November 19, 2017
SubHub Center – Carson, California
My Friends Brooke and Alex
Pregame Thoughts
Prediction: Chargers win by 2
Results
Final Score: Chargers 54, Bills 24
My Record: 12-8
Well, I did get a “win” and some people say a win is a win, but boy was I wrong about the score. I was also wrong about Rivers turning the ball over, he actually played decent.
The Game
This will be a quick summary since the game was so boring. I have been spoiled to attend some really good games, so a blowout was bound to happen. The game started off ugly for Nathan Peterman as he threw an interception returned for a touchdown on the opening drive. He finished with 5 interceptions in the first half, an NFL record, and was replaced by Tyrod Taylor. The Bills were able to tie the game at 7-7 but then it was all Chargers. It was 37-7 at halftime and every drive the Chargers had it seemed like the Bills were only playing 10 men on defense (not sure if 12 would have even helped them).
Keenan Allen went off, he finished with 12 receptions, 159 yards and 2 TDs. Phillip Rivers had a modest 251 yards and the team had 146 yards rushing of which Melvin Gordon had 80 yards with a score. Not notable, but even Kellen Clemons was 5-5 passing for 33 yards in garbage time. For the Bills LeSean McCoy had 114 yards rushing with a score and it was confirmed Tyrod Taylor will be the starting quarterback moving forward.
The Stadium
Overall Rating: D
The biggest issue with this stadium is that it is a soccer stadium so even the closest sideline seats are pretty far from the field. Also, it is a lot smaller and compact than other NFL stadiums. I honestly cannot believe the Chargers are playing here for three years!? Kind of crazy they moved right away. I kind of get that they wanted to establish a fan base and a brand, but I still would not have wanted three years at this place.
Another bad example is that they added bleachers in one of the end zones but have them covered with banners (not even sponsors, just like “Go Chargers”). The team apparently said it was because there “were not enough bathrooms for the fire code”. HA! Good try there. Its because there aren’t enough fans going to the game. In fact if they had enough to break the fire code, I would be shocked.
Love, Hate, Shout Out
Love: Stadiums not in the middle of nowhere. This stadium was a drive from anywhere relevant in LA. It made me appreciate other stadiums that are closer to their city centers and have food/drinks around the stadium to pre-game and post-game at.
Hate: This is their temporary stadium. It is a soccer stadium and should remain only soccer. Really the Chargers should have stayed in San Diego a few more years because playing here for 3 more years is not a great experience.
Shout Out: Nathan Peterman. You have to feel a little bit bad for him because I think he was thrown into a situation he should not have been in. He did tie an NFL record by throwing 5 interceptions in one half, so there’s that.
Fan Tips
Go to “Thunder Alley” before the game, it is a big party and great tailgate (I didn’t get a chance to go, but you should)