We’d say that the Los Angeles Chargers had their worst half of the season on Thursday night against the Las Vegas Raiders, but that doesn’t do it justice. This was the worst half that the Chargers — or any team — has played in quite some time.
The Raiders were shut out in their previous game and had averaged just over nine points per game over their previous five. But Vegas scored 21 points in both of the first two quarters. The Chargers, meanwhile, couldn’t get out of their own way. They committed three turnovers and had another turnover on downs.
When the first half was over, the Chargers were on the wrong end of a 42-0 score.
42-0 Raiders… before halftime.
It will be interested to see if Brandon Staley is still coaching the Chargers in the 3rd quarter. #TNF pic.twitter.com/AjTqFTjYtO
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 15, 2023
In an interview on his way to the locker room, Los Angeles coach Brandon Staley acknowledged that the team “did not come ready to play” and that the Chargers had to “fight for pride in the second half.
Brandon Staley does an interview with Amazon Prime Video going into halftime… with the Chargers trailing 42-0. 😬
"Appreciate the fact that he even stopped by for that interview. A lot of guys wouldn't."- Al Michaels #TNF pic.twitter.com/vEygCGGqHD
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 15, 2023
After that disastrous first half, the Chargers were on the wrong end of some sharp criticism.
"If this were Pop Warner, they'd stop the game, right?" — Al Michaels #TNF pic.twitter.com/h1JwQQ2A8z
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 15, 2023
The chargers roster is all time bad? pic.twitter.com/5AUeDifM88
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) December 15, 2023
Los Angeles Chargers halftime locker room report pic.twitter.com/5u1PUY1j2Q pic.twitter.com/FrKrvADqv5
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) December 15, 2023
Chargers LMFAO???? pic.twitter.com/s3Y0ggfSLS
— khi (@stymead) December 15, 2023
"Stop fumbling the ball."
The Chargers: pic.twitter.com/UgITAgFmMZ
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) December 15, 2023
Raiders vs. Chargers tonight pic.twitter.com/heC2HFCVJG
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) December 15, 2023
Things got no better for the Chargers after halftime. The Raiders received the opening kickoff and marched down the field for another touchdown, opening up a 49-0 lead.
The Raiders are now running trick plays on the Chargers for touchdowns… 49-0! #TNF pic.twitter.com/8d7pvMJbeE
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) December 15, 2023
The 2023 season was already a complete disaster for the Chargers and their fans.
Making matters worse is that their final three games will be against the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, three teams fighting for either a spot in the playoffs or seeding. So, as bad as things have already been, they aren’t likely to get any better.