Chargers News: Bolts Surrender Most Points in Franchise History in Dismantling by Raiders

The Chargers allowed the most points to the Raiders in franchise history during primetime showdown.

If there was ever a time to fire Brandon Staley, now would be that time. The Los Angeles Chargers ended their primetime showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders by surrendering the most points in franchise history. 

The final score of 63-21 was the summation of a season that has just not felt right from the beginning. Chargers head coach Brandon Staley appeared to be way in over his head, and today's game should be the final straw in what should be a house-cleaning event for the franchise. 

The opening quarter saw the Raiders march downfield and secure three 3rd down conversions in a row. This led to an easy 7-0 lead, which is more points than what the Raiders scored last week in their entire game with the Vikings. 

Though going up 7-0 is never proof that a game is over, the next series was the beginning of the end for the Chargers. 

Easton Stick was sacked, resulting in a fumble and recovery by the Raiders defense, which ended in another 7 points. 

Easton Stick is sacked by Malcolm Koonce and fumbles the ball which is recovered by Tyree Wilson. Raiders ball on the Chargers 42. #LACvsLV

— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) December 15, 2023

Shortly after, Joshua Kelley would fumble the ball, giving the Raiders another chance to score. 

Joshua Kelley fumbles on the next play after the Tre Tucker touchdown. It is recovered by Jerry Tillery. Chargers have coughed up the ball on two straight fumbles. #LACvsLV

— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) December 15, 2023

With the Raiders up 21-0 in the 1st quarter, it immediately felt like the game was going to run away from the Chargers. 

That is exactly what happened. Whatever sliver of hope that Bolts fans had was washed away by what felt like a team that had given up entirely. 

The score would be 42-0 by the half, which was encapsulated by offensive blunders, like Derius Davis fumbling a punt return. 

DJ Turner makes Derius Davis fumble on the punt return. Raiders ball on the Chargers 14.
Three fumbles for the Chargers. #LACvsLV

— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) December 15, 2023

Head coach Brandon Staley tried to speak about what went wrong, stating that the team "wasn't us out there." We would argue that a team is reflective of their coach, and Staley is not putting faith into his team by allowing them to give up 42 unanswered points. 

Brandon Staley on the 1H:

“Wasn't good enough. That wasn't us out there, you know. Did not come ready to play. Second half we gotta fight for pride, but it's a good group. We gotta regroup at halftime, come out and try to play a better second half." pic.twitter.com/8rkoSU8rzd

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) December 15, 2023

In comical fashion, the Chargers social media team tried to add some humor into their dismantling by way of showcasing the first TD from Joshua Palmer since his return from IR. 

we scored. pic.twitter.com/tUlolwTTWX

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 15, 2023

Honestly, seeing Palmer score was a treat simply because he showed the same type of brilliance he did before he was hurt. 

To make matters worse, it just appeared as though the offense left the building, which was coupled with the fact that a 327-pound lineman scored a TD, and nobody could catch him. 

A 327-pound lineman just scored a 44-yard touchdown on a fumble return. Nobody from the #Chargers was close to chasing John Jenkins down.

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) December 15, 2023

We don't want to say that the team has given up, but the team is certainly done with trying to rally for Staley. That is our assumption, at least. The final score of 63-24 should be all that Dean Spanos and his sons need to finally relieve Brandon Staley of his duties. 

It's time to clean house, which means Tom Telesco should also be let go by season's end. There is no reason a team with this much talent should be losing this badly. Also, with depth being a major concern, why have there been no moves to alleviate that aspect? 

We will see what the future holds for the Chargers front office. For now, they will need to answer some tough questions about why the team just gave up the most points in franchise history. 

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