Chargers’ preseason star makes a brutal mistake that could cost him everything

One play can swing an entire game, for good or for bad. Late in the second quarter against the Washington Commanders, linebacker Marlowe Wax committed the most consequential (avoidable) penalty of the young Chargers' season. Backed up in their own endzone on fourth and long, the Commanders punted the ball away to Ladd McConkey, who is filling in at returner for the injured Derius Davis. McConkey fielded the punt on a bounce and proceeded to make multiple Commanders miss, culminating with a hurdle over the punter for six. There was just one problem. Wax did the only thing he couldn't do in that situation: run into the punter without touching the ball. McConkey's touchdown was called back, the Commanders were given a free first down, and they proceeded to march down the field to kick a field goal before half. Win, lose, or tie, this penalty is not going to sit well with the Chargers coaching staff. This one mistake was a 10-point swing for the Chargers. Instead of leading 17-7, the Chargers went into halftime