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Analyzing the first quarter of the Chargers season

By William Struthers

CARSON, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: The field is reflected in the mask of defensive back Desmond King #20 during warm ups for the game against the Houston Texans of the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: The field is reflected in the mask of defensive back Desmond King #20 during warm ups for the game against the Houston Texans of the Los Angeles Chargers at Dignity Health Sports Park on September 22, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 29: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers waves to the crowd against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 29: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers waves to the crowd against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Chargers: Final thoughts

2-2, that’s all that matters. Coming out of the first quarter .500 isn’t what I expected, but with all the injuries and a couple of costly penalties/missed kicks, the Chargers have still looked like a great team. One main thing the Chargers need to do is close out games, conservative playcalling and playing not to lose just invites a team to come back and gain momentum.

The Bolts did a good job of this in the Dolphins game, and although the Dolphins are awful, it was still a good sign.

Allen, Ekeler and Rivers are a huge part of the (mostly) success the offense has been having. The return of Gordon and Henry coming back soon should increase the Chargers’ success in the red zone.

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The Chargers defense hasn’t been as dominant as I expected, but they have definitely held their own. I still think this defense can be among the best when guys start getting healthy and making their returns. Hayward, Bosa, and King have really stood out and it will be great to see what happens when James returns.

As the Kansas City Chiefs have smoothly glided their way to a 4-0 record, the pressure is on the Chargers to win games if they want any chance of winning the division. With a favorable schedule coming up, the Bolts should be able to do just that.

The Chargers will host the AFC West rival Broncos on Sunday. The Broncos are 0-4, but don’t let that fool you into thinking the Broncos are bad. The unfortunate news of second-year stud Bradley Chubb tearing his ACL is a break for the Chargers, but it will still be a test to try and contain Von Miller.

I expect the Chargers to play well and I am curious to see how Gordon performs. The Chargers have a real chance to start trending in the right direction on Sunday, especially if they can stay healthy and avoid injuries, which hasn’t been the case four games in. Bolt up.

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