Chargers lose eighth straight game as offensive drought continues
The team went 37 consecutive possessions without a touchdown before Justin Herbert connected with Quentin Johnston.
By Takeshi Faure ·
The Los Angeles Chargers fell to 0-8 after losing 44-22 to the Houston Texans at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
Tight end Charlie Kolar described the locker room mood as painful following the defeat. He said the losing streak hurts the soul. Kolar noted he had never lost more than four consecutive games while playing for the Baltimore Ravens. That previous streak occurred while quarterback Lamar Jackson was injured. Kolar stated that the current situation was not expected.
The Chargers struggled to score points throughout the season. Kolar blamed the offense for the lack of production. He said the defense has played well this year. Kolar admitted he takes pride in his craft and found the offensive struggle frustrating. A teammate informed Kolar that the team had gone 37 consecutive possessions without a touchdown before the fourth quarter score.
The dry spell lasted nearly a month. It began in the fourth quarter of the 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos on Oct. 11. Running back Kimani Vidal scored a 42-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter against Denver. That was the team's last touchdown before the Texans game. Herbert threw a 58-yard pass to wide receiver Quentin Johnston in the fourth quarter of the Houston game. The score cut the deficit to 38-15.
Kolar reacted with shock to the 37-possession number. He said he did not know the team had been without a touchdown for that long. Kolar called it the most frustrating year of his career. He emphasized that the team must stay focused and improve their play.
Offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel called plays from the coach's booth for the first time this season. He moved from the sideline to gain a different view of the field. Quarterback Justin Herbert said he thought McDaniel called a great game. Herbert added that there were no issues with the call structure.
The team inducted kicker John Carney and wide receiver Anthony Miller into their Hall of Fame during halftime. Left guard Kayode Awosika was inactive due to a fibula injury from Week 2. Linebacker Denzel Perryman and tight end David Njoku remained on the designated to return list from injured reserve.
