Top 10 worst plays of the Chargers’ 2018 season

6. J.J. Jones blows his big chance

This one stings as a fan, because I, along with many of you, was dying to see Jones succeed with the Chargers. Desperately seeking anything better than Benjamin at punt returner, the Bolts found an undrafted rookie gem who made the team thanks in part to a sensational touchdown in the preseason.

He earned a roster spot, and was on his way to becoming the full-time return man. Until…

Chargers D comes up with a nice stand after pulling to 31-20, then J.J. Jones coughs up the punt and KC recovers at the LA 2…Chargers special teams have been a liability

— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) September 9, 2018

Following an eight-point drive for the Bolts, the defense held strong to force a punt from the Chiefs. Unfortunately, Jones muffed the catch and gave the visiting rivals a chance to score from two yards out.

Considering the Chargers scored on their next possession, the game could have looked like a 31-28 lead for the Chiefs and a shot for Philip Rivers to tie or win the game. Instead, the Chargers fell to 0-1 to start the year.

5. Broncos copy the Raiders

This in it of itself is actually less of a “bad play” than the Raiders’ fake punt. The real issue is that the Chargers were again fooled on a trick play just seven days after Townsend ran for 42 yards.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1064274548311216134

Somehow, the Chargers have a Second Team All-Pro returner and a rookie who converts on over 90 percent of his kicks, yet still manage to have some of the worst special teams in the league.

One play later, the bewildered Chargers defense gave up a 41-yard touchdown to Phillip Lindsay. I can’t say this was the team’s finest moment.