Chargers: Nine moments leading to 4-7 start

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – NOVEMBER 18: Defensive back Daniel Sorensen #49 of the Kansas City Chiefs intercepts a pass intended for running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers in the fourth quarter of the game at Estadio Azteca on November 18, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) /

Chargers moment: No bye week until Week 12

Whether this counts as a moment is debatable, but I do believe it’s significant. Think about how fans are feeling when the Chargers come out of the bye; they’re confident (though the season is nearly lost) because of how much healthier the team will be, both because they had a week off and because their players will return. Though Pipkins played well against the Chiefs, would Rivers have been less nervous in the pocket had he known Okung was protecting him? Okung narrowly missed the game, and would have benefited had the bye been a week earlier, with the Chiefs game after.

Chargers moment: Offensive line not up to task in Oakland

This was brutal to watch, as much of the offensive line did not turn in a solid performance in Oakland when it came time to pass protect. Though Rivers threw the interception to finish the game, his line was unable to put his mind at ease having let the Raider defense hit him time and time again through the majority of the game.

This is one of those moments fans can point to and say the line failed Rivers, which led to many of his poor decisions. However…

Chargers moment: Philip Rivers leads offense well, but makes costly mistakes in Mexico City

Next. Odds these Chargers make the Pro-Bowl

The offensive line may have had their best game as a unit in Week 12, an imperfect but still impressive showing considering the talent. As a rushing attack, they ran the ball incredibly well. In pass protection, the line looked very comfortable and gave Rivers plenty of time, though a few significant pressures and hits did contribute to the loss. However, having watched the game more than once, the sad truth is No. 17 made critical errors in critical situations. And, as mentioned previously, it wasn’t his first time this season.