In an impressive defensive display, inspired in part by Darius Davis’ magic, the Chargers defeated the Jets 27-6, concluding the 9th week of the NFL season.
In recent years, the Los Angeles Chargers (4-4) haven’t been known as a strong defensive team. But on Monday, the Bolts showed their commitment to changing that perception.
They repeatedly put pressure on Wilson, bringing him down seven times in total. On two occasions, there were some notable changes:
Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack unleashed their fury on the New York’s infamous gunslinger, with the latter sending the game into the snow.
This was a low-scoring classic performance by the Chargers, struggling to fend off the high-flying New York rear guard. Justin Herbert had a tough day, completing only 16 of his 30 throws for 136 yards, marking the worst performance of his career in terms of passing yards.
However, that was enough. Despite the best efforts of Garrett Wilson and Bryce Hall, the Los Angeles defense continued to wreak havoc. This was coupled with Austin Ekeler’s gritty performance, who ran for only 47 yards but found the end zone on two different occasions.
For the Chargers, the outcome indicates their ability to win in various ways. Mack and Bosa were a force to be reckoned with, relentlessly pressuring their opponents throughout the evening.
The New York wideouts, on the other hand, struggled to cope with the Chargers’ deficiencies. As for the Jets, the hole under center remains a concern. Perhaps the return of Aaron Rodgers is not far away.
But until then, New York will need to do better than Wilson, and it’s still unclear whether he’s the answer in his third year.
Sporting News provided live updates for the “Monday Night Football” clash between the Chargers and Jets. Check out all the action from East Rutherford, New Jersey below.
End of the fourth quarter: Chargers 27, Jets 6
11:01 PM: Touchdown! And Ekeler secures his second score of the game. Game. Set. Match.
Chargers 27, Jets 6
10:59 PM: Chaos! Khalil Mack gets in on the action, dropping back and throwing the ball away from Wilson. Gilman picks it off and returns it almost 48 yards into the red zone. This game is on snow.
10:57 PM: The Jets have about four minutes left to make something happen. They may have to do it without Garrett Wilson, who left the field after fielding his nine-yard throw on a cart.
10:53 PM: Keelan Doss and Bolt opt for the conservative approach, running the ball back and slowing the pace. Three straight plays result in straight runs, although it keeps the clock running when the Jets get control. Chargers are in poor shape, even on a night like tonight.
10:52 PM: The Jets continue to pile on pressure against Wilson. He’s been sacked once again, this time by Tuli Tuipulotu. This is a 15-yard loss and is about to give New York another blow. Oh boy.
10:41 PM: Allen’s catch stands, as Dickerson returned to the field after four games and brought the Bolt’s lead back to two touchdowns.
10:38 PM: An incredible snag by Allen to keep the drive alive. He turns upfield, twirls, and pulls the ball in. He takes it over 10,000 receiving yards – all of them in Charger blue. What a moment, what a career.
10:36 PM: Herbert calls upon all of his weapons to mount a charge. Just ask Allen to join Allen for another first down, joining his possessions.
10:35 PM: Bolt pays off New York! Herbert hits Novice Quentin Johnson, who punches the player right after the marker.
End of the third quarter: Chargers 17, Jets 6
10:30 PM: Solomon Thomas delivers a big hit from behind to Herbert. He sends the ball into the ether. But as it has happened repeatedly for the Jets, the green paint rubs against them: Herbert is back on his pamphlet.
10:25 AM: Bosa strikes again! To thwart another Jets assault within the Chargers’ territory, Wilson carries him on his back. His toe injury doesn’t seem to bother him much these days.
10:22 AM: Another piece of magic keeps things going for New York. A direct snap takes a direct route down the hall. He rips through the chains in the middle to bring down the fourth-quarter curtains.
10:19 AM: A big call on third down. It looks like Conklin beat James in single coverage, inspiring the Chargers’ security to take part of his jersey’s opposite number. This will keep the drive away.
10:17 AM: Wilson^2 is back once again. Wilson gains 13 yards with his name and makes things more manageable on third down.
10:05 AM: Field goal! New York’s assault at the beginning of the second half hints at signs of life. Wilson threw the ball to Garrett Wilson and Tyron Conklin, advancing it game by game.
And while the Bolt’s defense, along with a pair of sacks at the end of the drive, was able to limit things, the zeppelin-line made another rapid advancement attempt on the field.
Chargers 17, Jets 6
End of the second quarter: Chargers 17, Jets 3
9:47 AM: Field goal! Another one by Dickerson, which dropped below 55 and brought the Bolt’s lead back to 14 points.
Chargers 17, Jets 3
9:46 AM: Allen returns to the forefront once again for a twisty path. Long goes back on the field with Dickerson now.
9:45 AM: Keenan Allen’s significant advance took the Chargers to the 46. They don’t need many yards in Dickerson’s territory. There are 11 seconds left.
9:44 AM: The following drive isn’t really going anywhere. The frame will end before the Bolt gets a chance to extend its lead.
9:37 AM: New York’s defense has kept them in the game. Herbert looks much less spectacular compared to his various points this year; he’s only completed eight out of his 18 pass attempts. This gives Wilson and the Jets one last chance before the city buzzes.
