What a difference a week makes. The Los Angeles Chargers were being talked about as a potential Super Bowl contender after starting the season 3-0 with wins over each team in their division. But after a trip to The Big Apple, a different tune is being sung.
Not only did the Chargers lose to the previously winless New York Giants, but they also lost Joe Alt to an injury that is going to keep him out several weeks. It was a rough week for the Chargers and their fans, but Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News wasn't too harsh on them in his recent power rankings.
Last week, Iyer had the Chargers at No. 4. This week, they have dropped three spots to No. 7. Perhaps the loss to the Giants isn't as bad as it seems? They were full of energy due to their first-round pick, Jaxson Dart, making his first career start, and they were at home, facing a West Coast team coming to the East Coast for an early kickoff, notoriously a tough spot to get a win in.
The Chargers aren't going to use that as an excuse and they will have to turn their focus to another NFC East team, the Washington Commanders, though that game will be played at SoFi Stadium.
"The Chargers made too many mistakes in the passing game with Justin Herbert to be handed a tough hiccup on the road vs. Jaxson Dart sparking the Giants. They need to clean up the offense fast to outscore the Commanders on the road next week", wrote Iyer.
The Chargers will need to clean up the offense but there were some bright spots in the loss, led by rookie Omarion Hampton who rushed for 128 yards in defeat. That is something for the team to build upon, but it can't afford to suffer too many more major injuries.
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