The Chargers faced one of the NFL’s toughest defenses in Week 16 and lost, largely in part to more poor play from the offensive line.
The Chargers head into 2019 with a need for upgrades at multiple positions along their offensive line. The coaching staff is banking on its improvement with the injection of Forrest Lamp into one of three potential spots, likely that of left guard Dan Feeney, right guard Michael Schofield, or right tackle Sam Tevi. The remaining two will need to improve their play as they enter another NFL season with the Chargers more comfortable at their positions.
With all the talk surrounding Lamp and the excitement that he may be a starter, the question becomes: Where? The only way to find out where he should start (not necessarily where) is to watch games from 2018 where the offensive line struggled. Last time was a play-by-play of the Divisional Round against the New England Patriots. This article will focus on another disappointing loss, one that kept them out of an AFC West title and first-round bye: The Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
This will not be a critique of the offensive game plan, a diagnosis of the Ravens’ defensive game plan, or an analysis of what Philip Rivers and his receivers should have done. It’s just looking at the five men on the offensive line, and figuring out where things may have gone wrong for them. Not included are the final two drives, one of which being a one-play fumble by Gates and another a desperation interception down multiple scores.
Chargers first drive:
1-10 LAC 17: Interception. Tevi lets man go by, Gordon can’t block
Chargers second drive:
1-10 LAC 25: Gordon for five. Positive play.
2-5 LAC 30: Green for three. Tevi’s man was chasing, but mostly a neutral play.
3-2 at LAC 33: Incomplete pass. Okung gives up pressure.