We’d say that the Los Angeles Chargers had their worst half of the season on Thursday night against the Las Vegas Raiders, but that doesn’t do it justice. This was the worst half that the Chargers — or any team — has played in quite some time.
The Raiders were shut out in their previous game and had averaged just over nine points per game over their previous five. But Vegas scored 21 points in both of the first two quarters. The Chargers, meanwhile, couldn’t get out of their own way. They committed three turnovers and had another turnover on downs.
When the first half was over, the Chargers were on the wrong end of a 42-0 score.
In an interview on his way to the locker room, Los Angeles coach Brandon Staley acknowledged that the team “did not come ready to play” and that the Chargers had to “fight for pride in the second half.
After that disastrous first half, the Chargers were on the wrong end of some sharp criticism.
Things got no better for the Chargers after halftime. The Raiders received the opening kickoff and marched down the field for another touchdown, opening up a 49-0 lead.
The Raiders are now running trick plays on the Chargers for touchdowns… 49-0! #TNF pic.twitter.com/8d7pvMJbeE
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 15, 2023
The 2023 season was already a complete disaster for the Chargers and their fans.
Making matters worse is that their final three games will be against the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, three teams fighting for either a spot in the playoffs or seeding. So, as bad as things have already been, they aren’t likely to get any better.