The Chargers’ offensive game continues to be a problem as they prepare for the Detroit Lions.
In Costa Mesa, Calif., Justin Herbert is set to lead one of the best offenses in the NFL this season.
Justin Herbert was supposed to be leading one of the best offenses in the NFL this season. But as the Chargers head into the second half of the season, their offense is still in a bit of a rut.
Heading into Sunday’s game against NFC North leader Detroit Lions, the Chargers’ offense is ranked 15th overall in the NFL, averaging just 341 yards a game.
The Chargers’ offense is still in the process of finding its footing, but the coaching staff is pleased with the group they are working with and the competitive nature of the group, according to Coach Brandon Staley. “I think we’re on the right track, and I’m proud of the way we’re playing right now,” Staley added. “We’ll take it one game at a time and keep working on it.”The Chargers’ offense was off to a slow start last Monday, gaining 191 yards in a 27-6 victory over the NFL’s New York Jets, their lowest total since 2018 and only their fifth win in franchise history when it was less than 200 yards. When the Chargers hired offensive coordinator Kellen Moore in the offseason, his system was predicated on taking more shots downfield and establishing a more balanced running game. However, that hasn’t been the case since Week 2.
It was one of those frustrating games against the Jets. We wanted to move the ball better, score more points, but it didn’t happen. For us, it was about staying together, sticking together, doing everything we could to convert third downs, move the ball and be smart with the ball.
Herbert, who broke his middle finger on his left non-throwing hand in the third quarter of his first start against Las Vegas on Oct. 1, has completed 62.8% of his passes and has an 87.8 QB rating in his past four games.
Austin Ekeler has three touchdowns in his last two games, but the Chargers have averaged just 82.5 yards rushing in the last four weeks, which is seventh-lowest in the NFL. Staley said he doesn’t anticipate an even split of Ekeler’s carries with Joshua Kelley.
It’s not just the offensive line that’s a concern, though. There’s also a concern on the wide receiver depth chart.
On the offensive line, Will Clapp has been a bit of a disappointment since taking over as the starter at center in place of Linsley. Clapp doesn’t have a timeline on when he’ll return as he’s still dealing with a heart condition.
Heather has been hit five times in the last two games, and with Joshua Palmer out for at least three games with a knee injury, it’ll be up to first-round draft pick Quentin Johnston to step up as Herbert looks to find a replacement for Keenan Allen on offense.
Los Angeles needs to address its offensive deficiencies quickly if it wants to make it back-to-back playoff appearances for the second year in a row.
On defense, the Chargers have the fifth-ranked unit in the league, but they’re also 15th when it comes to the pass. Lions coach Dan Campbell says he expects the Chargers to run the ball more, but he’s wary of what his defense will do against them.
They’re throwing the ball like crazy. They’ve got the quarterback. It all starts with him. I said it last week. He’s a great athlete, he’s an accurate thrower, he has a big arm, he’s smart and he’s tough. He’ll sit there and take one hit after another and keep throwing the ball. I think they’re pretty effective. And again, he’s the quarterback that makes it happen.
