The key loss of Quentin Johnston played a big role in the Chargers’ Week 12 loss to the Ravens

The Los Angeles Chargers took action right from the start of the game against the Baltimore Ravens. Justin Herbert capped a perfect nine-play drive with a five-yard touchdown run to give the Chargers a 7-0 lead.

But the Ravens got back into the game, just like you expected. The Chargers, matched blow for blow with the power of the AFC North, couldn’t land any more haymakers. Perhaps the biggest play of the game was a play that didn’t happen.

After the Ravens scored a touchdown to take a 23-16 lead, the Chargers needed a big answer to keep up. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman faced a 3rd-and-6 from his own 34-yard line and engineered a perfect play that left Quentin Johnston open in the middle of the field. Herbert saw him and put the ball right on his hands, but he dropped it.

Quentin Johnston PFF grade in the game:
🟧 51.2
pic.twitter.com/DtJNLjudgO

– All-22 (@All22_PFF) November 26, 2024

The shot doesn’t show it, but he could have run maybe 50 yards, maybe even more, if he had caught the ball. Later in the game, with the Ravens more in control of things, Johnston dropped another pass. He finished the game without a catch.

Quentin Johnston’s problems reared their ugly head on Monday Night Football

There have been many reports from training camp this summer about how much Johnston has struggled with falls. After a poor rookie season, things weren’t looking good for him.

But he has exceeded his expectations this season, and the fact that he found the end zone six times helps disguise the fact that he simply hasn’t been very good. He only has 22 receptions in 11 games.

It’s hard to attribute the loss to a single play, but Johnston’s absence had a huge impact on this game Monday night.

MORE CHARGER NEWS

The Chargers make a surprising roster move ahead of “MNF” vs. Ravens

Jim Harbaugh: An in-depth look at the games he coached against his brother

The Chargers strangely named a potential landing spot for Daniel Jones

Chargers vs. Ravens Week 12 Expert Picks

History of the Chargers vs. Ravens series