The Los Angeles Chargers have a big game ahead of them against the New England Patriots. If they win, they’re in the playoffs. Here is how they can secure their spot:
1. Stop The Run Throughout Both Halves
The Chargers didn’t exactly get off to the strongest start in their game against the Broncos last Thursday, considering multiple Broncos running backs dominated the first half, especially the first quarter. Broncos running back Audric Estime had his first career touchdown during the Broncos’ first drive of the game while running back Javonte Williams had multiple first downs during the drive, including a 15-yard run. In that drive, Broncos running Blake Watson also got in on the action with a first down. And then in the second quarter, Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. had a runaway run of 53 yards, almost getting into the end zone, but safety Derwin James Jr. stopped him short.
The Chargers run defense definitely picked up in the second half, but it was looking rough for a while. According to Fox Sports, the Patriots rank 14th in rushing offense with both Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson leading the team in rushing yards. Though both of these players aren’t having the career years of seasons past, they should still be contained.
James had some good play during this last game but struggled to take down Estime, who was spinning out of his grasp even with James’ arms wrapped around his legs. Rookie linebacker Junior Colson also couldn’t completely contain Estime on a tackle. The run defense will need to be on point during each quarter to make sure that Stevenson and Gibson don’t have their best game of the season.
2. Continue To Rely on Quarterback Justin Herbert
One of the reasons the Chargers keep pulling me back in despite their losing ways is Justin Herbert. Because when he’s on, he’s just so on. Despite the interception on Thursday night, the second half had some great play by Herbert who had an 18-yard scramble, and a beautiful roll out to the left during the fourth, where he was under so much pressure it looked like he was throwing it away, but somehow got it to wide receiver Derius Davis for a touchdown. Another memorable moment was when he ran out to the left again and threw to tight end Stone Smartt, who made the reception and got a few yards after the catch.
The Patriots rank 16th in passing defense, while Patriots second-year defensive end Keion White will be one to watch as he’s having a career-high season with six sacks. If Herbert can sustain this level of play and the offensive line holds, it’s going to be a good day for the Chargers.
3. Increase the Pass Rush
The Patriots currently rank last in passing offense so this would be a good time for the Chargers to up the pass rush. Nix was allowed to do too much in terms of scrambling and completions during the first half of Thursday’s game, and the fact that the Broncos run game was on fire didn’t help. Like Nix, Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has the third most rushing yards of the team, so containing him, and stopping him from connecting with his offensive heavy-hitters like tight end Hunter Henry or wide receiver Demario Douglas, will be crucial.
4. Don’t Count Out Wide Receivers Joshua Palmer and Derius Davis
Wide receiver Ladd McConkey has been an incredible addition to the Chargers. Whenever the offense needs a boost, they look to the guy with the most yards after catch (332) of the team. McConkey is great, but the Chargers should also keep utilizing wide receivers, Davis and Palmer.
Davis adds that blast of speed to this offense (and on special teams) and made that perfect touchdown catch this last game. And Palmer, who can forget Thursday’s two-point conversion, when he got one hand on the ball as it flew to the back of the end zone after being tipped, bobbled it to himself, and maintained control while dragging his foot to keep both feet in.
Though McConkey has the stats this season, Palmer is that old reliable option. The Patriots do have some dangerous coverage players like cornerback Christian Gonzalez, so McConkey as well as wide receiver Quentin Johnston, maybe the immediate targets of this Patriots defense, leaving players like Palmer, and hopefully, Davis if he gets some more offensive snaps, open for business.
5. Keep Alternating The Running Backs To Add Spark to The Offense and Running Game
The run game has not been super consistent this year but Thursday was one of the Chargers’ better-rushing performances. Running back Gus Edwards had another touchdown this last game along with a breakthrough run of 43 yards during the fourth quarter. Kimani Vidal had another great run, where he cut up the left side and got to the 35. Vidal always adds a spark to this running game whenever he’s in. The real rushing hero of this matchup though was Hassan Haskins, who after catching a shovel pass, ran it into the end zone to seal the win for the Chargers.
The blocking does need to be on point for this run game to work but also varying the running backs helped them this past game, much like it helped the Broncos in the first half. So I hope to see more featured backs on Saturday, along with great run blocking, to really help this run game take off.
Edwards has been ruled out for this game, but they have activated J.K. Dobbins from the injured reserve and expected to get the start against the Patriots.