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LA Chargers: Team grades from a tough loss to Tom Brady’s Bucs

By Alexander Insdorf

TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass against Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass against Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

The offensive line and run game

The offensive line was what most fans expected coming into the game. Without Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga, the right side is lacking. The left side continued to impress. Sam Tevi might be the Chargers’ best offensive lineman so far?

That sounds crazy to say, but it’s him or Dan Feeney right now. Feeney did a pretty decent job of dealing with Tampa’s interior presence while Sam Tevi dealt with Shaquil Barrett and Tampa’s other explosive edges.

After last week, not giving up a sack is a win for the offensive line. There weren’t too many miscues, but they also weren’t as good as they could’ve been in the run game. The LA Chargers only had 46 yards on the ground and Herbert was the leading rusher.  With Ekeler hurt and the right side banged up, the O-Line passed, but didn’t excel.

Here we go again. The Chargers, unfortunately, suffered yet another big injury with the loss of Austin Ekeler. What appeared to be a knee hyperextension in the first half threatens to keep Ekeler out for multiple weeks. He couldn’t put any pressure on his leg at all after the play. After losing him, the run game didn’t stand a chance.

Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley combined for 16 yards rushing. Kelley had a terrible fumble at the end of the half that cost the Chargers their momentum. As soon as Tom Brady scored off the turnover, it was officially a game again.

It wasn’t entirely Kelley’s fault, as one has to remember the Herbert handoff being too high with the offensive line collapsing. But, it was yet another terrible sign of what this run game looks like without #30.

If Ekeler can’t go, I’d like to see Jackson get a little more run next game. Mix it up.

Offensive Line: B+

Running backs: C-

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