Plenty of experts and commonfolk around the NFL loving universe expected the L.A. Chargers to be a wild card team in the playoffs. The rise of Justin Herbert gave the limited number of Charger fans high hopes going into the 2021 season. It's fair to say with Los Angeles having a mediocre 4 - 3 record, that the Chargers have thusfar underachieved.
Perhaps the biggest reason for the Bolts not being tightened is their horrific run defense. The Chargers are 31st in the NFL against the run, second only to the (1 - 7 ) Houston Texans. L.A. has lost their past two games against the Ravens and Patriots. They're also giving up too many points per game. In their past three match-ups, the Chargers have allowed 42, 34 and 27 points respectively.
Rookie head coach Brandon Staley was brought in to fix the defense as he was recognized for his positive impact and success with the Rams as their defensive coordinator last season. One could agrue that the Chargers don't have the personnel on defense to become a top tier unit in the AFC. Then again, the debate changes when you look at the roster.
Starting up front on the defensive line led by Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa and Linval Joseph on the interior. Even though their linebackers aren't household names, players like Drue Tranquill and Kyzir White know how to play the game. In the secondary, it doesn't get much better than Derwin James Jr, who's a true defensive hybrid along with veteran corberback Chris Harris Jr. So what's the problem?
Well, the Chargers are ranked 15th in passing yards! Offensively, what was thought to be a high powered passing attack, has taken a step back midway through the season. With players like Justin Herbert, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler, you'd think scoring points through the air would be a breeze.
Therefore, I'm left with one glaring conclusion as the likely underlying correlation to the Chargers lack of success. And that is that this team is not very well coached. I mentioned Brandon Staley in his first year as a head coach in the National Football League. The majority of first time head coaches natuarlly have struggles that come with the job. Staley is trying to deviate from the norm, however his team aren't showing the results.
This L.A. Chargers team has the pieces in place to be a formittable playoff contender. But the pieces need to be used correctly and when it comes to offensive coordinator, Joe Lombardi, it appears he's trying to fit a round peg in a square hole. Lombardi needs to call more running plays to help control the clock and keep the opposing offense off the field.
If the Chargers are to be taken seriously, then they're going to have to signifanctly beat the Eagles this Sunday. Philadelphia is (3 - 5) so they do know how to win games in thi league. Despite the game being played in Philly, the Chargers need to come out and make a statement, avoiding a 3 game losing streak in the process.