How the Colts simply outplayed the Chargers

Here’s a full breakdown of what happened in the Indianapolis Colts’ 38-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday — and why it wasn’t just a “meltdown” by the Chargers so much as a game the Colts dominated in multiple phases.

Key facts

• Final score: Colts 38, Chargers 24.
• Indianapolis improved to 6-1 on the season; the Chargers fell to 4-3.
• The Colts racked up 401 total yards of offense.
• The Chargers’ rushing attack was nearly non-existent: only 54 net rushing yards on 16 attempts.
• Colts’ RB Jonathan Taylor ran 94 yards and scored 3 rushing touchdowns.
• Colts QB Daniel Jones completed 23 of 34 for 288 yards and 2 TDs.
• Chargers QB Justin Herbert threw for 420 yards and 3 TDs — but also 2 interceptions, and his team was playing from behind almost all game.

How the Colts simply out-played the Chargers

Here are the specific areas where Indianapolis established control, and where Los Angeles failed to match the pace or execution.

1. Establishing the run and offensive balance

• Jonathan Taylor’s three rushing TDs were from 23, 8 and 19 yards.
• The Colts attacked both on the ground and through the air, making Chris Jones play-action and threat of the run pay dividends.
• Meanwhile, the Chargers’ inability to run the ball (54 yards) forced them into a one-dimensional passing game. When you can’t threaten with the run, defenses can tee off on your pass game.
• The Colts converted on third downs and even fourth downs — showing execution and situational awareness.

2. Big plays and momentum swings

• Early: the Colts struck quickly, building a 23-3 halftime lead. That kind of advantage forces the opponent to alter their game-plan and take more risks.
• The Chargers defense allowed an 81-yard kickoff return by the Colts that swung momentum.
• The Chargers defense allowed multiple big passes (e.g., a 48-yard completion on third-and-17 that opened up a big drive for Indianapolis).

3. Turnovers & situational errors by the Chargers

• Herbert’s two interceptions: one mid-second-quarter when the Chargers were deep into Colts territory, and one just before halftime. Losing the ball at those junctures is costly.
• On defense, the Chargers failed to stop the Colts on crucial downs (including fourth-down conversions).

4. Defense of the Colts stepping up

• Indianapolis’ defense made big plays: interceptions, sacks, fourth-down stops. They gave their offense short fields and momentum.
• The Chargers defense, conversely, couldn’t stop the run and allowed too many chunk plays. As one Charger player put it: “We gave up nearly 40 points in our own stadium … we just didn’t do the things we needed to.”

5. Chargers’ offense too little, too late

• Though Herbert piled up passing yards (420), they were largely in response to a big deficit. When you’re trailing by 20+ points, defenses can dictate pace.
• With the run game ineffective, the Chargers became predictable. The Colts controlled tempo, kept the Chargers’ offense off the field, and dictacted when the game would be played.
• The Chargers did have a few positives (Rookie TE Oronde Gadsden II had 7 catches for 164 yards and a TD) but those weren’t enough to offset the other areas of breakdown.

Was this a meltdown or just “Colts being better”?

In short: mostly the latter — the Colts simply played at a higher level in multiple phases. But yes — the Chargers had to play better (and couldn’t) for much of the game, so you can call parts of it a meltdown.

• The Colts came in on fire this season, with one of the top scoring offenses in the league. They dominated early and didn’t let up.
• The Chargers, by contrast, had injuries on their offensive line and at running back (which impacted their run game) and they didn’t handle adversity well early.
• When a team falls behind early by about 20 points, especially at home, the margin for error shrinks. The Chargers made enough mistakes (turnovers, inability to run, third-/fourth-down failures) that the Colts could capitalize.
• It’s fair to say the Chargers failed to stop the Colts rather than simply get out-played in a vacuum. But the Colts made them look out-matched.

Key takeaways for the Chargers going forward

• Need to get the run game going: 54 rushing yards is insufficient. Without a credible threat on the ground, opposing defenses can tee off on your pass.
• Protect the football: Pick-sixs or interceptions in the red zone (especially when you’re trailing) kill momentum.
• Early game starts matter: Falling behind 23-3 by halftime puts the game in a deep hole. Preventing big plays and momentum swings in the first half is critical.
• Improve defensive stops: Especially on 3rd and 4th down, the Chargers failed to force stops or get off the field.
• Handle adversity: With injuries mounting, the Chargers will need depth and consistent execution — the Colts showed how to execute with depth and methodical play.

Final word

The Colts came in and dictated the game from the outset. Their balance of run and pass, strong situational football, and defensive plays set them apart. The Chargers were out-executed rather than simply “having a bad day.” It was actually both: The Colts played at a higher level and the Chargers failed to respond effectively.

LACI’s two cents: This game hurt because if the Colts were just average, the Chargers win this game.- The early start by the Colts made the Chargers average at best because as you know, momentum is everything in this league of parity. However, the Chargers never gave up despite the Colts making play after play. It was tough to watch the Chargers get schooled so many times. That game made Chargers fans sick, so no more mustard!