3 Observations For The Chargers In WEek 3
The Chargers improved in Sunday’s defeat but there’s room for improvement in Week 3
Has there ever been more optimism for the Chargers coming off a defeat? Justin Herbert is arguably the catalyst for the positive mood among the Charger Nation. It would be wrong to write off the Carolina Panthers, but here are 3 observations ahead of Sunday’s game.
A Clean Game for Justin Herbert
In the first quarter of Week 1, Cincinnati’s Special Teams did a good job of putting the Chargers on their own 5-yard line. The offense wasn’t able to sustain a drive, making a 9-yard gain before punting. A continuation of 3-and-Outs didn’t inspire any confidence in Shane Steichen’s offense. That would all change in Week 2.
The offense looked very different with Justin Herbert under center. We know Anthony Lynn for his desire to protect the football, and I’m interested to see if the Chargers allow Herbert to play with freedom. Conservative football is fine as long as the offense isn’t punting on a 4th down. I’d like to see Herbert continuing to find his weapons in tight windows. Keep it clean No.10, avoid the interceptions, and if the opportunity arises move the chains with your feet.
In the aftermath of Sunday’s defeat, I wrote about the offense playing exciting football. Charged Up Bolts editor John Ayers summed up mood.
Zero Sacks GiveN
The Chargers have allowed two sacks per game. In Week 3 there is an opportunity to stop that skid, because the Carolina Panthers head into Sunday’s game as the only team in the NFL yet to record a sack.
Dan Feeney has done a nice job at center and the offensive line is playing well, especially as James Campen has had to shuffle the pack. Left Tackle was an issue heading into the season, and I want to see Sam Tevi protecting Herbert’s blind side better than he did against Cincinnati. Carl Lawson registered that sack and Tevi did a poor job of stopping the pass rush.
Defensive Turnovers
Gus Bradley’s defense have been excellent at pressuring the quarterback. It’s reassuring to see the defense spreading the load upfront, with Jerry Tillery and Joey Bosa registering five quarterback hits. Sunday could be the game where the defensive backs have their day with a couple of interceptions.
Surprisingly it’s Melvin Ingram who is the only Charger to have an interception in 2020. Sunday’s opposing quarterback is Teddy Bridgewater. The veteran threw two pics against Tampa Bay. Ingram is unlikely to intercept Bridgewater in this matchup, because The Chargers list him as doubtful.
Final Word
There’s plenty to be optimistic about heading into Sunday’s game. The Chargers are -6.5 favorites but they need to find a way to close the game out before reaching the two minute warning. Can the Chargers come out of this one without two many questions heading into Week 4?
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Further Reading - Week 3 Preview | Week 3 Quick Takes