LA Chargers: Team grades from a wild OT win in Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Cornerback Chris Harris #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after an interception against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders in overtime 30-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: Cornerback Chris Harris #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after an interception against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter of the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders in overtime 30-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

LA Chargers linebackers and secondary

The second level played really well tonight. Denzel Perryman being out for this game was a massive loss with his run stuffing ability but there was a really good next man up energy.

Nick Vigil had the defenses lone sack of the game. Kenneth Murray was flying around the field and played decently well. They should have him in the pass rush role more in the next few games though.

It could’ve been a better game in pass coverage for certain guys, but I’ll take a solid effort against the run.

The secondary was underwhelming. Mariota should not have been able to have the game he has throwing the football. I didn’t understand the Chargers not putting a QB spy on Mariota and refusing extra coverage on Darren Waller.

Without Derwin James, the Chargers just don’t have someone who can stop elite tight ends. Michael Davis did an OK job in the last Raiders game when he covered Waller, but he got burnt quite a bit in this one.

Casey Hayward looked out of his element. A dropped pick proved to be costly but he was just getting pushed around by the receivers. That’s not great, especially when Las Vegas was missing Henry Ruggs and Hunter Renfrow for most of the game.

Rayshawn Jenkins picked a bad time to have his worst performance of the season as well. There should be some slack cut here because Mariota being the quarterback was such an adjustment, but to quote Coach Lynn, he’s a “backup for a reason”.

Linebackers: B

Secondary: C-