Travon Walker blunder or Justin Herbert flop? Flag gives Chargers pivotal first down

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is hit by Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) during the second of an NFL wild-card football game, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback, is struck by Travon Walker (44) of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter of Saturday night’s wild-card playoff match. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

For much of Saturday’s wild card game against Jacksonville Jaguars, the Los Angeles Chargers were in deep water for the second half. entering halftime with a massive lead. They were saved at a crucial moment in the fourth-quarter.

By the end of the fourth quarter, the Chargers had a narrowed 27-0 lead to just 30-20. They were a short drive away from becoming very uncomfortable after a Jaguars touchdown.

The Chargers had made it look like they were going to lose their second-and-6 drive at their 37 yard line. Travon Walker, Folorunso Fukasi and Travon Wade got home for a sack that would set up third-and-13.

Walker then did something very stupid. Or Herbert did something very intelligent.

Walker seems to have pushed Herbert. You can decide whether Herbert was required to fall as hard as he did in front the official. Whatever the outcome, it was a set of downs again for a team desperately in need of points or to burn some time.

Walker’s good news is that, while the Chargers managed to burn an additional five minutes with a 14-play drive but Los Angeles kicker Cameron Dicker missed the 40-yard field goal wide left to maintain the deficit at 10 points.

We’ll be watching to see how it all turns out for the Chargers.

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