Key drops from Quentin Johnston loom large in the Chargers’ Week 12 loss to the Ravens

On By Littum

The Los Angeles Chargers walked right down the field on the Baltimore Ravens to start the game. Justin Herbert capped a perfect 9-play drive with a touchdown run from five yards out to put the Chargers up 7-0.

But the Ravens got back into it, just like you knew they would. The Chargers, who had to go blow-by-blow with the AFC North power, couldn’t land more haymakers. Perhaps the biggest play of the game was a play that didn’t happen.

After the Ravens scored a touchdown to take a 23-16 lead, the Chargers needed a big answer to keep pace. Facing a 3rd and 6 from their own 34-yard line, offensive coordinator Greg Roman drew up a perfect play that saw Quentin Johnston get open over the middle of the field. Herbert saw him and put the ball right on his hands, but he dropped it.

The shot doesn’t show it, but he could have run 50 yards, maybe more if he caught that ball. Later in the game, when the Ravens had things better in hand, Johnston dropped another pass. He finished the game without a catch.

Quentin Johnston’s problems reared their ugly head on Monday Night Football

This summer, there were plenty of reports out of training camp centered around how much Johnston struggled with drops. After a poor rookie season, things weren’t looking good for him.

But he’s been impressive this season, and the fact that he’s found the end zone six times helps mask the fact that he just hasn’t been very good. He has just 22 receptions in 11 games.

It’s hard to pin the loss on one play, but Johnston’s fall affected this game in a huge way on Monday night.

MORE CHARGING NEWS

Chargers make surprising roster moves ahead of ‘MNF’ vs. Ravens

Jim Harbaugh: A detailed look at the games he’s coached against his brother

The Chargers oddly named a potential landing spot for Daniel Jones

Chargers vs. Ravens Week 12 expert picks

Chargers vs. Ravens franchise history