Chargers News: An Insider's Report Card Of Bolts' Loss To Cowboys

With Week 6 in the books, your Los Angeles Chargers now sit at 2-3, having played in 5 one-score games (in true Chargers fashion). 

Their most recent loss to the Dallas Cowboys was one that definitely featured as much "Chargering," as people call it, as possible. 

From the defense looking terrific most of the game to then giving up a 60-yard chunk play to Tony Pollard at the start of the 4th quarter, to collapsing on a 3rd & 19 on the Cowboys' final drive, to Justin Herbert having to play through a broken finger (and potentially also a concussion), playing without All-Pro center Corey Linsley and wide receiver Mike Williams, to of course, losing by 1 score, there's just so much to recap. 

As John Breech of CBS Sports writes in his weekly report card, the Chargers get a grade of a "B-," in their defeat. He explains that simply put:

 "The Chargers had a chance to win this game, but they couldn't come up with any big plays when they were need the most." 

That line sums it up well, as he continues that the Bolts could've had better red zone efficiency, and QB Justin Herbert could've some better passes, as he was inaccurate on a few and made incorrect reads on others. 

A big reason for his slightly higher grade on the Bolts than what I would've given them (C+), is how the defense played. 

Frankly, the defense was impressive for most of the game. Holding a Dallas offense with multiple solid playmakers and a great offensive line to 17 points until their final drive is a good sign, especially considering how poor the offense was playing, which puts more pressure on the defense whilst forcing them to stay out on the field for longer. 

In all of this, and as Breech mentions, the Chargers square off with the Chiefs in Arrowhead next week, which, as always (but especially now), is a must-win game. The Chargers potentially falling to 2-4 would do a number to their playoff hopes and shouldn't be considered an option for them. 

Expect another one-score game. 

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