The Los Angeles Chargers got back in the win column on Sunday just in time to face their rival, the Chiefs, for the second time this season. Below are ways they can hopefully, finally, beat this Chiefs team.
Protect Quarterback Justin Herbert Â
Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones really got the best of Herbert in their Week Four matchup as according to Pro Football Focus (PFF) he had two sacks on Herbert along with three hurries and one hit.
Jones currently leads the team in sacks at six with Chiefs defensive edge George Karlaftis close behind with five.
The increased pressure during that game can be partially blamed on the fact that the offensive line wasn’t at full strength, as both right tackle Joe Alt and left tackle Rashawn Slater were out.
Overall the pass blocking has been much improved for the Los Angeles Chargers, so though the pressure will be intense, with the line at full strength and the help of players like tight end Will Dissly and defensive lineman/fullback Scott Matlock, Herbert should be in better shape.
According to Fox Sports the Chiefs rank 23rd in passing defense and third in rushing defense, so without running back J.K.Dobbins, Herbert’s arm may be their best bet to win.Â
Contain Chiefs Quarterback Patrick MahomesÂ
When watching the Chiefs, even if they’re losing and it’s the last quarter, as long as there is time on the clock and Mahomes is on the field, the game may still go the Chiefs’ way. Because if nothing is working, Mahomes will find a way to escape the pocket and get a first down or get the ball to his playmakers.
The Los Angeles Chargers can’t let him be the hero and that’s where their defense comes in. Outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu has played the most pass rush snaps of the Chargers this season with the most sacks to show for it (eight), while outside linebacker Khalil Mack has the second most sacks (five), tied with outside linebacker Bud Dupree. Defensive lineman Poona Ford has also been very consistent in the pass rush.
The Chiefs are vulnerable this year as they almost lost to the Panthers in Week 12 and the Raiders last Friday, so the Chargers need to throw everything they can at Mahomes.
Don’t Let The Chiefs Offensive Playmakers Cook
The Chiefs rank 15th in total offense and 12th in passing offense, and despite some of their close-call games, they still have some playmakers.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce may not be playing at the same level of seasons past but his connection with Mahomes is magic, so he can never be counted out.
The addition of former Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has added some explosiveness back to the passing game, while Chiefs tight end Noah Gray is having a career-high season in areas like receiving yards (373) and receiving touchdowns (four).
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Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy is still finding his rhythm on the team but has had some real bright spots, while the return of running back Isiah Pacheco will add some pep to the step of the Chiefs’ run game.
Any of these guys could break this Los Angeles Chargers team if Mahomes has a hot streak, so if Mahomes can’t be stopped, it’s a matter of cutting off his weapons.
Cornerback Kristian Fulton has been all over receivers this season, really amping up the aggression, while safety Derwin James Jr. is always up for a Kelce battle. Linebacker Daiyan Henley will be a big help against Pacheco, if he’s able to play on Sunday, as he has the most snaps in run defense this season with the most STOPs (41) to show for it.
The defense will need to turn up the dial just as they did against the Falcons.Â
Los Angeles Chargers Must Create TurnoversÂ
The Los Angeles Chargers were able to get four interceptions out of their game against the Falcons, one of which resulted in a pick-six during the third quarter from cornerback Tarheeb Still.
Mahomes hasn’t had a huge amount of interceptions this year but just one should be enough to set the tone for the Chargers defense to start to take advantage of any cracks. And if the defense can’t manage to contain Mahomes or his weapons, then creating turnovers is the next best option.
Both Still and cornerback Elijah Molden currently lead the Chargers in interceptions with three each, while a handful of others have at least one like defensive lineman Teair Tart.
The defense will need to create more opportunities for their offense to get going this coming week, so turnovers are a good first step.Â
Shock Some Life Into The Offense
The Los Angeles Chargers offense could not get a lot going on Sunday as there were no passing touchdowns, just one two-point conversion, and only 56 total yards of rushing offense.
Wide receiver Ladd McConkey was the savior with 117 receiving yards and was targeted 12 times. McConkey, though, has been dealing with a shoulder injury and injured his knee during the matchup, so it’s unclear if he’ll be healthy for this next game, and without him, the team loses a bit of their explosiveness.
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Though I’ve talked a lot about what the Chargers need to do defensively, they cannot beat the Chiefs by solely relying on that unit or their kicker. They need to score touchdowns.
This offense needs some life either in the run or passing game, or both, to keep winning. This Chiefs game will be a test as to whether the Los Angeles Chargers will be able to contend with the type of teams they’re bound to encounter if they make the playoffs.Â