Week 9 MNF Recap

    Written by: William Petersen

    Share on:

    Player Updates

    MNF on ESPN

    Electricity was flowing through the air early at Metlife Stadium Monday night as the Los Angeles Chargers struck early with a 87 yard punt return from Deruis Davis for his first career NFL touchdown. The Chargers defense and special teams provided a lot of point production through the punt return and short field position provided by a tenacious pass rush and relentless pursuit from Joey Bosa and company. Bosa recorded 2.5 sacks to complement the six other sacks that the defense would accrue on Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. Wilson had a frustrating night, constantly under pressure and a lack of a run game forced Wilson to throw the ball early and often after getting down 17-3 at halftime. Wilson finished 33/49 for 263 yards, 8 sacks, and a fumble lost. The Chargers defense was a major catalyst towards the Chargers moving to 4-4 and starting off a two game win streak after their 27-6 win.

    Los Angeles had an early jumpstart to this game with the massive 87 yard punt return, which was followed up by back to back fumbles by the Jets, giving the Chargers choice field position for their third drive of the game. Austin Ekeler would find the endzone to start his night that would end; 14 carries for 47 yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, and 2 receptions for 23 yards. Justin Herbert had a night that was honestly underwhelming, 16/30 for 136 yards. Herbert was able to move the chains effectively tonight but found a lot of help from his defense and special teams. Keenan Allen hit a milestone this evening eclipsing 10,000 career receiving yards in his 11th season in the NFL. Allen finished the night with 8 receptions for 77 yards on 9 targets. Efficiency is best used to describe Allen and tonight was another night under the lights where Allen showed why he is Herbert’s favorite target. The Chargers will look forward to another tough defensive test next week as they travel to Ford Field for a showdown with the NFC North leading and 6-2 Detroit Lions.

    Zach Wilson finally had a down to earth game in terms of his expectations as the Jets quarterback this season as he continued to be under duress all game and pay the consequences. Wilson has gotten this Jets squad to an above .500 record and came into tonight on a three game win streak, which is honestly impressive given his prior seasons in the league. The Jets had a poor offensive game plan coming into tonight by not trying to establish the run game more and having slippery fingers with back to back drives ending in turnovers early in the first half. Playing from behind early is never a recipe for success, especially when you have a mediocre quarterback running your offense. The Jets will continue to have a top ten defense but will be limited by their lack of offensive production as they will try to scrap their way into a wildcard spot. The Jets have another tough matchup next week as they travel to a revitalized 4-5 Las Vegas Raiders squad that blew out the Giants 30-6 on Sunday.