The Los Angeles Chargers didn’t exactly right the ship in their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and unfortunately, they have a quick turnaround to get ready for Thursday night. Below is how they can get back to winning:
Chargers Keys To Victory Vs. Denver
1. Contain Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix
The Chargers definitely let Bo Nix scramble to escape the pocket during the second half of their Week 6 matchup, and he was able to keep drives alive with his legs. He has the Broncos’ third most rushing yards and the most first downs (31), even one more than running back Javonte Williams. The Chargers pass rush has to be ready for these rushes and not repeat what happened when they allowed mobile quarterbacks like Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray or Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to make plays with their legs.
2. Protect Quarterback Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert got hammered against the Buccaneers on Sunday and suffered three sacks, including one during the second quarter, where Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David pulled on his bad left ankle to take him down.
The Broncos had four sacks on Herbert during Week 6, and though they’re further down the list in terms of passing defense (16th), they rank eighth in total defense, first in scoring, and second in red zone. If the Chargers make the playoffs, they’re going to need Herbert, so now is not the time for him to get even more beat up. The offensive line will need to be padded, especially if left guard Zion Johnson is out as he’s been nursing an ankle injury, to keep Herbert safe and give him some clean looks during this next game.
3. Shutdown the Explosive Plays
The Chargers got beat badly on Sunday with some runaway plays by Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving and wide receiver Mike Evans, and some of the Chargers best coverage players, like safety Derwin James Jr. and cornerback Cam Hart, couldn’t seem to stop them. The Broncos have explosive playmakers on their team, in particular, I’m looking at Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who during Week 6 seemed to always be open. Despite the injuries in the secondary, explosive plays cannot happen in this next game, otherwise, it’s going to be a long night.
4. Stick To The Passing Plays
Now, this may be easier said than done when Herbert is not able to move as well, but considering the Broncos rank fifth in rushing defense, it may not be time to go with the run. The running game has gotten hard to watch in the last few weeks without running back J.K. Dobbins. Running back Gus Edwards had a couple of good runs on Sunday, while running back Kimani Vidal had more success as a receiving option, in particular, Vidal managed a reception when Herbert was under a huge amount of pressure during their first drive of the game.
It will be hard to stick with passing plays when tight end Will Dissly is out, but if Herbert is able to avoid pressure, passing the ball may produce better results than sticking with the run. Wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston made some good plays on Sunday as did tight end Stone Smartt. The Chargers have managed to cobble together some pretty good receiving performances, and they just have to keep pushing through.
5. Create Turnovers
Safety Elijah Molden was bringing it against the Buccaneers as along with some great tackling, he also recovered a fumble from Buccaneers running back Rachaad White that outside linebacker Joey Bosa helped push loose. Additionally, cornerback Tarheeb Still had an interception on a ball meant for Mike Evans during the second quarter.
During Week 6, Molden also had an interception on the opening drive of the game, while there was a fumble from Broncos running back Williams, courtesy of defensive lineman Teair Tart who also recovered it. Molden may not play as he has a knee injury, but regardless, the defense needs to keep giving the offense chances and break up the amount of time they’re on the field. And it wouldn’t hurt if they got a pick-six. The Chargers defense has only scored six points this season.