By Fredo Cervantes
After a long break since they battled with the Chiefs on Thursday Night Football, they now have 15 total players on the Covid-19 list including Joey Bosa, Austin Ekeler, Mike Davis and Mike Williams.
#Chargers CB Michael Davis tested positive for COVID-19 before the game, per Brandon Staley
— Gilbert Manzano (@GManzano24) December 26, 2021
The Chargers are under pressure to win with this roster in Houston with no Austin Ekeler and Mike Williams who are two of the major offensive players this year. Ekeler has been huge this year running the ball, but Justin Jackson did step up against Houston in the first half to keep them in the game.
Chargers QB Justin Herbert looked like he had too much rest this week as he did say he spent Christmas watching tape by himself as his family lives in Oregon.
Texans QB Davis Mills had a game for himself completed critical throws and making the right decisions on the field. It seemed like he was well prepared for this game as the Chargers looked out of sync in this game.
Chargers S Derwin James was cleared to play today but Brandon Staley said he will only be used if it’s an emergency. They were down for most of the game so it felt like an emergency especially with them fighting for a playoff spot.
During the 4th quarter, Chargers RB Justin Jackson who had a good first half with Austin Ekeler out for this game due to COVID, had a big time fumble early in the 4th which allowed the Texans to take the lead 27-15.
It seemed like the Chargers got in sync during the 4th in the following drive as they score quickly with great play calling as they get 8 points of a touchdown by Jackson and a 2 point conv.
The Texans players are having career nights with the bad defense played by the Chargers in this game. They allowed 200+ rushing yards which is just unbelievable to see. The Chargers allow another interception late in the game when it was over already and Herbert threw an ugly throw. Not sure what Brandon Staley considers an emergency but he clearly needed Derwin James in this game.
As the Chargers lose a big one in Texas, they now head back home to face Denver with 2 games remaining in the season. They are on the hunt right now which is not a place they thought they will be after starting the season 4-1.
Due to COVID-19, the Chargers fall to the Texans 41-29 as they had 14 total players out due to COVID. Ekeler, Williams, Bosa and more were big time players who were missed by the Chargers. They cannot put an excuse on this game but just move forward and improve the defense. The Chargers deeply missed Ekeler today and hopefully he makes his return next weekend at SoFi Stadium.
Chargers head coach Brandon Staley says on the defense, "I didn't coach well enough today."
He adds, "There isn't an area we played well in on defense."
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) December 26, 2021
My last thought was on the Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley who mentioned last week after the Chiefs game that he is confident and believes in his team when they go for it on 4th downs and today early in the 4th quarter when in his two first drives he had clear opportunities to capitalize, didn’t and kicked fields goals. He was being too careful on his 4th play calling which led to a big loss because I believe if he would’ve continued his same game plan from this year,they would have scared off the Texans and began to take control in this game but they never did.
Stay tuned and follow me on Instagram and Twitter for all your latest updates on the Chargers and all major sports:
Twitter- @FredoCervantes
Instagram- @FredoCervantes
YouTube: In The Front Row
