The Los Angeles Chargers are 3-2 and sit tied atop the AFC West Division. However, the Bolts are losers of two in a row and have been ravaged by injuries in the past two games, raising concerns about whether they can still contend for the playoffs despite these challenges.
According to Football Outsiders, the Chargers currently rank 18th in Defensive-Adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA), which underscores the uphill battle they face in securing a playoff berth given their injury-riddled roster.
In this, we discuss the keys to how Los Angeles can overcome significant losses on their roster.
How the Chargers Can Overcome Injury Bug
Establish A Run Game
The Chargers are down to backup running backs after Najee Harris has been ruled out for the season with an Achilles injury, and promising rookie Omarion Hampton has just been placed on the IR for at least four weeks. Now the run game will rely on Kamoni Vidal and Hassan Haskins. The Chargers also signed veteran Nyheim Hines to their practice squad to add some more depth.
For an offensive line that has shown in the past few weeks that it cannot protect star quarterback Justin Herbert, they must establish a ground game to take the pressure off of him. Just last Sunday, Herbert found himself scrambling, desperately dodging defenders as the line collapsed around him, a poignant example of the 81 pressures he has faced in the past 3 games combined. The offensive line must be able to open up lanes for backs so as not to rely on a passing game that has left Herbert in constant duress.
Adapt to the Current Offensive Line
To say the least, the offensive line for Los Angeles is at the bottom of the league due to injuries. The Chargers so far lost Rashawn Slater (out for the season), Joe Alt (several weeks), Mekhi Becton has already missed one game, and Trey Pipkins is expected to be out in Week 6 vs the Miami Dolphins.
Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman must craft a game plan based on quick passes and screens to protect Herbert. For example, Roman might use concepts such as the ‘Mesh’ play, a quick-pass strategy that he utilized effectively during his tenure in Baltimore, which involves crossing routes to create receivers’ separation from defenders. Incorporating such plays can transform the offensive scheme into a more tangible and effective strategy. The run game must be established to enable play action and further support the offensive line.
Defense Must Force Turnovers
The Chargers’ defense must seize the moment as the offense falters. The defense consistently gives up big plays and fails to get off the field. Alarmingly, opponents convert third downs with ease against the Chargers’ defense. Defensive captains Derwin James and Daiyon Henley must maintain elite performance and drive excellence from the supporting cast. The defense must generate relentless pressure, as it has struggled to sack the quarterback. To bolster the pass rush, Los Angeles traded for defensive end Odafe Oweh from the Baltimore Ravens, giving up safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick.
Long-Term Solutions
For the Chargers to make a run for a playoff berth, they will eventually have to invest in their offensive line. With Alt’s status uncertain, the offensive line is the biggest question mark for the rest of the season, and the team will eventually have to make a move to protect their biggest asset in their quarterback.
The next man up mentality couldn’t be more important to the Chargers as they are missing starters at several positions. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh must rally the troops and limit the “self-inflicted wounds,” including penalties and turnovers.
If Harbaugh can get this team to the postseason, it may be his best coaching year yet.
Main Image: William Navarro-Imagn Images
