The Chargers had the look. All-gold uniforms. Retro logos. Powder-blue finish zones with script from the nostalgic days of Dan Fouts and Don Coryell.
However their protection?
As lifeless as disco when it counted most.
Indianapolis Colts operating again Jonathan Taylor, the NFL’s main rusher, trampled the Chargers on Sunday with touchdowns of 23, eight and 19 yards in a 38-24 victory at SoFi Stadium.
It was simply one other Sunday for Taylor, who got here into Week 7 main the league in speeding yards and touchdowns, and averaged 5.9 yards per carry towards a Chargers protection that had been respectable so far. That protection allowed a median of 20.8 factors within the six earlier video games.
That helped open the passing lanes for Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who threw a pair of touchdowns and once more made an early-season case for Comeback Participant of the Yr after his profession had seemingly flamed out with the New York Giants.
It was the second journey to Los Angeles in 4 weeks for the Colts, who misplaced to the Rams right here in Week 4. They obtained higher on each side of the ball however couldn’t totally atone for his or her ineffectiveness within the first half.
The Chargers, whose distinctive look was a nod to the Nineteen Seventies, have been sleepwalking within the first half earlier than coming to life within the second.
Justin Herbert stored the house group considerably within the recreation with three landing passes after halftime however discovered himself making an attempt to dig out of a deep gap all day.
The Chargers really outgained the Colts, 445 yards to 401, and held the ball for 9 minutes longer, however Indianapolis was extra environment friendly with its possessions, higher within the purple zone, and took benefit of its alternatives.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert slides whereas scrambling throughout the second half Sunday.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Occasions)
Herbert noticed two of his passes intercepted within the first half. The primary was batted excessive within the air on the line of scrimmage and plucked by 314-pound defensive sort out Grover Stewart. The second decide got here within the purple zone, when security Nick Cross slipped in entrance of Quentin Johnston ultimately zone to intercept an eight-yard cross.
The Chargers, who trailed at halftime, 23-3, clawed their approach again into the sport with landing passes to Johnston, Keenan Allen and Oronde Gadsden II.
Such a rollercoaster of a season for the Chargers, who ran the desk towards the AFC West within the first three weeks, then misplaced back-to-back video games to the Giants and Washington Commanders, earlier than rebounding with a come-from-behind win at Miami.
There’s not a lot bounce-back time after Sunday’s loss because the Chargers play host to Minnesota on Thursday evening.
The Chargers can take solace in that nobody is operating away with the division. Kansas Metropolis stomped Las Vegas on Sunday, 31-0, however the Chiefs aren’t as dominant as lately. And Denver misplaced to the Chargers on the highway and nonetheless appears to be discovering its approach.
Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin breaks up a cross meant for Chargers vast receiver Ladd McConkey ultimately zone throughout the fourth quarter Sunday.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Occasions)
Towards the Colts, the troubles started early for the Chargers. After the house group’s first snap, Chargers left sort out Austin Deculus lay face down on the turf. He was the group’s fourth participant to line up as Herbert’s blindside protector.
It was an ankle damage that felled Deculus — he wound up returning within the second quarter with a cumbersome brace — and the Chargers turned to the evenly skilled Foster Sarell, who abruptly held one of the essential positions on the sector.
Simply extra offensive line madness for the Chargers, who’ve cycled by way of six tackles to this point. Their line was as soon as thought of an space of power.
