Badgley can’t kick the habit

Michael Badgley quickly earned the nickname “Money Badger” in appreciation for bringing stability to the Chargers’ kicking job.

But Badgley now f inds himself in very unsteady times after failing on two more kicks Sunday.

He missed an extra- point try for the second consecutive game and was wide left on a 48- yard field- goal try.

“Michael’s never been in a stretch like this that I can remember,” coach Anthony Lynn said. “He’s going to have to dig deep.”

Badgley did convert a pair of 35- yard f ield goals in Sunday’s 39- 29 victory over Jacksonville. He is nine for 13 this season, equaling the number he missed the previous two years combined.

Badgley began his career in 2018 by making 54 of 55 extra- point tries. He’d missed two of five before making his last two against the Jaguars.

Sunday was a tough day for the Chargers’ punt team as well. Ty Long had a punt blocked early in the third quarter, and Jacksonville’s Daniel Thomas returned it 16 yards for a touchdown.

The kickoff coverage team regained some status by forcing a fumble late in the quarter. Tevaughn Campbell made the hit and Troymaine Pope the recovery, giving the Chargers the ball at the Jacksonville 19.

Four plays later, Justin Herbert scored the goahead touchdown.

Etc.

Backup quarterback Easton Stick made his NFL debut, coming in for two snaps in the first quarter. He passed to Mike Williams for four yards and then lost two yards on a keeper. Tyrod Taylor ( ribs) remained inactive. ... Tight end Virgil Green was lost to an ankle injury on his third- quarter touchdown catch. Replays suggested the injury could be serious. ... Defensive end Melvin Ingram and defensive tackle Justin Jones both returned from injured reserve.