No hay manera de maquillar lo que pasó este domingo en el SoFi.
Los Chargers fueron superados de principio a fin por Jacksonville. La clara derrota dejó una combinación de sorpresa y también preocupación, por una serie de factores que intentaré enumerar en las siguientes líneas.
El LB Drew Tranquill utilizó la palabra "vergonzoso" para describir el accionar del equipo ante unos Jaguars que lo habíamos anticipado, era un equipo muy mejorado con respecto al que terminó la temporada pasada 3-14. Pero ¿28 puntos mejores que estos Chargers? Eso nadie lo vio venir.
En la NFL cualquiera le puede ganar a cualquiera, eso lo sabemos todos. Pero también hay maneras y maneras de perder. El resultado y la forma en que el equipo se vio superado dejó secuelas inmediatas en un plantel que entró a la temporada con enormes expectativas pero que después de 3 juegos tiene marca de 1-2. Una vez consumada la derrota hubo líderes dentro del equipo que se dirigieron a sus compañeros expresando su malestar por la forma de jugar.
Uno de ellos fue el tackle defensivo Sebastian Joseph Day, ante lo cual el coach Brandon Staley tuvo esto que decir:
"Así es como quieres que sea, especialmente después de un partido así. Todo lo que se necesita decir tiene que venir de ellos. Los buenos equipos son así. Hay mucho orgullo en ese vestidor. Como lo he dicho, tenemos a muchos buenos jugadores que estamos entrenando. Tenemos un grupo que todavía está aprendiendo a jugar junto. Este fue solo un partido en la NFL. Tenemos que regresar juntos y continuar avanzando."
Staley agregó esto sobre Joseph Day:
"Sebastian puede ser nuevo en nuestro equipo, pero no es nuevo en la NFL. Él sabe lo que se necesita. Fue elegido capitán por una razón, porque sus compañeros lo ven así. Si no era él, hubiese sido alguien más. No es sólo él. Así es como quieres que sean tus equipos."
Es importante mantener la perspectiva de donde se encuentran Chargers en la temporada. Chiefs y Broncos lideran la división oeste de la AFC con marca de 2-1, Chargers los siguen con 1-2 y Raiders la cierra con 0-3. Faltan 14 partidos. Una enormidad.
"Apenas estamos en el 3er juego de una temporada de 17. Así es la NFL, la tratas una semana a la vez. A veces partidos así ocurren en la NFL. Es como respondes mañana, y el día después, y el día que sigue. Así es la NFL, es ser capaces de sobreponerse a las cosas difíciles. También, a todo lo bueno. Vamos a tener que responder a esto," Staley dijo.
El equipo tuvo 10 días para preparar un plan de juego para este partido, pero en las propias palabras de Staley el plan no fue el mejor ya que en Inglewood fueron superados en todas las facetas.
No caben dudas que la ausencia de Corey Linsley ha sido sentida por el equipo. El centro titular es para muchos el mejor de su posición en la liga y el que inicia todas las ofensivas con Justin Herbert. Keenan Allen (tendón de la corva) es la válvula de escape más importante que tiene el equipo en situaciones donde necesitas 3-4 yardas para salir de apuros. Las rutas que corre Allen son irrepetibles para otros elementos en el equipo.
Encima aún no se puede contar con el ala cerrada Donald Parham Jr. (tendon de la corva) quien ofrece una ventaja única en bloqueos en la línea de golpe y emparejamientos defensivos con sus 6'9" de estatura. Encima de esto, hoy salieron lesionados Joey Bosa (ingle) y Rashawn Slater (bíceps izquierdo). Y también el receptor profundo Jaylen Guyton (rodilla izquierda).
Mañana se sabrá más una vez que se tenga el reporte médico, pero habrá que prepararse para algún nivel de ausencia por parte de todos estos jugadores. Y no estamos hablando de cualquier jugador, ya que 4 de los titulares ausentes, son jugadores de Pro Bowl.
La falta de ritmo ofensivo está causando un gran desbalance entre el ataque aéreo y el terrestre donde Austin Ekeler apenas ha corrido para 80 yardas en 3 juegos sin festejar en la zona de anotación ni una sola vez todavía. Como lo mencionaba Staley, el bloqueo en la trinchera o en la protección a Herbert no ha sido ideal y jugadores como Ekeler y otros especialistas han sido los más afectados.
Ante Jaguars el equipo terminó con un total de 26 yardas por tierra en 12 acarreos mientras que la visita tuvo 151 yardas liderados por las 100 yardas de James Robinson. Esto le permitió a Jacksonville controlar por completo el tiempo de posesión (38:27 minutos contra 21:33) Hubo varias secuencias ofensivas que se extendieron por más de 5 minutos para la visita y eso desgasta a cualquier defensa, que nunca pudo poner presión sobre Trevor Lawrence (28/39 262 yds 3 TD 0 INT). El producto de Clemson está demostrando con creces porque fue la selección número 1 del draft del año pasado.
Browse through live action photos of the Bolts Week 3 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium!
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
The Los Angeles Chargers were defeated by the Jacksonville Jaguars at SoFi Stadium on September 25th, 2022 in Inglewood, California.
Mucho se habló del porqué Justin Herbert (25/45 297 yds 1 TD 1 INT) siguió en la cancha cuando el partido ya estaba definido, más aún si hasta último minuto no se sabía si jugaba por su lesión en las costillas.
Ante ello el propio QB entregó su parecer:
"No quería abandonar a mi equipo. Este fue, obviamente, un día difícil para nosotros, pero no quería salir. Sentía que estábamos sacando la pelota rápido. No quería abandonar a mi equipo. Es lo que necesitábamos, y a veces tienes que poner tus propias metas y todo detrás del equipo. Pienso que eso es lo más importante. Sentí que estaba a salvo allá afuera y no quería rendirme."
Para el siguiente partido (vs Texans en Houston el siguiente domingo) todo comienza de cero.
En reiteradas ocasiones Staley ha dicho que cada partido en la NFL tiene su propia vida. Habrá que ver a los lesionados, saber a quienes tendrás disponibles y de acuerdo a ello elaborar el siguiente plan de juego. Pero está claro que la lesión en las costillas de Herbert continuará siendo tema de conversación toda la temporada ante lo cual el propio QB dio su punto de vista:
"Es parte del juego, lidiar con lesiones y lidiar con dolor. Muchos compañeros en ese vestidor no se sienten muy bien. Todo es como reaccionas y como respondes. Haré todo lo que pueda por recibir tratamiento, cuidar mi cuerpo, hasta que ojalá esta situación se termine."
En ningún momento Herbert utilizó la ausencia de Linsley o de Slater como razón para la pobre actuación ofensiva.
Herbert sabe bien la naturaleza de la liga y que todos los equipos sufren lesiones de piezas importantes y deben encontrar la manera de responder:
"Ellos tenían un buen plan de juego. Desafortunadamente no movimos la pelota como nos hubiera gustado. Mike (Williams) tuvo una buena recepción cerca de la zona de anotación. Pero tenía que involucrar a todos los demás. Dre (DeAndre Carter) contribuyó. Josh Palmer aportó. Jaylen Guyton tuvo un par de buenas atrapadas. Yo sólo tengo que encontrar a los demás y hacer lo mejor posible para mover la pelota."
Agregando:
"No fue un buen día bajo ningún sentido. Desafortunadamente perdimos y eso es lo más duro de esto. No hay nada que podamos hacer ahora para cambiarlo. Debemos tener una buena semana de prácticas, mirar el video mañana, y atacar esta semana."
Sobre la ofensiva, que fue dominada de principio a fin por la defensa de Jacksonville, Herbert opinó:
"No movimos la pelota como nos hubiera gustado. Fallamos en convertir un par de terceras oportunidades. No pudimos mover la pelota en la primera mitad y tuvimos que jugar desde atrás. Esa es la parte difícil cuando estás en la NFL. Ellos tienen una muy buena ofensiva, una muy buena defensa. Hicimos todo lo que pudimos, pero desafortunadamente, no nos alcanzó."
Hay mucho que aprender de este partido.
Como se sabe el video no miente, y mañana debería ser una sesión de video bastante intensa. Será la primera señal de que este grupo está listo para volver a la lucha y que buscará recuperarse en Houston ante un equipo que hoy cayó 23-20 en su visita a Chicago y que como locales buscarán conseguir su primera victoria del año (0-2-1). El año pasado, la derrota sufrida ante los Texans fue la que descarriló lo que era un cierre de temporada que hasta en los casos más pesimistas, todavía veía a Chargers entrando a playoffs.
La temporada ahora es de 14 partidos, y comienza el domingo en Houston. El receptor DeAndre Carter y el LB Drew Tranquill resumieron así lo que debe estar sintiendo toda la familia del rayo:
"Tenemos que ser mejores. Todos en el equipo, tenemos que ser mejores. Tenemos que hacer lo extra, tenemos que estar a la altura de nuestro estándar. Debemos recuperarnos enseguida," dijo Carter.
"Pienso que al final del día jugaron mejor que nosotros. Nos golpearon, nos abusaron, y es vergonzoso para nosotros como unidad (defensiva). Somos un mucho mejor equipo que esto y debemos salir la próxima semana y demostrarlo," dijo Tranquill.
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