Chargers trampled by leading rusher Jonathan

The Chargers had the look. All-gold uniforms. Retro logos. Powder-blue end zones with script from the nostalgic days of Dan Fouts and Don Coryell.

But their protection?

As lifeless as disco when it counted most.

Indianapolis Colts operating back Jonathan Taylor, the NFL’s leading rusher, trampled the Chargers on Sunday with touchdowns of 23, eight and 19 yards in a 38-24 victory at SoFi Stadium.

“Until we get it fixed, until we put that fire out…” Chargers All-Pro security Derwin James Jr. said. “The last two, three games, we haven’t been ourselves on defense.”

The Chargers have misplaced three of their past 4 video games and need some quick-drying cement to patch the holes with Minnesota coming to city for a Thursday night time sport.

“Short week,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “We didn’t play our best in any phase, but now it’s time to regroup, refit and get ready.”

If Harbaugh has any solutions, he wasn’t sharing them outdoors the locker room Sunday. He stood in entrance of the media, gripped the lectern and stared into the gap.

“It wasn’t our best day, but do I have confidence in my team? Yes,” he said. “Do I believe they’re fighting? Yeah. And that’s all you can really ask for as a coach.”

It was just another Sunday for Taylor who got here into Week 7 leading the league in speeding yards and touchdowns, and averaged 5.9 yards per carry against a Chargers protection that had been respectable to this level. That protection allowed an average of 20.8 factors in the six earlier video games.

That helped open the passing lanes for Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, who threw a pair of touchdowns and again made an early-season case for Comeback Player of the Year after his profession had seemingly flamed out with the New York Giants.

It was the second journey to Los Angeles in 4 weeks for the Colts, who misplaced to the Rams right here in Week 4.

The Chargers, whose distinctive look was a nod to the Seventies, had been sleepwalking in the first half before coming to life in the second.

Justin Herbert stored the home staff considerably in the sport with three landing passes after halftime but discovered himself making an attempt to dig out of a deep gap all day.

The Chargers really outgained the Colts, 445 yards to 401, and held the ball for 9 minutes longer, but Indianapolis was more environment friendly with its possessions, better in the crimson zone, and took benefit of its alternatives.

He noticed two of his passes intercepted in the first half. The first was batted high in the air at the road of scrimmage and plucked by 314-pound defensive sort out Grover Stewart. The second choose got here in the crimson zone, when security Nick Cross slipped in entrance of Quentin Johnston in the end zone to intercept an eight-yard cross.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert slides while scrambling during the second half Sunday.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

The Chargers, who trailed at halftime, 23-3, clawed their manner back into the sport with landing passes to Johnston, Keenan Allen and Oronde Gadsden II.

It has been a rollercoaster of a season for the Chargers, who ran the desk against the AFC West in the first three weeks, then misplaced back-to-back video games to the Giants and Washington Commanders, before rebounding with a come-from-behind win at Miami.

Denver got here from behind Sunday to beat the Giants, 33-32, knocking the Chargers out of the top spot in the division. Meanwhile, Kansas City stomped Las Vegas, 31-0, and could possibly be gathering some of that acquainted momentum. It isn’t getting any simpler for the Chargers.

Herbert was hit 15 instances by the Colts — thrice more than the Chargers hit Jones — and sacked thrice. More punishment for a quarterback who has been under intense strain all season.

“That’s football,” he said. “That’s part of the job. We threw the ball a lot today and that’s going to happen. The offensive line is doing an incredible job battling and I can always get the ball out quicker.”

Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin breaks up a cross supposed for Chargers huge receiver Ladd McConkey in the end zone during the fourth quarter Sunday.

(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)

Against the Colts, the troubles started early for the Chargers. After the home staff’s first snap, Chargers left sort out Austin Deculus lay face down on the turf. He was the staff’s fourth participant to line up as Herbert’s blindside protector.

It was an ankle injury that felled Deculus — he wound up returning in the second quarter with a cumbersome brace — and the Chargers turned to the calmly skilled Foster Sarell, who immediately held one of the most important positions on the sphere.

Just more offensive line madness for the Chargers, who have cycled through six tackles so far. Their line was once thought-about an space of strength.

The Chargers are shedding the “university gold” uniforms and changing them Thursday with acquainted navy ones. They need to make more than superficial adjustments, however.

James, for one, is completely satisfied the next sport is coming so soon.

“Yes, sir,” he said with the slightest glint of optimism. “I can’t wait to get this taste out of my mouth.”