Chargers vs Titans halftime notes: The Bolts fell into the trap

The 5-3 Los Angeles Chargers have traveled to Tennessee to face the 1-7 Titans, with hopes to continue adding to their win column.
The Chargers currently lead 20-17, with plenty to discuss at the halftime break.
On the second offensive play for the Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert threw a pick six to Titans linebacker Cody Barton. With what seemed like a normal stop route, turned into disaster with Barton undercutting the route leading to a pick six.
Oddly enough, Herbert’s first throw last week against the Minnesota Vikings, a near-interception occurred, with the Chargers only being bailed out by replay assist deeming the pass was not caught by the intercepting defender.
This beg the question, is Herbert starting slow in games this year?
According to NFL.com, Herbert has four touchdowns, one interception, officially in the first quarter. If you were to count the Vikings’ overturned INT and the Titans’ INT, Herbert would be four touchdowns, three interceptions.
Not a great ratio if you are Herbert, a guy who is usually avoidant of turnovers. A faster start could go a long way.
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Ryan Ficken, during the Brandon Staley era, was a mainstay of the coaching staff, completely revamping the struggling Chargers special teams unit.
His performance spoke volumes to incoming Head Coach, Jim Harbaugh, as Harbaugh chose to keep him around… possibly even over his own son.
Now in year two of the Harbaugh & Ficken regime, Ficken’s unit has struggled. Giving up nine penalties, multiple bad long snaps a game, coupled with a punt return touchdown during this Titans matchup, this is not a good look.
The Chargers poor offensive line has been talked about Ad nauseam, with the Chargers coming into the Titans game with Foster Sarrell and Bobby Hart starting. Two players who started the NFL season not on a 53-man roster.
Hart went down with an injury after weeks of surprisingly good play. An injury, according to the broadcast, a groin injury.
The Chargers say OT Bobby Hart has a groin injury and is questionable to return
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) November 2, 2025
The injury, coupled with the Bolts giving up nine pressures and three sacks in one half, is a recipe for disaster. This is not to mention the gruesome injury star offensive tackle Joe Alt suffered late in the second quarter.
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To end off on a positive note, Chargers wide receiver, Ladd McConkey has been great all game long. With the Titans banged up secondary, this was expected. Unfortunately, really no part of this matchup has been expected.
McConkey currently has 4 receptions for 56 yards. The former second-round pick came ready to play in the overcast weather against the Titans.
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