Derrick Henry Dominates as the Los Angeles Chargers Win Streak Snapped in Loss to Ravens: The Good, Bad, and Ugly in Week 12

The Los Angeles Chargers fell to 7-4 on Monday Night Football in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season, losing 30-23 to the Baltimore Ravens, who improved to 8-4. While the game showcased moments of promise, it also exposed areas of concern for a Chargers team eyeing a playoff berth in a crowded AFC. Let’s break down the good, bad, and ugly from this highly anticipated Harbowl.

The Good

Justin Herbert’s Resilience

Despite the loss, Justin Herbert showed why he remains the franchise cornerstone. The Chargers quarterback finished with 218 passing yards and 40 yards on the ground which included an early rushing touchdown. Herbert orchestrated several impressive drives, including a late push that kept Los Angeles within striking distance​.

Offensive Playmakers Shine

Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, questionable heading into the game, delivered a standout performance with six receptions for 83 yards. His emergence as a reliable target adds a new dimension to the Chargers' aerial attack. What doesn't show up on the stat sheet is Justin Herbert's trust in him in the tough need to convert situations.  Until another wide receiver can step up and show they are a reliable target, Ladd will be Justin's go-to guy.

Defensive Standouts

While the defense struggled at times, there were bright spots. The Chargers’ defensive line recorded multiple tackles for loss, and their pass rush forced Lamar Jackson into early-game struggles, as he completed only one of his first five passes​.  Additionally, the Chargers defense held up their end, forcing multiple fourth-downs; however, John Harbaugh was feeling extra aggressive against his younger brother Jim Harbaugh, and converted three fourth-down attempts, with one being at his own 16-yard line. Ultimately, these fourth-down conversions ended up being the deciding factor.

The Bad

Red Zone Struggles

The Chargers' inability to convert red zone opportunities into touchdowns proved costly. Settling for field goals in critical moments, such as Cameron Dicker’s early 42-yarder, kept Baltimore in control. While Herbert moved the ball effectively between the 20s, Los Angeles couldn’t capitalize where it mattered most​.  In the middle of the field, Justin Herbert can mask average wide receiver play and move the ball, but as the field shrinks and wide receivers have less separation, it becomes more obvious that Justin Herbert needs a more reliable target in the red zone.

Dobbins’ Injury

Running back J.K. Dobbins was off to a strong start, tallying 40 rushing yards on six carries, including a season-high 6.7 yards per attempt. Unfortunately, a knee injury in the second quarter sidelined him for the rest of the game, leaving the Chargers to rely on Gus Edwards, who managed 11 yards on 9 carries. Dobbins’ absence significantly impacted the Chargers' ability to control the tempo​, which led to more three-and-outs and quicker punts, which put an increasingly tired Chargers defense back on the field too soon.

Missed Opportunities on Defense

Although the defense showed flashes of brilliance, they failed to generate turnovers or key stops when needed. The touchdown run by Justice Hill in the second half extended Baltimore’s lead and shifted momentum permanently in the Ravens' favor​.  As mentioned before, allowing the Baltimore Ravens to go 3/3 on fourth-down attempts turned out to be one of the main deciding factors as well as allowing Derrick Henry to rush for 140 yards on 24 carries.

The Ugly

Lamar Jackson’s Dominance

After a slow start, Lamar Jackson took control of the game, throwing for 177 yards and two touchdowns. His connection with receivers like Rashod Bateman, who caught a 40-yard touchdown pass, exposed vulnerabilities in the Chargers' secondary. Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities were on full display, leaving Los Angeles scrambling for answers, especially after halftime.

Penalties and Mental Mistakes

The Chargers committed several costly penalties that negated key plays, including a holding call that wiped out a potential scoring drive in the second quarter. On top of the penalties, there were multiple mental mistakes and miscues that cost the team.

AFC North Domination

The loss underscored the difficulty of facing AFC North teams, particularly with the Ravens vying for supremacy in a division that also includes the Steelers and Bengals. Baltimore’s ability to adapt and adjust—hallmarks of John Harbaugh’s coaching—was evident throughout the game, leaving the Chargers frustrated and outmatched​.

What’s Next?

At 7-4, the Chargers remain firmly in the playoff hunt, but the road ahead is challenging. Key divisional games and potential wild-card implications loom large as the team prepares for the season’s final stretch. Addressing red zone inefficiencies and Dobbins’ injury status will be critical as Los Angeles looks to rebound.