Chargers: What went right, wrong in loss to Lions

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DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 15: Rayshawn Jenkins #23 of the Los Angeles Chargers makes a third quarter interception in front of Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 13-10. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Chargers: What went right on defense

Limiting T.J. Hockensen and Danny Amendola

In Week One, the Lions were able to get 235 receiving yards out of their rookie tight end and free agent acquisition. On Sunday, the Chargers held that duo to one catch for seven yards. It was clear Gus Bradley thought Hockensen should be the main focus of the pass defense, and he was snuffed out in this game. The Chargers have allowed just 15 total receiving yards to Eric Ebron and Hockensen.

However, this may be a problem moving forward should Adrian Phillips have to miss time. With Derwin James out as well, it will become much more difficult to cover tight ends in the future. Fortunately, there’s arguably not an imposing threat from an opposing tight end until the Chargers host the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Run defense improvement

Statistically, this was a much better game for the Chargers’ defense against rushing plays. They allowed less than 100 yards, holding Lions’ running backs to just 3.38 yards per carry. It’s a massive improvement from last week, no doubt.

The question is whether they can continue to do so against a team committed to running the football. Kerryon Johnson, the team’s lead back, only tallied 12 carries and was forced to miss time with an injury.