The Los Angeles Chargers have won three straight games and below we’ll take a look at what they will need to do to cut down this high-powered Bengals offense.
Los Angeles Chargers Must Keep Quarterback Justin Herbert Mobile
Justin Herbert has been on another level these last few weeks. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he has 17 big-time throws, and for the last several weeks, has had zero turnover-worthy plays.
Herbert had four first downs against the Titans along with 32 rushing yards, including weaving in and out of traffic to get a touchdown during the last two minutes of the second quarter.
Herbert also had an average of 3.08 seconds to throw on all dropbacks, so kudos to the offensive line, that gave him time not only to throw but to also do other superhuman feats, like pitching the ball somewhat accurately to wide receiver Jalen Reagor while under pressure, allowing Reagor to do a bit of heroics and haul it in with one hand.
Herbert on the move can create some magic along with helping him to avoid injury, as players like Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who’s already on pace to meet his sack number from last season (20), will certainly be gunning for him.
If the offensive line keeps up the protection, Herbert can keep making these great plays.
Double The Wide Receiver Coverage
There were a few plays that got away from the Los Angeles Chargers during their matchup against the Titans on Sunday. One in particular was a bomb to Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley for a 42-yard touchdown, with only cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor hopelessly chasing after him.
Those deep receptions to Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase cannot be properly handled with only one person in coverage. Chase is too good and too fast for that to end well.
So the Chargers will have to double up in receiver coverage, especially in that deep part of the field, relying more on cornerbacks Cam Hart, Tarheeb Still, and safeties Alohi Gilman and Derwin James Jr.
Also Read: Los Angeles Chargers Defense May Get Even BETTER After Latest Injury Update
This would be a great time to get cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from injury, but it’s not yet clear when he’ll be coming off IR.
Considering how on fire Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Chase were last Thursday night, you can always count on them to connect, so there’s a constant threat of an explosive play. And if Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is back, that’s an added threat to keep an eye on.
Additionally, tight end Mike Gesicki has become a weapon in the absence of Higgins, so he’s someone else not to underestimate.
Fortify The Run Defense Even More
Though there was one less missed tackle (eight) by the Los Angeles Chargers defense on Sunday than the previous week, and Titans running backs Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard didn’t have a lot of rushing yards, it did seem like the Chargers occasionally had issues stopping them.
In particular with Spears, during the second quarter, he was able to break multiple tackles, getting around linebacker Henley and cornerback Elijah Molden for a first down.
And Pollard in that same quarter had a 15-yard run for a first down.
According to Fox Sports, the Bengals rank 29th in rushing offense, they do have one big weapon in second-year running back Chase Brown, who is having a career-high season with 120 rushing yards against the Raiders in Week 9 and five rushing touchdowns on the year.
Brown is definitely not at the level of Cardinals running back James Conner, but the Chargers have had an issue in the past of letting running backs get the best of them, so run defense is certainly something that needs to be really solid for Sunday. The Chargers are currently ranked ninth in rushing defense, so the situation is not as worrisome as in years past, but it’s something to watch.
Los Angeles Chargers Must Capitalize On All Trips To The Red Zone
Since the Bengals rank 31st in red zone defense, the Los Angeles Chargers need to exploit that as best they can. And they have a range of options, whether that be Herbert using his legs to make plays, running back J.K. Dobbins breaking a few tackles, or having wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston make some contested catches. The Chargers have enough weapons to force the Bengals to make some mistakes.
Cut Off Burrow From His Weapons
The Bengals rank second in red zone offense, while luckily the Los Angeles Chargers rank second in red zone defense against the pass, so it’s the perfect time for players like outside linebackers Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulotu, to make an impact and pressure Burrow, making sure he can’t complete passes to some of his offensive hotshots.
Did I also mention that in the seven sacks the Chargers had on Sunday outside linebacker Joey Bosa had his first one since Week 2? That’s going to give him some good momentum going into this week’s game where he’ll hopefully get another.
Although Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. may be back this week, I still expect the Los Angeles Chargers defense to be able to do some damage to the line.