The Los Angeles Chargers have to get one win, just something to turn their season around. Below are some things to watch for in this next matchup.
Can The Chargers Play Cleaner Football on Both Sides of The Ball?
Another game, another several penalties for the Chargers. There were some false starts, holding penalties, and one of the biggest was by edge Tuli Tuipulotu where, after the Seahawks didn’t generate any points due to a missed field goal, was called for a leverage penalty, which resulted in the Seahawks gaining 15 yards and the ball back, leading to a field goal.
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The mistakes kept adding up, and though Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold had two passing touchdowns, he only had 168 passing yards, with Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba limited to 76 receiving yards, and despite two rushing touchdowns, Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson only had 81 total rushing yards, so the Chargers, again, lost a winnable game.
It’ll be interesting if the penalty number subsides this week, especially with the alternative personnel on the offensive line.
How The Offensive Line Performs Without Right Tackle Joe Alt and Left Tackle Rashawn Slater
The Chargers have had to do some offensive line shuffling again. During Sunday’s game against the Seahawks, Alt sustained a neck injury while Slater sustained an ankle injury. Eric Smith of Chargers.com reported that the line was composed mostly of rookies, as Logan Taylor was in at left guard for Trevor Penning, who was also injured during the game, and then Taylor shifted to left tackle. Jacob Spomer was at center for Jake Slaughter, who went to left guard, while Travis Burke was in for Alt. The only veteran offensive lineman left was Cole Strange at right guard. Smith also relayed that Harbaugh confirmed on Monday that these will be the players they will be using on the offensive line for this week.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), all the linemen were responsible for at least one pressure by the Seahawks’ defense on quarterback Justin Herbert, with Burke allowing the most (three) while Penning was responsible for a sack.
The Chargers are about to go against a fearsome Broncos’ pass rush featuring players like defensive lineman Zach Allen and Malcom Roach as well as outside linebacker Nik Bonitto.
Both Alt and Slater have been ruled out of this next game, and Slater just had ankle surgery, so he will go on injured reserve; the Chargers’ offense may be worse than it already has been, and the health and safety of Herbert will be even more in jeopardy.
Will Quarterback Justin Herbert Be A Hero?
Herbert had the second most rushing yards of the Chargers in the last matchup, with 40, right behind running back Omarion Hampton. Herbert also had 37 yards as a result of scrambles, his most so far this season.
Right before the third quarter, Herbert had a rush for 26 yards, which included a stiff arm on Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV. And then in the fourth, Herbert had another run for an almost first down. While on a fourth-and-7 later in the quarter, Herbert ran out to the right, taking a deep shot downfield where wide receiver Quentin Johnston caught it for a 44-yard gain.
Herbert certainly had some mistakes, including two interceptions as well as a fumble, but sometimes Herbert tries to take on a Superman role. We may see “hero mode Herbert” in this next game, especially if things aren’t going the Chargers’ way.
If Wide Receiver Derius Davis Can Do Better In Punt and Kickoff Returns
In Sunday’s game, Davis inadvertently helped the Seahawks get their first touchdown. In the first quarter, after the Chargers’ offense had gotten a field goal to take the lead, and the Chargers’ defense had managed to stop the Seahawks on the next drive, Davis muffed the punt return, which was recovered by Seahawks linebacker Connor O’Toole. And on the next drive, Wilson had a big run of 23 yards for a touchdown.
Davis hasn’t been able to reach as many highs on special teams due to injury. And in the last year of his contract, he isn’t making the case so far to stay in LA beyond this season.