LA Chargers: Team grades from a dismal coaching effort in Buffalo

Offensive line and running backs

I don’t think there’s been a worse game for the offensive line this season. One could make an argument that the Jets’ effort was bad, but at least they allowed Herbert some time to escape the pocket. The loss of Bulaga was huge in this one. Pipkins once again showed he is nowhere near ready to start on this offensive line.

Dan Feeney was the only player on the offensive line who didn’t allow 4+ pressures. Sam Tevi, Forrest Lamp, and Trai Turner seemed somewhat swamped during the whole game.

If Herbert’s going to throw it 45-50+ times per game because of the running game issues, this offensive line has to be a lot better from week to week. This is now back to back weeks that they’ve allowed 20+ pressures. It doesn’t help at all the Bulaga can’t seem to stay on the field, but there needs to be more push from the other four current offensive line constants.

Austin Ekeler was finally back, which was a breath of fresh air for the running back group. Ekeler totaled 129 scrimmage yards on 25 touches. Even with the offensive line woes, #30 impressed with his movement and strength in his first game back. I certainly didn’t expect that level of usage and efficiency this soon.

The Chargers were so lucky that Ekeler was back because they were getting absolutely nothing from anyone else. Kalen Ballage was out in this one so that led to Joshua Kelley carving out his own role.

Yeah, he had seven rushes for 35 yards and a touchdown, but 33 of those yards came on one run to the end zone. On the other six carries, he had a whopping two yards. The O-Line didn’t help him or Ekeler, but there’s been significant Kelley efficiency regression since the first weeks of the season.

Offensive Line: D+

Running Backs: B-