The bad:
Pass-coverage from the linebackers:
The linebackers were not all bad in this game but they were not good at defending the pass when it mattered most. Kenneth Murray had a really bad missed coverage in the second half that allowed Drew Brees to uncork it as deep as he can now throw it to Jared Cook for a 41-yard touchdown.
Murray had a good game in terms of tackling and helping contain Alvin Kamara. He was just outright bad in pass-coverage, posting a 48.8 coverage grade on the game on Pro Football Focus.
Kyzir White was also bad, posting a 31.5 pass-coverage grade. He was targeted eight times, allowing six receptions for 60 yards.
Offensive playcalling:
It is hard to hate on the playcalling entirely when the Chargers scored 27 points in this game but I do have a gripe with what the team did do and it does deserve to fall into the bad category.
Once the Chargers got a 20-6 lead and went into halftime with it the offense completely bottled up and got completely passive, something that has become a trend with Anthony Lynn-led teams when they have a lead.
Constantly the Chargers would deploy the same run-run-pass offense and it just didn’t work. The Chargers had four straight drives that ended in a punt and really did not get aggressive in these drives.
Lynn seems so worried about turning the ball over that he won’t do what the great teams do and put his foot on the other team’s throat with a lead. Guess what? The Chargers did not turn the ball over once and still lost this game.
As a fan, I am just sick and tired of seeing this team coached not to lose instead of being coached to win.