This Los Angeles Chargers squad is drastically different from the team that beat the Chiefs in last year’s season opener. Below is what to watch for:
Can The Chargers Protect The Ball?
Quarterback Justin Herbert has had an interception every week of the season so far, with one last Sunday. And against the Broncos, he also lost the ball twice: once, when he was taken down by defensive lineman Zach Allen, and there was an entanglement with Allen, Herbert, and center Jake Slaughter, and another when he was sacked with a few seconds left in the game.
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There was also a fumble by tight end Charlie Kolar, courtesy of Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga.
It appears that the defensive pressure and the pressure of leading this team are getting to Herbert, and it’s not going to get any easier this week.
Can The Chargers Get More Going In The Passing Game
Wide receiver Ladd McConkey was active on Sunday, but was only going to play if absolutely needed. He ended up not being utilized, which was good for him as he’s been battling a foot injury, but bad for the Chargers as ultimately they weren’t able to get much going in the passing game, despite players like Broncos cornerbacks Riley Moss and Pat Surtain II being out.
Wide receiver Quentin Johnston was also out with a chest injury.
Herbert had the least amount of passing yards he’s had all season (121) on Sunday, and though that’s probably partially because of the defensive pressure, it may also be because he didn’t have McConkey or Johnston.
Luckily, Johnston and McConkey were just upgraded to full practice participants on Friday, so they will be playing on Sunday.
The Chargers really need more reliable options to make a difference through the air, and maybe the return of both McConkey and Johnston can give this offense a boost.
Can This Version Of The Offensive Line Actually Protect Herbert?
When it comes to protection, Herbert needs a lifeline, and it doesn’t appear like one’s coming anytime soon with left offensive tackle Rashawn Slater on injured reserve and right tackle Joe Alt still not practicing due to a neck injury.
The overall pass-blocking grade for the offense, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), was the worst it’s been all season (32.5%) against the Broncos, as Herbert continues to have a sea of mostly rookies covering him, and he has endured the most sacks (five) so far this season.
The Chiefs have a tough defensive front with players like defensive end George Karlaftis and defensive tackle Chris Jones, and it doesn’t help that the Chiefs are coming off a bye week. Without Alt, it’s hard to think the Chargers will be able to support Herbert in the way he needs.
Can The Chargers’ Run Defense Contain Chiefs Running Back Kenneth Walker III?
Walker has been having a year since going to Kansas City in the offseason. He’s had a rushing touchdown every week, with the exception of Week 2, and two receiving touchdowns.
He’s also had triple-digit rushing yards in several games. The Chargers’ run defense hasn’t been too bad this year, but they definitely need to be elite in this next matchup. They cannot let Walker beat them.