After multiple losses in a row, the Los Angeles Chargers were able to get back on track, as their Week 9 win versus the Tennessee Titans marked their second in a row. It was a slow paced game, but the leadership of Justin Herbert and the talented wide receiving core were able to push the Chargers past the Titans in a must win game.
Although the Titans offense has struggled all year, their defense has been solid, and it was them who struck early, as linebacker Cody Barton picked off Justin Herbert on an early Chargers’ drive and returned it all the way back for a pick six and an early 14-7 lead.
However, the Chargers were able to shake off that early mistake on their very next drive with a mix of pass and runs that progressed them down the field. The drive was capped off by a play-action fake that led to a touchdown from fullback Scott Matlock. It was only his second catch of the season, but a big one to swing the momentum back to the Chargers.
The next two drives would stall out for both teams, but the Titans wouldn’t be quiet for long, as they got another explosive non-offensive score when wide receiver Chimere Dike returned a punt all the way back for a touchdown.
Herbert would respond with another lengthy drive, but he couldn’t cap it off with a touchdown, forcing them to settle for a field goal to make the score 14-10 in favor of the Titans. They would then get another stop, and then regain the lead with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Quentin Johnson.
The Titans would respond with a field goal to tie the game at 17, and going into the half, the Chargers scored another field goal, making the score 20-17.
The second half would be a much slower pace then the first, with both teams struggling to put points on the board. However, the Chargers were able to pull away with a Justin Herbert rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter, making the final score 27-20.
It wasn’t their flashiest win, but it’s a win nonetheless. The victory puts the Chargers’ record at 6-3, and gives them second place in the AFC West. The rest of their schedule holds favorable matchups for Los Angeles. If they execute, the Chargers should have the playoffs in their sights.