With their 13-12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers finish their season 5-12 overall record.
The Bolts have seen problem after problem this season: wide receiver Mike Williams sustaining a season ending injury in week three, several close losses, quarterback Justin Herbert’s finger injuries, and the firing of Brandon Staley.
In the last three games, interim head coach Giff Smith urged the team to play for each other.
“We made a pack after the Raiders game when we were put in this situation that we were gonna fight, we’re gonna compete, we’re gonna make this organization proud,” Smith said. “I really think they rallied together.”
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The Bolts defense had a few highlights with safety Alohi Gilman making an interception and linebacker Khalil Mack making a sack. The Chiefs countered with a defensive touchdown and three sacks.
“Frustrating and disappointing, not the way we planned it,” said Bolts safety Derwin James.
James is a 17th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and has spent his entire career with the Chargers. The Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee learned how difficult it is to win in the NFL.
“After my rookie year, I thought every year you just make the playoffs and I got spoiled. We had a good run my rookie year,” James said. “But you got to out, you got to play each and every season no matter the talent you have on the roster … you got to go out and compete and win those games.”
James led the Chargers with 125 total tackles, 39 assisted tackles and 86 solo hits.
This marks the end of linebacker Daiyan Henley’s rookie season. After sustaining a hamstring injury early in the season, Henley mainly saw playing time on special teams. He noted how his veteran teammates aided him in being a pro athlete.
“Every day is a lesson that they’re consistently teaching me. I think that that’s the biggest thing to have a vet take you through it all,” Henley said. “Even financially, they talked to me about making financially smart decisions and being able to be frugal with your money.”
The Bolts’ season does not come without highlights, one being Mack’s six-sack performance in their 24-17 win over the Raiders. Mack now holds the franchise record for the most sacks in a game since 1982. He ultimately made a career-high of 16 sacks this season.
“It was special, it was always special when you can come together as a brotherhood and play for each other,” Mack said.
Running back Austin Ekeler made 179 carries for 628 yards and 5 touchdowns. His 39 career rushing touchdowns puts him in third place in franchise history in the category. Ekeler wished that he was more vocal with his teammates this season.
“I learned that I need to be a better leader,” Ekeler said. “Leadership is really hard because you gotta establish yourself early on as far as how you’re gonna lead this team.”
In seven of their losses, the Bolts had a three-point deficit or less. Bolts linebacker Eric Kendricks, who came in second on the team in total tackles with 117.
“We had so many close outings and we worked so hard together,” Kendricks said. “It’s very frustrating. I don’t take it for granted and I love playing with everybody.”
