LA Chargers: Team grades from a dismal coaching effort in Buffalo
Linebackers and secondary
Denzel Perryman got hit on a scary collision in this one that kept him out for the rest of the game with a back injury. In his absence, it was up to Kenneth Murray, Nick Vigil, Malik Jefferson and B.J. Bello. That’s a group that will let up 177 yards on the ground. Kyzir White also has been on the COVID 19/Reserve list.
One of the issues aside from depth is that they just haven’t gotten much development from Murray. That wouldn’t be such a big problem if it weren’t for the injuries, but depth has forced him into a much bigger role. Without Derwin James, White, Drue Tranquill, and Perryman specifically in this game, Murray has been left to his own devices.
The Chargers have allowed 100+ yards to opposing ground games in four out of the last five weeks. The one time they didn’t allow a 100 yards in that span was a game in which they allowed 96 yards to the Jets.
If your linebackers are getting toasted by Frank Gore and La’Mical Perine, it’s problematic. This is just how hapless the second level will be until they get some of their better tacklers back next year.
The secondary was lowkey awesome in this game. On paper, it may not seem that way given the scoreboard. Allen was held to just 157 passing yards though with one touchdown and one interception. A Cole Beasley trick pass was executed really well in fooling the defense, but that was honestly the only serious letup for most of the game.
Coming into Buffalo without Casey Hayward was a huge test for this secondary and they managed to lock down one of the best receivers in the league. Stefon Diggs had the clamps put on him with just seven catches for 39 yards. If you told me that would be the case before the game given the state of this secondary, I might’ve accused you of recreational drug usage.
Michael Davis had a fantastic game in coverage. The return of Chris Harris was massive as he was wreaking havoc all over the field. So much for limited snaps with him and Ekeler. While Tevaughn Campbell got beat a couple times, it was still a gritty effort from him as he improved through the game.
Rayshawn Jenkins struggled earlier in the year, but he’s really come into his own over the last month. He was all over the field in this one with 11 tackles and 1.5 TFL.
Without a doubt, this was the best secondary performance of the season and might be one of the best secondary performance over the last few years.
Linebackers: C-
Secondary: A-