(East Los Angeles, CA) [From The Editor’s Desk]: What a difference a year can make in the NFL for the Los Angeles Chargers, and the difference today is that they are absolutely going to the “Playoffs” for the 2022-23 season. After Monday’s convincing (20-3) win over the Indianapolis Colts, the Bolts have turned things around very nicely compared to last season, with their current overall record of (9-6), they’re moving forward with greater confidence and an extremely positive gameday mindset.
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The highly featured Monday Night Football (MNF) game against the Colts showed a very competitive and focused Chargers’ full team effort. On offense, the mechanics of QB/#10/Justin Herbert, who efficiently targeted his veteran wide receivers, #13/Keenan Allen, #81/Michael Williams, (and now be sure to add on #5/Joshua Palmer), were all fun and exciting to watch.
Then you couple that with the rushing and receiving skills of #30/Austin Ekeler and finish the Blueprint for a game-winning success with the mixture of defensive gems like interceptions, sacks, and pass rushing charges led by #52/Khalil Mack, #56/Morgan Fox, #8/Kyle Van Noy, #43/Michael Davis, #3/Derwin James, Jr. #49/Drue Tranquill, and there it was. All were wrapped up in a great Holiday gift package for Head Coach Brandon Staley & his Coaching Staff to appreciate.
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–BRIEF GAME SUMMARY–
[1st Qtr]: The game was played in near-equal intensity but the total time of possession favored the Colts by a margin of (10:04) to (4:56) minutes. There was no scoring in the period. Colts starting QB/Nick Foles completed 7/12 for 45 yards while Herbert threw just 7 and completed 4 for 45 yards. The ground games were virtually non-existent as only 22 yards were credited to the Colts and only 2 for the Chargers.
[2nd Qtr]: For the Chargers, this period quickly showed Mr. Momentum hopping onto their side as Herbert began to click with his passing game. He went 11/12 and racked up 110 yards with big gainers going to Allen and Williams. Scoring plays came in this manner, at the (8:21) mark, Ekeler punched in his first TD from the 1 yard line. Then with the last play of the half, Cameron Dicker, kicked a 24 yard field goal. Sandwiched in between these two scores, the Colts managed to orchestrate a drive that resulted in their field goal attempt from 46 yards out by their kicker, Chase McLaughlin, which was good.
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[HALFTIME SCORE]: Chargers 10 Colts 3
[3rd Qtr]: The Chargers took the kick-off and could not immediately re-engage in the same intensity they showed in the first half. Receiving high marks for its defense, they pitched a “shut-out” in the period while Herbert and his offense were still in the groove with their passing attack. Although for most of the period, the offensive play was sluggish, the Chargers were able to score, when a second, successful Dicker field goal came at the (6:01) mark. It was measured as a 21 yarder as the drive stalled. The score then moved to Chargers 13, Colts 3.
[4th Qtr]: The Chargers defense played with purpose and closure as they dominated the Colts offense for the entire period. The Chargers, now with a 10 point lead, knew that they just had to keep the Colts from a re-awakening to their offensive senses that could have provoked some type of a rally, but that was not to be. The Bolts managed to post-up yet another Ekeler short TD from the 1 yard line at the (8:20) mark when he bolted in barely touched. This basically sealed the win for the Chargers.
[FINAL SCORE]: Chargers 20 Colts 3
[INDIVIDUAL GAME STAT-LINES]
{OFFENSE} Passing: Herbert/ 24-31=235 yards/1 Int; Rushing: Ekeler/18 rushes=67 yds; 2-TDs; Joshua Kelley/9 rushes=33 yds; Receiving: Allen/11 receptions=104 yds; Williams/4 receptions=76 yds; Ekeler/4 receptions=12 yds.
{DEFENSE} James, Jr./1 INT (no return); M. Davis/1 INT returned=30 yds; Asante Samuel/1 INT returned=11 yds.
[NEXT UP]: Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, January 1, 2023. Kick-off is set for 1:25 pm. To watch, go to: NBC. To listen, tune in to: ALT 98.7 FM • QUE BUENA 105.5/94.3 FM
