Chargers Fall to 0-7 and Face 10-Game Streak to Reach Playoffs
Los Angeles lost 24-9 to the Rams on Sunday, extending a skid that dates back to the previous season.
By Lucia Orlov ·
The Los Angeles Chargers dropped to 0-7 after a 24-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
Rookie edge rusher Akheem Mesidor acknowledged the team’s disconnect from its preseason expectations. Mesidor, the 22nd pick in the NFL draft, struggled to articulate the cause of the defeat. “I don’t know what to say,” he said. “Everybody in this locker room wants to win, and we’re doing what it takes every week, the preparation to do so. But I don’t know. I wouldn’t know how to explain what happened.”
The defeat leaves the Chargers needing a 10-game winning streak to maintain a realistic chance at a postseason berth. The team has now lost 10 consecutive games, a streak that began with an AFC wild-card loss to the New England Patriots in the prior season. This marks the franchise’s longest losing skid since the 2000 season, when the team finished 1-15 under head coach Mike Riley.
Offensive struggles dominated the performance against the Rams. The Chargers have now gone 27 possessions across nine quarters without scoring a touchdown. The running back rotation of Kimani Vidal, Omarion Hampton, and Keaton Mitchell combined for 49 yards on 21 carries, averaging 2.3 yards per attempt. Head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated on Monday that reducing the rotation might allow players to build better rhythm.
The defense showed early promise before fatigue and lack of support took effect. The unit held the Rams without a first down on five consecutive possessions at the start of the game, limiting them to 14 net yards. A field goal was the only score allowed after Justin Herbert’s first interception gave the Rams possession in the red zone. Practice squad cornerback Isas Waxter recorded six tackles, including two stops on screen passes against Puka Nacua.
Injury reports listed cornerback Deane Leonard as remaining in concussion protocol. Rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson, dealing with quad and hamstring issues, is unlikely to practice this week. Tight end David Njoku, who has been on injured reserve since a leg injury sustained on Sept. 20, is expected to return to practice. The Chargers will host the Houston Texans, a 2-5 team, on Sunday.
No front office moves have been announced to address the team’s performance. The organization continues to rely on coach Harbaugh’s staff to turn the season around.
Source: KNBC
