Charger Report

Chargers' star is born despite ugly loss to Giants

In an ugly loss to the previous winless New York Giants, the Los Angeles Chargers found their franchise running back in rookie Omarion Hampton
Richie Whitt|
Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs for a touchdown against the Giants in Week 4.
Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) runs for a touchdown against the Giants in Week 4. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers finally lost a game. They might have also lost another star player to injury. But they may have found something too: Their franchise running back.

On an ugly day against the New York Giants in which quarterback Justin Herbert threw two interceptions and left tackle Joe Alt left the game in the first quarter with an ankle injury, rookie running back Omarion Hampton was the lone bright spot in the 21-18 upset loss. The Chargers fall to 3-1; behind rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart the Giants won their first game of the season.

MORE: Why could Chargers win turn into Ladd McConkey's loss vs. Giants?

Said Herbert, "We just didn't execute."

The Chargers got off to a hot start this season despite serious injuries to important players, including Rashawn Slater, Khalil Mack and running back Najee Harris. Hampton, the 22nd overall pick in last April's NFL Draft from North Carolina, filled in for Harris with a breakout performance.

He had 128 yards on just 12 carries, including a 54-yard touchdown that pulled the Chargers within three points late in the third quarter. It is the longest touchdown run by a rookie in franchise history.

MORE: Chargers' Jim Harbaugh takes stunning success vs. rookie QBs against Giants' Jaxson Dart

The Bolts had two possessions in the fourth quarter with a chance to tie or win, but couldn't move the ball against the Giants.

“It stinks,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said of the loss. “Guys fought. Guys battled. We weren’t able to, and I wasn’t able to put us in position to win the game.”

Hampton also had five catches for 37 yards in cementing his spot as the Chargers' new No. 1 running back.

Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) scores a touchdown against the Giants.
Chargers running back Omarion Hampton (8) scores a touchdown against the Giants. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Richie Whitt
RICHIE WHITT

Richie Whitt has been a sports media fixture in Dallas-Fort Worth since graduating from UT-Arlington in 1986. His career is highlighted by successful stints in print (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), TV (NBC5) and radio (105.3 The Fan). During his almost 40-year tenure, he's blabbed and blogged on events ranging from Super Bowls to NBA Finals to World Series to Stanley Cups to Olympics to Wimbledons to World Cups. Whitt has been covering the NFL since 1989, and in 1993 authored The 'Boys Are Back, a book chronicling the Dallas Cowboys' run to Super Bowl XXVII.

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