(Carson, CA) The Green Bay Packers figured they would be in for some fun in the California sun. Arriving Friday to get acclimated to the time zone change, they must have really relaxed on Saturday because they were nowhere near ready to take on an energized Los Angeles Chargers team, falling meekly 26-11 before 25.435 mostly Packer fans at sun splashed Dignity Health Sports Park.
Even with the return of Davante Adams to an offense that was piling up yards and points with regularity during it's four game winning streak, the unit never came close to finding consistency, punting on their first five possessions (they had only three in the first half). Pass protection breakdowns against Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram coming off the edge, false start penalties even with a friendly crowd, kept the offense behind the chains all day. They converted just one of their first 8 third down plays and the average distance to cover was more than 10 yards. Los Angeles sent more than four pass rushers only once the entire game. Adams was targeted 11 times, catching 7 passes but for just 41 yards. He showed little willingness to try and gain yards after the catch because of his still healing turf toe injury. Allen Lazard was the only other receiver who made a marginal impact with three receptions for 44 yards which led the team. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Jake Kumerow were both shut out on just two targets each. The running game was non-existent with only 11 rushes for 45 yards. The ineptitude led to only 24:09 of time of possession. The Packers didn't crack the Charger 40 yard line until late in the third quarter.
The defense meanwhile, contuinued to give up explosive plays, two 56 yard receptions for Mike Williams. Tight end Hunter Henry had 7 catches for 84 yards and the Charger running game, among the league's worst coming in, found big holes against the Green Bay front. Melvin Gordon rushed 20 times for 80 yards with two second half one yard TD runs. Austin Ekeler added 70 yards on just 12 rushes. Phillip Rivers, getting play calls from a new offensive coordinator this week, was efficient, hitting 21 of 28 for 294 yards. Quarterbacks coach Shane Steichen took over the OC duties after Ken Whisenhunt was fired earlier in the week.
Los Angeles drove 84 yards over the first 8 minutes of the game but stalled inside the red zone, a recurring theme through the first two and a half quarters, Michael Badgley hit field goals of 29, 40 and 34 yards on the final play of the half for a 9-0 lead. He added a fourth early in the third.
The Charger special teams then made a big play, Drue Tranquill deflected a J.K. Scott punt that wobbled forward only 8 yards. L.A. needed only to cover 27 yards for their first touchdown from Gordon to go up 19-0,
The longest kickoff return of the year from Tremon Smith covered 36 yards but the Packers managed only one first down before settling for Mason Crosby's 54 yard field goal.
Rivers hit Williams on a deep shot on the very next play, again beating Alexander for 56 yards. Badgley hit a 19 yard field goal but the Packers lined up in the neutral zone moving the ball to the half yard line. Head Coach Anthony Lynn sent his offense back on and Gordon slammed through B.J. Goodson for his second touchdown to put the game out of reach.
The Packers finally put together a drive capped by Jamaal Williams 10 yard scoring catch and Rodgers scrambled for a two point conversion but it was way too little and way too late.
It was Rodgers who said after the game it appeared to him the team was not mentally ready for the challenge. No other way to explain how badly the team looked:
(Audio: Aaron Rodgers)
Rodgers said they got a mouthful of humble pie. Za'Darius Smith said this was an unnecessary wake up call. Jaire Alexander thought there wasn't a sense of urgency.
Maybe the Packers felt at 7-1, with a road stadium full of home fans, against a 3-5 Chargers team, they could just come to southern California, get some rays, head to the beach and show up on Sunday.
Not in the National Football League gentlemen.
The 7-2 Packers remain a game in front of the Vikings in the NFC North race after Minnesota was beaten on a walk off field goal by Harrison Butker in the Chiefs 26-23 victory.
The 5-3 Carolina Panthers will be coming to Lambeau Field next Sunday after beating Tennessee 30-20 behind Christian McCaffrey's three touchdowns.
