The Chargers have just one game left following a 16-9 loss to the Broncos. LA’s losing streak in Denver extends from four years to five as a result. Their last win at Mile High was in 2018.
Granted, this result didn’t matter for the team as they fell out of contention weeks ago. But as the slow trudge towards the finish line continues for the team, there were some performances that stood out positively and negatively.
As always, let’s talk about the Chargers’ studs and duds.
Stud: Alex Erickson
Erickson had 98 yards on seven receptions Sunday, proving to be a pretty consistent target for Easton Stick early on. Later in the postgame press conference, Stick gave Erickson credit for his veteran presence in the wide receiver room for helping out the younger guys.
Despite some low snap counts throughout the season, Erickson makes plays whenever his number is called. His 3rd and 11 reception against the Patriots iced the game for the Chargers. He recorded a touchdown against the Raiders when the offense was largely shut out. In all seven of his games this season, he’s recorded at least one reception.
It was nice to see the veteran journeyman receiver rewarded for his efforts and contributing in what’s been a year of attrition for the Chargers’ receivers.
Dud: Austin Ekeler
It’s been the worst season of Ekeler’s career. Despite a stock-up week against Buffalo, his performance against the Broncos was largely the same as the rest of his 2023. Including against Denver, Ekeler has averaged less than four yards per carry in nine of his 13 games. He also recorded another fumble on the year.
Not to say Joshua Kelley or Isaiah Spiller would be better, as they haven’t exactly lit the world on fire with their play either. But I’m not understanding the Chargers’ motive for their backfield carries to be dominated by Ekeler in volume. With most of his season incentives out of reach production-wise, the attack has to be more balanced. The Chargers also should be investing this time into seeing what they have in Spiller for 2024.
From an efficiency standpoint, it’s better for the Chargers to employ more of a running back-by-committee approach as well. The first game against Denver at SoFi was the last time each running back got at least three carries. It’s also the last time the running back room averaged 4.0+ yards per carry as a group.
Stud: Derwin James
James went back to what appeared to be his more standard safety role this week after a relatively confusing last month of usage. James had been working out of the STAR role in the slot and that came to a head against Buffalo when he had one of his lowest snap counts of the season in a confusing rotation. Defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley admitted his usage was “a coaching error”.
James came up with two passes defended, a sack, and some big hits that ended plays early. He was flying around and had 12 total tackles, second on the team to only Eric Kendricks.
I’m not sure it was a perfect game that alleviated the Chargers of all questions regarding James going forward, but he looked more comfortable. It was a step in the right direction towards seeing what the plan is for the former All-Pro safety in 2024 under different leadership.
Dud: Quentin Johnston
This was never going to be an easy assignment for Johnston with Keenan Allen and Joshua Palmer out. It left him to effectively be the No. 1 wide receiver that Patrick Surtain would shadow. And well, it went about as one would expect. Six targets for Quentin Johnston, three receptions, 29 yards. Add another drop in there as well.
Since the firings of Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco, I’ve thought about Johnston a lot. He’s going to enter the 2024 campaign under a general manager and head coach who did not draft him. That could be said for many members of the 2022 and 2023 Chargers draft classes, but it’s notable with Johnston given his tumultuous rookie season.
If Johnston does not become a much more fluid athlete next year as a route runner and separator, it’s going to be tough to carve out a role in the league. He doesn’t have the surest hands and isn’t able to get contested catches like Mike Williams. To properly use him as a “yards-after-catch threat,” he has to be able to improve at the smaller nuances of playing NFL wideout first.
Stud: Khalil Mack
Mack eclipsed 100 sacks in his career after adding to his historic season against Denver. In addition to becoming one of just 19 players in NFL history to hit 100 sacks in 10 seasons, Mack’s 16 sacks in 2023 are a single-season career high.
Despite how south the season has gone for the Chargers, Mack has been one of the lone bright spots. Whether it’s a live viewing of the game or a film watch later, his nonstop effort and motor always pop off the screen. Mack also made key plays against the run game on Sunday.
The Chargers have to do whatever it takes to convince Mack to come back in 2024. They need his leadership and his production now more than ever in this transition period for the franchise.
Dud: Tackling
The last three years of the Chargers defense can be distilled down to one play against Denver.
LIL'JORDAN HUMPHREY MAKING PLAYS 🔥
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/bwZBUIyLnC
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 31, 2023
Five, six, or seven missed tackles (whatever the official count is) on one play is just unacceptable in that scenario. And yet, no one is surprised. Third down has been marred by poor tackling, bad penalties, and ultimately gruesome execution.
You can take Staley off the Chargers, but you can’t take his imprint off of the remains of this defense in the meantime. Just a unit in dire need of a personnel and fundamentals overhaul.
