The Chargers had the look. Sporting all-gold uniforms, retro logos, and powder-blue end zones adorned with nostalgic script from the days of Dan Fouts and Don Coryell, it was a visual tribute to their proud past. But when it came to the game, their defense was as dead as disco when it mattered most.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, the NFL’s leading rusher, trampled the Chargers on Sunday with touchdowns of 23, eight, and 19 yards, leading his team to a 38-24 victory at SoFi Stadium. It was just another dominant performance for Taylor, who entered Week 7 leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns, and averaged 5.9 yards per carry against a Chargers defense that had been fairly respectable up to this point. Prior to this game, that defense allowed an average of just 20.8 points per contest.
Taylor’s effectiveness helped open the passing lanes for Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who threw two touchdown passes and continued to make a strong early-season case for Comeback Player of the Year after a career that once seemed stalled during his time with the New York Giants.
This was the Colts’ second trip to Los Angeles in four weeks, having lost to the Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 4. Though they improved on both sides of the ball compared to that earlier outing, they couldn’t fully compensate for their sluggish start in the first half.
The Chargers, decked out in their distinctive 1970s-inspired look, appeared to be sleepwalking through much of the first half before stirring to life in the second. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes after halftime, keeping the home team somewhat in the game, but spent much of the day trying to climb out of a deep hole.
Statistically, the Chargers actually outgained the Colts, 445 yards to 401, and held possession nine minutes longer. However, Indianapolis was more efficient with their possessions, capitalized better in the red zone, and took advantage of key opportunities.
Turnovers proved costly for the Chargers early on. Herbert threw two interceptions in the first half. The first was batted high at the line of scrimmage and caught by the 314-pound defensive tackle Grover Stewart. The second came in the red zone when safety Nick Cross jumped in front of Quentin Johnston in the end zone to snag an eight-yard pass.
Trailing 23-3 at halftime, the Chargers battled back in the second half with touchdown passes to Quentin Johnston, Keenan Allen, and Oronde Gadsden II. The game reflected a rollercoaster season for Los Angeles, who swept through the AFC West division in the first three weeks, then endured back-to-back losses to the Giants and Washington Commanders, before staging a come-from-behind win at Miami.
There is little time to regroup following Sunday’s loss, as the Chargers are set to host the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night.
Despite the setback, the Chargers can find some solace in the state of their division. No team is running away with the AFC West. Kansas City dominated Las Vegas 31-0 on Sunday but the Chiefs haven’t been as dominant as in recent years. Meanwhile, Denver, which lost to the Chargers on the road, is still searching for consistency.
The Chargers’ troubles started early on Sunday. On the very first snap, left tackle Austin Deculus went down face-first on the turf with an ankle injury. Deculus, who was the fourth player to line up as Herbert’s blindside protector this season, returned briefly in the second quarter wearing a bulky brace. The Chargers then relied on the inexperienced Foster Sarell to fill the critically important tackle position.
This ongoing offensive line instability is just more chaos for the Chargers, who have already rotated through six tackles this season. What was once considered a strength for the team has instead become a glaring vulnerability.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2025-10-19/chargers-lose-colts-jonathan-taylor-defense-nfl
