San Diego Chargers head coach Mike McCoy addressed the media Monday and didn’t think his team’s effort was in question in its lopsided 31-14 loss to the Minnesota Vikings Sunday.
Mike McCoy: after looking at the film, the effort, the desire was there… Weren’t good enough in all 3 phases. pic.twitter.com/HmYawyySyO
Judson Richards (@Judson1360) September 28, 2015
Not to mention, quarterback Philip Rivers was sacked four times, intercepted for a touchdown and didn’t play in the team’s final drive of the game.
Backup quarterback Kellen Clemens became the first quarterback other than Rivers to throw a touchdown in a game for the Chargers since Billy Volek in 2009.
The team comes back home this week, where it captured its one win of the season, to play the Cleveland Browns Sunday at 1:05 p.m.
No update on O-Line
McCoy was unable to give any updates on his plethora of injured offensive linemen, but it would be nothing short of a miracle if all of them were able to play Week 4 against the Browns.
Left tackle King Dunlap is dealing with his fourth concussion since 2012, center Chris Watt a groin injury, an ankle injury for left guard Orlando Franklin and a lingering ankle injury for right guard D.J. Fluker.
Only Fluker was able to finish yesterday’s game of the above players listed. While the offensive line is in disarray at the moment, it looks like Fluker will play Sunday and is ready to do so at whatever position necessary.
Fluker says he’s prepared to play any position on Bolts oline this wk “except center” Played more than he expected yesterday but “I’m alive” â Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) September 28, 2015
Some relief from for the line may come in the form of Johnnie Troutman, who broke his right forearm during the preseason on Aug. 13.
McCoy said Troutman is “getting there” as far as his recovery and Troutman seems to be itching to get back into action.
Brandon Flowers left locker room with right leg wrapped. Johnnie Troutman adamant “I will play this year” sooner rather than later. Marty Caswell (@MartyCaswell) September 28, 2015
Rivers is OK
With a patchwork offensive line working in front of him, Philip Rivers took some big hits in the second half of yesterday’s game.
However, after the game he said he just had the wind knocked out of him after a third quarter hit, which McCoy called a timeout after to let his quarterback recuperate.
Philip Rivers on third-quarter hit: “I got the wind knocked out of me. I couldn’t get my air.” Said longest it’s taken him to get it back.
â Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) September 27, 2015
Clemens finished the game and went 5-for-6 with 63 yards and a touchdown to Keenan Allen in the team’s final drive of the game.