Without key members of the offensive line and backfield, the Chargers slipped again, losing 38-24 to the Indianapolis Colts while wearing bright yellow head-to-toe alternate jerseys.
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The Chargers had a season-low 54 net rushing yards and have lost three of their last four games after starting the season on a three-game winning streak against AFC West opponents.
After the Chargers allowed three rushing touchdowns to Jonathan Taylor and two touchdown passes to Daniel Jones, safety Derwin James Jr. had no problem accepting the blame.
“It was all on us,” said James, who had a team-high seven tackles. “We could have avoided a lot of this. It just starts with reading the keys and we have to be better. We didn’t do that today.”
The defense was not entirely to blame. Justin Herbert tied a season high with two interceptions, both in the second quarter. He was intercepted after the Chargers reached the Colts’ 28-yard line midway through the period and again with just under two minutes left in the first half after reaching the Indianapolis 8-yard line.
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The Colts led 23-3 at the half and finished the game with a pair of Taylor touchdown runs in the third quarter.
Herbert had 289 of his career-high 420 passing yards in the second half and the Chargers still never got within 13 points.
“You’re playing that type of game because they took advantage of things,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “They did a good job staying in front of the posts. They’re very good. Outside of the second quarter, I thought we were good too.”
Herbert also made sure to be responsible.
“Yeah, I think it’s up to us,” said Herbert, who had the second game of at least 400 yards passing in his career. “We just can’t do that. We can’t expect to win games when I turn the ball over in the red zone like that.”
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The Chargers were without offensive linemen Joe Alt (ankle) and Trey Pipkins III (knee), and running backs Najee Harris (Achilles) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) are on injured reserve. Harris is out for the season.
Alt was limited in practice last week and could play Thursday against the Minnesota Vikings, which would be his first appearance since playing against the New York Giants in Week 4. That was the start of Los Angeles’ current streak of three losses in four games.
A short week is a challenge for a team struggling to maintain consistency amid its injury woes. But there won’t be any travel while the Chargers wait for the Vikings to come to town.
“I can’t wait to get this taste out of my mouth,” James said.
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And the Chargers have now seen how high the bar is being set in the AFC. The Colts were the only team with six wins at the end of Sunday’s game and lead the NFL with 232 points scored.
“You know, you can’t let a previous performance affect the next one,” Herbert said. “So we’re going to show up (Monday) and the next day, and we’ll move on to the Vikings.”
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