Chargers’ Passing Game Suffers Setback: Justin Herbert’s Injury Woes Deepen
The Los Angeles Chargers are grappling with a decline in their passing attack, exacerbated by Justin Herbert's finger injury and a string of key player absences.
The Chargers’ once-dynamic passing attack has struggled following quarterback Justin Herbert’s Week 4 finger fracture, and recent games indicate a more severe impact than initially thought.
Key Takeaways:
- Justin Herbert’s passing performance declined significantly after suffering a finger fracture in Week 4.
- Injuries to key offensive players, including Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, and Gerald Everett, have further strained the Chargers’ offense.
- The team’s playoff hopes are dwindling, and Herbert faces the challenge of returning to form in the upcoming games.
In a season filled with high expectations, the Los Angeles Chargers have hit a rough patch due to the impact of quarterback Justin Herbert’s finger fracture. The Chargers managed to secure a victory against the Raiders, but the aftermath of Herbert’s injury revealed a notable decline in his passing performance. ESPN’s Kris Rihm sheds light on this concerning development.
While the team’s early Week 5 bye provided Herbert with some much-needed rest and recovery time, subsequent losses to Dallas and Kansas City have left the Bolts trailing in the race for a playoff spot. It’s not just Herbert’s finger injury that’s contributing to the team’s woes; injuries to key offensive weapons like Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, and Gerald Everett have also limited Herbert’s options in the passing game. However, it’s important to note that some missed throws and poor play also fall on Herbert’s shoulders.
“Since Week 4, when Herbert fractured his finger in the third quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders, he has 653 passing yards, the fewest he’s had in any three-game span in his career. Against the Raiders, he had career lows in completions (13) and passing yards (167). His four interceptions in the past three games are tied for the most in his career during any three-game span, and it’s just the second time in his career he has had a completion percentage below 60% over a three-game span.”
One key factor in the Chargers’ offensive struggles has been the containment of star receiver Keenan Allen by the Chiefs. While Allen’s performance against Kansas City was subdued, it’s imperative for the other receivers on the team to step up and support their injured quarterback.
The Chargers faced a disappointing scoreless second half against Kansas City, which ultimately sealed their fate in another loss. Now, all eyes are on Justin Herbert as he seeks to rediscover his form and lead the Chargers to victory against the Chicago Bears in Week 8.
In a season fraught with challenges, Herbert and the Chargers face an uphill battle to turn things around and reignite their dynamic passing attack.
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