The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a disappointing 27-10 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 5. Moreover, two players on the team will be a little light in the wallet.
On October 11, the NFL released its Game Accountability report for Week 5. Developed in collaboration with the NFL Players Association, the report details game-related rule violations that could lead to accountability actions, aiming to protect players while maintaining competitive balance and the integrity of the game.
Los Angeles defensive lineman Otito Ogbonnia was among the players fined this week. His penalty came in the fourth quarter around the 5:00 mark for unnecessary roughness involving a striking, kicking, tripping, or kneeing violation. As a result, the league is fining the 25-year-old $6,554.
Meanwhile, the other player on the list is Marlowe Wax. The 22-year-old received a fine for roughing the kicker. As a result, the NFL is fining him $4,672 for that incident.
The Chargers Are On a Losing Skid
Jim Harbaugh and his team head into Week 6 off back-to-back losses. After the loss to the Commanders, the Chargers’ head coach detailed what the team must do to try to end the skid at two games and not continue this downward spiral.
“We need to get the bleeding stopped on the penalties and the self-inflicted wounds,” Harbaugh said on October 5 (h/t Kris Rhim of ESPN). “… I know we’re capable of doing that; I know we’re a good football team in those areas. Not good at it right now, but yeah, we’ll get better.”
In their two losses, the Chargers have hurt themselves with costly penalties. Los Angeles committed 10 penalties for 85 yards against the Commanders in Week 5, and the week before, they were flagged 14 times for 107 yards in a loss to the winless Giants. The 24 penalties over those two games are the most ever by a Harbaugh-coached NFL team in a two-week stretch.
Injuries Are Impacting the Chargers Amid Losing Streak
Safety Derwin James Jr. credits some of L.A.’s mistakes to the team’s injury woes, which have forced different players into starting roles.
“It’s guys in and out, man. I don’t like to make excuses, man. Whether it’s offensive linemen coming in, a new corner, whatever it is coming in, we all need to be on the same page,” James said. “And that’s probably why you see some of the stuff. But man, just stay together. I ain’t tripping.”
While injuries can hurt a team and their efforts to have chemistry tied down, it’s the NFL. Every team is dealing with injuries, and it’s up to the players and coaches to ensure that the entire squad, from the starters to the backups, is ready to come in when needed, whether it’s for injury or another season.
It will be interesting to see if the Chargers can bounce back against the Miami Dolphins. If the losing skid extends to three games, their playoff aspirations will be taking a major hit, and questions about whether this squad is a serious contender for the Super Bowl will be asked.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post NFL Announces Punishment for Two Chargers Players After Commanders Loss appeared first on Heavy Sports.