On Sunday, the Chargers managed to scrape out a victory against the Browns, making sure Cleveland would not get their first win against the Bolts two years in a row. It was far from a perfect performance, but in the end, they got an important victory.
In terms of the drives for the Chargers offense, they had mixed success. 5 out of their first 6 drives included 10 plays or more. Punter Drew Kaser n’t needed until early in the 4th quarter, however, new kicker Travis Coons was needed, a lot. The Bolts were easily moving up and down the field against a decent Browns defense, but when it came to crunch time, they couldn’t put 6 on the board.
The only touchdown drive of the game for the Rivers and co came straight after halftime. That, along with 4 field goals from Coons, was enough.
So, let’s break down what happened on that TD scoring drive.
1st and 10 at LAC 22
21 Personnel (2 RBs, 1 TE, 2 WRs)
This is a grouping I hope to see a lot more from the Chargers, especially if Mike Williams is going to be out over the next few weeks. The Chargers have Gordon behind Rivers, who’s in Pistol, and Austin Ekeler lined up as a receiver on the right. Pre-snap, the rookie motions around Rivers ready for a running swing pass. The ball was a little bit in front of Ekeler but one he should be hauling in. If he had, Keenan Allen had a decent block against the corner, so there was definitely room for progress down the left side. Nice play call, sub-par execution.
2nd and 10 at LAC 22
11 Personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs)
Allen is lined up solo, outside the numbers, on the left. He’s up against corner Jason McCourty, who is playing almost 10 yards off the receiver. Allen runs a 12-yard comeback, ready for the back-shoulder throw. Rivers, with a clean pocket, throws it to the inside of the receiver and it’s a good catch by Allen. With the chemistry that Rivers and Allen have gained, it’s an easy first down all day long.
1st and 10 at LAC 34
12 Personnel (1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs)
Chargers go empty for this 1st down attempt. On the left; Henry and Allen, and trips on the right with Gates, Williams and Gordon. All the CBs are playing ‘off’ coverage again and Rivers takes advantage. Henry runs a simple go route and finds himself wide open. The corner covering the tight end on the outside is again McCourty, he tries to get a jump on Allen’s 4-yard comeback from the slot. Rivers steps up in the pocket and hits Henry for an easy 25-yard gain to move the chains before the deep safety can come across and make the tackle.
1st and 10 at CLE 41
22 Personnel (2 RBs, 2 TEs, 1 WR)
Chargers go with an ultra-protective pass pro. They’re looking for a deep shot for either Henry or Allen, who are the only players to run a route. Rivers has so much time, however both end up being doubled covered. The QB ends up throwing it towards Henry, who runs a deep crosser from left to right, but it’s more of a throwaway, if anything.
2nd and 10 at CLE 41
11 Personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs)
Rivers targets outside the numbers on the left for the third play on the drive, and this time it’s Benjamin. Cleveland try to mix up their coverage here. The corner in press against Benjamin comes off him to take away Melvin Gordon’s swing route. Benjamin, running a short comeback, is open as the safety and linebacker can’t react quick enough. The wide-out breaks one tackle to get a couple yards after the catch.
3rd and 1 at CLE 32
12 Personnel (1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs)
First 3rd down of the drive and the first run play. Pre-snap, it’s a ‘trips right’ with Henry, Allen and Benjamin. The furthest right, Benjamin, motions an end-around to try and cause some distraction. Rivers, starting under center, throws a pitch right for Gordon. The play is blown up by linebacker James Burgess Jr. The ‘backer gets low against offensive tackle Joe Barksdale, the tackle doesn’t do too much to stop him and the defender gets a hand on Gordon’s leg. Allen decides to come and help and bump the defender, but that leaves McCourty free on the outside to make the tackle for loss.
4th and 4 at CLE 35
12 Personnel (1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs)
An aggressive call by Lynn to go for it. It would be around a 52-yarder for Travis Coons, who had already missed one kick. Rivers is back working from the shotgun. Allen, this time on the right, runs a skinny fade 1 v 1 on the corner. With quick feet on his break, the receiver gets a step ahead. Rivers throws a jump ball; the corner doesn’t turn his head and Allen comes down with an impressive grab. His gets the corner for illegal contact, too. Huge conversion.
1st and Goal at CLE 9
612 Personnel (6OL, 1 RB, 2 TE, 1 WR)
After the 4th down conversion, the Chargers are faced with what they have struggled with all day, the redzone. They bring Michael Schofield as an extra lineman, who slots in next to Barksdale. They also add Jeff Cumberland to go extra heavy on the right side of the line. Henry starts out there too, but motions back to fullback. They run behind Henry to the left, he blocks of the linebacker, and Gordon breaks an arm tackle before being taken down for a 6 yards gain. Russell Okung and Dan Feeney do a good job of sealing Myles Garrett off. Nice play.
2nd and Goal at CLE 3
612 Personnel (6OL, 1 RB, 2 TE, 1 WR)
They run the same play here with exactly the same players. This time defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi gets a good jump on the snap and is able to beat Spencer Pulley, get through and make the TFL. Gordon had no chance. A very good play by the Browns rookie.
3rd and Goal at CLE 7
11 Personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs)
Rivers back in the gun. The Bolts line up with trips right: (From L to R) Williams, Allen, Benjamin. The Browns are playing off Keenan Allen, again. More quick feet and a head fake to the outside open room for Rivers to throw him the skinny post. Easy money for the touchdown.
Summary
10 Plays (3 run, 7 pass), 78 yards, 4:25 TOP.
The Bolts engineer their one and only TD drive of the game, but that was all they needed on this occasion. It was a master class by Keenan Allen in his route running and it really emphasized the connection he and Rivers have. An impressive job by the offensive line to keep Rivers clean throughout. Job done.
