Chargers don't seem up to consecutive 'SNF' games

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Injury-riddled Chargers don't seem up to consecutive 'SNF' challenges

By Mark McGreal | Last updated 11/8/22

The Los Angeles Chargers will play primetime games in Week 10 and Week 11 — two opportunities for the team to be embarrassed on a national stage.

The Chargers were scheduled to play the Kansas City Chiefs in an afternoon game in Week 11, but the NFL moved the game to Sunday night. In Week 10, the Chargers (5-3) will play the 49ers on "SNF."

That's two strong offenses on consecutive weeks. Los Angeles doesn't seem up to the challenges after barely beating Atlanta in Week 9, 20-17.

Atlanta rushed for 201 yards against the Chargers’ lackluster defense, and it nearly won after recovering a fumble by Austin Ekeler in the fourth quarter. Falcons defensive tackle Ta’Quon Graham, however, fumbled the ball back to the Chargers on the same play.

All the Atlanta Falcons had to do was hold on to this fumble and go to OT. Instead they fumble it and lose the game. Falcons going to Falcons. Always. #DirtyBirds pic.twitter.com/7oa3R81XlY
— Austin (@AustinPlanet) November 6, 2022

Injury concerns are worrisome for the Chargers. In addition to previously reported injuries to Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater and J.C. Jackson, the Chargers lost one of their big offseason signings against Atlanta, defensive tackle Austin Johnson.

Johnson left the game in the third quarter with injuries to his left knee. Coach Brandon Staley announced on Monday that he’s done for the season. Jackson and Slater are also done for the season.

Even healthy, the Chargers would have a tough time stopping the 49ers and their big weapons. Running back Christian McCaffrey looked fully integrated into the team’s schemes in Week 8, when he became the first player since Chargers star LaDainian Tomlinson to pick up a passing touchdown, rushing touchdown and receiving touchdown in the same game.

Los Angeles has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and the most yards per carry this season, according to NFL.com. The Chargers also must defend against San Francisco receiving threats Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle.

In Week 2 in Kansas City, the Chiefs beat the Chargers, 27-24, when Los Angeles was fairly healthy.

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