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LA Chargers: Grading the team in its dramatic win over the Bengals

By Alexander Insdorf

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 13: Wide receiver Trenton Irwin #16 of the Cincinnati Bengals cannot make a catch in front of cornerback Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 13: Wide receiver Trenton Irwin #16 of the Cincinnati Bengals cannot make a catch in front of cornerback Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

The offensive line and run game

It feels so good to say that the offensive line played well. Sam Tevi was solid in this effort against Carlos Dunlap. That’s saying a lot considering he had a pretty poor game against him in 2018. Throughout the rest of the line, Bryan Bulaga and Dan Feeney were great. Feeney hadn’t always been great when it came to switching offensive line spots, but he did it well here, and on short notice.

Forrest Lamp had a mixed effort. He whiffed on some blocks early and struggled with stunts, but was better in the second half. It was shocking to see Tyree St. Louis in this game for me personally.

When Ryan Groy was in at right guard, I just assumed he’d stay for the duration of the game. Then the Chargers decided to sort of… rotate them? It was a weird decision, especially considering St. Louis’ lack of experience. He got exposed a number of times.

Austin Ekeler did alright in the run game with 19 carries for 84 yards. The real shocker was that Ekeler just didn’t get involved in the passing game. Perhaps this is a Taylor preference or Steichen still working it in, but he needs to be thrown the ball more.

Joshua Kelley, have a day! After Justin Jackson suffered a quad injury, Kelley had 60 yards and a touchdown. Displaying excellent vision and physicality, the Bengals simply could not contain the UCLA product. They were hurt by not having Geno Atkins and losing DJ Reader in this respect, but Kelley was the most dynamic presence on the entire Chargers’ offense.

The injury was unfortunate for the aforementioned Jackson, but Kelley is now hot on his tail with his electric debut.

Offensive line: B+

Rushing: B

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