Chargers’ defense does its part, but offense falters in loss to Ravens – Press Enterprise
INGLEWOOD — The Chargers lined up with 12 men on the field for their first defensive play against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night at SoFi Stadium, one more than the legal 11-man limit. They called a quick timeout before the referees could reach for their yellow flags and penalize them.
Coach Brandon Staley promised changes to the defense, but this wasn’t exactly what he had in mind as a way to snap the Chargers from their third two-game losing streak of the season. He vowed to increase the competition among the defensive backs this past week and on that he delivered.
Matters improved Sunday for the Chargers, but only to a point. They got the numbers game mostly right, but they still lost their third consecutive, dropping a 20-10 decision to the Ravens and remaining mired in last place in the AFC West with six regular-season games to play.
The Chargers’ sluggish offense came to life in the fourth quarter when quarterback Justin Herbert set up a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Gerald Everett with a 35-yard scramble down the left sideline to the Ravens’ 18-yard line. Herbert’s touchdown pass pulled the Chargers within 13-10 with 8:32 left.
It would be as close as the Chargers (4-7) would get, though.
Rookie Zay Flowers’ 37-yard touchdown run with 1:36 left sealed it for the Ravens (9-3).
Baltimore gave Staley plenty of chances to showcase his new-look defense, with the Ravens controlling the ball for extended stretches while building a 10-3 lead by halftime. Staley tweaked his starting lineup by subbing cornerback Deane Leonard for Michael Davis in his most notable move.
Leonard was beaten for a 3-yard touchdown pass from Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to Flowers in the opening minutes of the second quarter, wiping out the Chargers’ early 3-0 lead. Justin Tucker’s 42-yard field goal then made it 10-3 with 1:12 left in the half.
The Chargers’ offense didn’t do themselves any favors in the closing minutes of the half. First, wide receiver Keenan Allen fumbled in his own territory after a short gain following a pass over the middle from Herbert. The Ravens turned the Chargers’ turnover into Tucker’s field goal.
Next, running back Austin Ekeler fumbled after a similar competition from Herbert, setting the Ravens up for another possible gift. This time, the Chargers’ defense denied the Ravens. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack sacked Jackson, forcing a fumble that ended Baltimore’s chance to pad the lead.
The Ravens had the ball for 17:40 to only 12:20 for the Chargers in the first half.
Herbert and the Chargers drove to the Ravens’ 6-yard line on their first possession, but their drive was short circuited by a curious bit of officiating. Herbert scrambled to the 6 and was hit after both feet had breached the sideline, and his teammates reacted overzealously to defend his honor.
When the whistles stopped tweeting and order was restored after a brief fracas, only Chargers offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer was penalized for unnecessary roughness. A promising drive then stalled at the 21-yard line and Cameron Dicker kicked a 39-yard field goal to give the Chargers a 3-0 lead.
Baltimore opened the second half by driving into Chargers territory, but it stalled soon enough and Tucker extended the Ravens’ lead to 13-3 with a 48-yard field goal. The Chargers’ first possession of the third quarter ended with JK Scott’s 53-yard punt, drawing boos from frustrated fans.
Unlike losses to the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions in the past two weeks, it was the Chargers’ offense rather than their defense that failed them. The Chargers simply couldn’t move the ball against the Ravens’ suffocating defense after their opening drive resulted in a field goal.
The Ravens’ ability to play keep away also played a part in the Chargers’ inability to generate the necessary offense required to sustain possession and give their defense an extended rest. The Chargers’ defense certainly did its part in keeping its teammates within striking distance.

Source link
Reach Out
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss your specific needs. Our team is ready and eager to provide you with tailored solutions that align with your firm’s goals and enhance your digital marketing efforts. We look forward to helping you grow your law practice online.
Our Services:
Blog Post Writing
We do well-researched, timely, and engaging blog posts that resonate with your clientele, positioning you as a thought leader in your domain.
Content Writing
Beyond articles and content for blogs, we delve into comprehensive content pieces like eBooks, and case studies, tailored to showcase your expertise.
Website Content Writing: First impressions matter. Our content ensures your website reflects the professionalism, dedication, and expertise you bring to the table.
Social Media Management
In today’s interconnected world, your online presence extends to social platforms. We help you navigate this terrain, ensuring your voice is consistently represented and heard.
WordPress Website Maintenance
Your digital office should be as polished and functional as your physical one. We ensure your WordPress site remains updated, secure, and user-friendly.
For more information, ad placements in our attorney blog network, article requests, social media management, or listings on our top 10 attorney sites, reach out to us at contactfuneralservices@gmail.com.
Warm regards,