The Los Angeles Chargers’ hot streak continues as they moved to 7-2 after a turbulent performance on the road against the Oakland Raiders.
Oakland – The Chargers hot streak continues. Bolts fans watching Sunday’s game against the Raiders must have thought “here we go again” as they watched Johnny Townsend moving the chains on a fake punt. The Raiders were stopped on their opening drive courtesy of rookie Derwin James. The safety eased Charger anxieties, sending Derek Carr and offense back to the sidelines.
The Chargers had to wait until deep into the second quarter to register their first touchdown when Philip Rivers’ 11-yard pass found Keenan Allen. The Chargers began to impose their authority on the game. The defense made some nice plays, Carr was shaken up and he was sacked four times.
Special teams executed, including contributions from Austin Ekeler, who had five tackles on the day. It wasn’t a vintage performance from Rivers but that’s the point. The Chargers found a way to put points on the board and make clutch plays on defense. Rivers sums it all up in his post game interview with CBS Sports.
“You got to win these games. Just find a way to win them. It doesn’t matter. I don’t care how pretty they are, I don’t care what the ratings are, all those things, third-down percentage. Yes, we acknowledge those and know we have to improve in those areas, but it’s just find a way to win.”
Solid leadership forges teamwork and resilience
There are synergies between the Chargers’ wins in London and on the road in Seattle. The Chargers had their backs to the wall, the defense stood firm as the clock wound down, picking up valuable wins.
In previous years, Chargers fans have watched their team either capitulate or choke. There seems to be a mental robustness about the Chargers through Weeks 1 to 10. Coach Anthony Lynn has witnessed his football team fight back to .500 football and extend a run to a streak of six wins. The Chargers’ coaching staff are imposing a winning mentality on the football team. Let’s not forget that Lynn started his Bolts career at 0-4, that’s belief for you.
The victory against the Tennesse Titans could be regarded as a spot of luck, but to have the mental application and repeat a defensive stance two weeks running, this time against Russell Wilson, shouldn’t be overlooked.
Week 10’s post-game victory speech by Lynn says a lot about where the leadership is at. He focussed his mind on paying respects to the military veterans. Selfless commitment is ubiquitous in the Chargers’ locker room.
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A snapshot of the Chargers spirit and togetherness
The 38 -14 win against the Cleveland Browns seems a long time ago but what about Rivers’ block on a third down? Defensive Rookie-of-the-Year candidate James looks like he’s been in the Chargers’ locker room for a decade.
Stepping up and being counted applies to all that wear the colors. Did you see defensive tackle Corey Liuget run for 24 yards on a fumble recovery? Don’t take my word for the Chargers’ spirit. Winning lifts the mood, the players seem to be enjoying their football.
So proud of our team. On to the next!!! ⚡️⚡️⚡️
— Russell Okung (@RussellOkung) November 12, 2018
We got your back brotha @D_Perryman52 ??✊?! #BuiltForThis https://t.co/l3Yjgr8Oar
— Hayes Pullard lll (@HayesPullard) November 12, 2018
Virgil Green and @Keenan13Allen blocking down field is what makes this team special! Two very selfless teammates! https://t.co/rj7KMuJhcj
— Russell Okung (@RussellOkung) November 12, 2018
Looking at the road ahead
At the time of writing, Ricky Henne of the team’s official website tweeted that Denzel Perryman will miss the remainder of the season.
Coach Lynn announces that Denzel Perryman will miss the rest of the season with the knee injury he suffered vs. the Raiders.
— Ricky Henne (@ChargersRHenne) November 12, 2018
The Chargers are expected to win their next game against the 3-6 Denver Broncos, yet few will give Rivers and company any hope down the line in Kansas City. The players will keep fighting for each other, grinding out results. There’s clear evidence of a mutual respect between coaching staff and players, a priceless commodity that may well lead to better things. Can the Chargers continue their hot streak?