ secondary. 128 receiving yards is a new career best for the rookie, Keenan Allen. He has now eclipsed 100 yards 3 times in the last 4 games. Over the last 4 games, Allen has racked up over 400 yards receiving and 3 touchdowns. Not bad for a 3rd round pick from Cal. Allen was made the No. 1 receiver on this team after Malcom Floyd went down, and has shown that he deserves the job.
2. Corey Liuget: 3 tackles, 2 passes defensed, 1 FG block
Corey Liuget was all over the field on Sunday. He was getting some good pressure on RGIII in the first half, before the defense completely fell apart. Liuget even blocked a last second field goal by Kai Forbath in the 2nd quarter. Liuget posted his first and second passes defensed on the season as well. He was very active on the line and was doing a good job of pressuring RGIII up the middle and forcing him outside quickly. It is too bad receivers were usually open by then.
3. 2 Minute Offense: 2:10, 14 plays, 91 yards, 19-yard game-tying FG
Philip Rivers quarterbacked the 2 minutes offense beautifully to end the game (last 3 plays not withstanding). The Chargers marched up the field quickly enough to have 3 shots from the Washington 1 yard line. Aiding in the drive was Keenan Allen with 3 catches for 53 yards, Eddie Royal with 1 catch for 20 yards, and Philip Rivers completing 66% of his passes (before the last 3 plays, only 54% after). The Chargers ended the drive with a 19-yard game-tying field goal.
4. Danny Woodhead: 9 catches, 77 yards
Danny Woodhead once again looks like the best skill player on offense. He is consistently Rivers’ most frequent target. Danny Woodhead was making plays out of the backfield and on the line and is one of the most versatile players on the Chargers. If another receiver goes down (knock on wood), I would seriously consider lining him up at receiver full time. He is an absolute mismatch nightmare for linebackers as he showed on Sunday.
5. 1st half Ryan Mathews: 6 rush, 33 yards
Ryan Mathews continues to get shafted in the 2nd half, and after a great 1st half, I have no idea why. If he had fumbled, sure. If he looked hurt, fine. But, once again, Mathews looked like a healthy inactive for the 2nd half of play. During the first half, Mathews looked explosive. He broke off the very first play of the game for an 11 yard run. Ryan Mathews was the first runningback this season to post two 100-yard games in a row this season, and looked like he could eclipse 100 again, but he wasn’t given the chance.
6. RGIII: 6 rushes, 17 yards
The option may have gashed the Chargers a couple times, but at least it wasn’t RGIII doing it. The Chargers D-line played well today and the linebackers played RGIII very well, forcing him to make the option pitch. The Chargers D-line was doing a good job of flushing him out of the pocket and batting passes all game. I was worried about RGIII going into this game after the Chargers played so poorly against multiple running quarterbacks, but they were able to hold RGIII to a pedestrian day on the ground. Have we improved at stopping mobile quarterbacks?
XP. Sean Lissemore: 1 INT, 1 Touchdown
Sean Lissemore was the benefactor of a batted RGIII pass that he caught in the endzone. It was an exciting play to put the Chargers on the board first. Mostly, this play showed the genius of Tom Telesco. TT added both Lawrence Guy, the man who batted the pass, and Sean Lissemore, the man who intercepted the pass, after training camp. TT did a great job of putting together a solid unit on the defensive line with little to work with. Maybe he should start working on that secondary…
Let me know what you think on the poll below, in the comments, on twitter @kingofcahill
What was the best stat from the Redskins game?