There was not much for Chargers fans to be enthusiastic about Sunday afternoon, as the Texans pulled one of the season’s biggest upsets.
Head coach Brandon Staley was not afraid to put the blame on his shoulders following Los Angeles’ loss to Houston.
“I just didn’t coach well enough today,” Staley said. “I didn’t coach well enough. I didn’t put our guys in good enough positions to be consistent in the game and that’s why we lost.”
The Bolts entered Week 16 with 14 players on the COVID-19 list, including Joey Bosa, Austin Ekeler, Corey Linsley, and Mike Williams. In addition, they were missing Derwin James and Michael Davis.
However, the Texans had COVID-19 issues of their own, as 20 players were on the reserve list.
Nonetheless, Houston had its way with Los Angeles, forcing two field goals on the first two drives and coming up with three turnovers that resulted in 17 points.
On the other side of the ball, the Chargers’ defense could not withstand the Texans’ offense all without their star skill player, Brandin Cooks, and three starting offensive linemen.
The front seven struggled to slow Rex Burkhead, who ran for 149 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries, while the secondary allowed rookie quarterback Davis Mills to throw for 254 yards and two scores.
Furthermore, the Texans were highly efficient on third down, as they converted nine of 13 attempts while controlling the ball for nearly 35 minutes.
Being outcoach and outplayed is one thing, but this loss primarily falls on the Chargers’ lack of depth.
The team has been tested in certain position groups throughout the season, but they were exposed in all facets in just one game. Now, they no longer control their playoff destiny.
