OPEN THREAD: Chargers vs. Jets

How do the Los Angeles Chargers bounce back from a devastating loss to the Kansas City Chiefs?

That will be the question of the day as the Bolts head to MetLife Stadium for the second time this season, this time to battle the New York Jets.

The team has two choices. To roll over and call it a season or to fight for a Wild Card spot. Looking at the payoff scenarios, it’s not as far-fetched as you might believe to see the Chargers still making the playoffs.

But they can’t overlook a Jets squad that has been much better than expected. Head coach Todd Bowles always has his team ready to play.

The Jets will throw Bryce Petty out there as Josh McCown will miss the rest of the season due to a hand injury. Petty has a career quarterback rating of 56.0 and facing this Chargers defense has to be a bit of daunting task.

For the Chargers, left tackle Russell Okung, linebacker Denzel Perryman and defensive tackle Corey Liuget are all inactive for this game. Of course, tight end Hunter Henry will also miss the game as he has been placed on season-ending injured reserve.

CHARGERS INACTIVES7 QB Cardale Jones11 WR Geremy Davis52 LB Denzel Perryman76 T Russell Okung80 TE Sean Culkin94 DT Corey Liuget97 DE Jeremiah Attaochu

— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) December 24, 2017

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However, Austin Ekeler will play with a cast on his hand, likely in a special teams role. As a result of all of this, the Chargers need Branden Oliver and Antonio Gates to chip in and help Philip Rivers on the offensive side of the ball. Defensively, either Hayes Pullard III or Korey Toomer needs to step up and try to fill the shoes of Perryman.

Expect the Jets to employ a run-heavy offensive attack with Matt Forte, Bilal Powell and Elijah McGuire and if they can get that going, it will take the pressure off of Petty.

It will be an interesting game, one in which the Chargers can’t afford to lose.

Keep it here at Bolt Beat and join us in discussing this crucial Week 16 matchup. And, from the entire staff here at Bolt Beat, Happy Holidays to you and yours!