Los Angeles Chargers @ Los Angeles Rams
Final Score: Rams 24,Chargers 9
Writer: Pranav Babarjung
Two Up
- Puka Nacua – Another double-digit reception day with a score for Nacua.
- Blake Corum – Corum added a fourth straight game where he found the end zone.
Two Down
- Justin Herbert – “If-man” strikes again, throwing two more interceptions and no touchdowns.
- Omarion Hampton – This is a three-back committee in an unproductive offense. Hampton continues to disappoint fantasy managers.
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterback
Justin Herbert: 24/32, 257 Yards, 2 INTs | 4 Carries, 15 Yards
This game for the Chargers started with two three-and-outs, followed by an interception. Herbert actually didn’t throw the first pick in this game, but after seeing Stafford do it, I guess he thought it was the right thing to do? Part of Herbert’s subpar play can absolutely be attributed to the poor offensive line. He has still been making poor decisions even when he does have time (i.e. both interceptions). After the interception, he did hit Ladd McConkey in the middle of the field to set up the first of three field goals. He also almost came down with a successful Hail Mary to close out the half, getting stopped at the 1-yard line. The Chargers kept it close in the first half, but completely collapsed afterwards. The second half possessions went punt, interception, punt, downs, for a grand total of just 64 yards of offense.
Running Back
Kimani Vidal: 8 Carries, 23 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 7 Yards
Omarion Hampton: 9 Carries, 20 Yards | 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 7 Yards
Keaton Mitchell: 4 Carries, 15 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 17 Yards
This is just a complete three back timeshare. In this contest, only Hampton and Mitchell saw red zone touches. I’d assume the Chargers would just run with the hot hand, but a hand needs to be hot to do that. All three of these guys suffer behind this struggling O-line. All three of them see a little receiving usage. All three of these guys should be benched or on the waiver wire in your leagues.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Ladd McConkey: 6 Targets, 4 Receptions, 86 Yards
McConkey had some time to rest his injured foot and ribs during the bye. The statline looks decent, but 54 yards came from a Hail Mary targeted at Quentin Johnston at the end of the first half. McConkey made a heads up play and grabbed the ball after it got popped up, but was stopped at the one. He saw zero targets during the second half collapse.
Oronde Gadsden: 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 52 Yards
Gadsden hit a season high in yards and matched his season high receptions. He actually caught four of his five passes during the second half, converting two third downs. Those drives fell apart shortly after.
Quentin Johnston: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 37 Yards
Johnston was the intended recipient on both Herbert interceptions. He was the intended Hail Mary target and only added a one-yard reception in the second half.
Tre Harris: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 31 Yards
Charlie Kolar: 4 Targets, 1 Reception, 20 Yards
Los Angeles Rams
Quarterback
Matthew Stafford: 17/25, 157 Yards, TD, INT
The early interception was entirely Stafford’s fault. Through quarter two and three, he got it together. After getting the lead in the second half, Stafford didn’t have to do much to seal the game. The Rams were content to repeatedly hand off to Kyren Williams to run down the clock. When he was passing, Puka Nacua continued to be his obvious favorite target, accounting for 11 of his 17 completions.
Running Back
Blake Corum: 11 Carries, 73 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 0 Receptions
Corum added a touchdown for his fourth-straight scoring game to his resume. He scored from 23 yards out, displaying good vision as he cut inside to get through the gap. The consistent touches puts Corum in flex contention.
Kyren Williams: 16 Carries, 56 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 3 Yards
Kyren remains the goal line back when it’s close. He got the 1-yard second quarter touchdown. Although he outcarried Corum, Williams got 11 of these 16 carries on the final (12-play) drive in garbage time to run out the clock. He ate up six minutes and thirty-nine seconds to close out the game, despite being out-carried 11-5 entering that drive.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Puka Nacua: 12 Targets, 11 Receptions, 80 Yards, TD
With Stafford under center and Davante Adams on IR, Puka will always get his. His touchdown came on a short field possession set up by Trent McDuffie on Herbert’s second interception. Nacua took a screen pass 18 yards to the house.
Tutu Atwell: 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 52 Yards
Atwell’s 40-yard reception helped set up Williams’ score. He’s always good for one, sometimes two, pop plays that go for 30 to 40 yards, but that’s about it.
Tyler Higbee: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 14 Yards
Drew Allen: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 8 Yards
Jordan Whittington: 1 Target, 0 Receptions
Konata Mumpfield: 2 Targets, 0 Receptions