After a nail-biting victory, and a great defensive performance, the Chargers are tied for first in the AFC West with Kansas City. The Chargers look to expand on their three-game winning streak in a matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Let’s take a look at the Charger’s keys to victory for week seven.
Charger’s Keys to Victory: Establish the Run
Something we have only seen in two of the six weeks played so far is an effective run game. The Chargers could get nothing going against a stout Bronco defensive front, averaging just 3 yards per carry. However, the Seattle defense is much more forgiving when defending against the run. The Seahawks, through six weeks, are allowing the second most yards per game on the ground at 165 yards per game according to ESPN.
Another reason why the Chargers need to establish a reliable run game early is the Seahawk’s elite secondary players. Quandre Diggs is one of the best deep-cover safeties in the NFL and there is a reason the Seahawks resigned him to a big deal. Tariq Woolen has also been playing on an elite level this season in coverage. Taking advantage of offensive mistakes, and predictable schemes, Woolen is leading the league in interceptions so far with four.
Charger’s Keys to Victory: Pressure in the Backfield/Finish Off the QB
The Charger’s run defense has not lived up to its expectations through the first six weeks of the season, although Bosa missing time was a huge loss. However, Seattle’s offensive line has the potential to bring a huge spark to LA’s defensive front. If the Chargers want to slow down the weapons in the backfield, they need to take advantage of this offensive line, which does not have a single lineman over a 63-run block grade according to PFF. Despite poor play from the offensive line, the Seahawks are averaging top 11 numbers in terms of yards per game with 124.3.
Another part of this key to victory is finishing off the Quarterback. Losing Joey Bosa was a huge blow to the Charger’s pass rush which was supposed to be one of the best in the league. However, with the next-man-up mentality, players like Chris Rumph and Jerry Tillery among others have constantly been brushed off by opposing quarterbacks. The Seahawk’s offensive line has given up 67 total pressures so far this year, including double-digit pressures from each rookie tackle. Geno Smith has been playing well above expectations so far this season. He is a very mobile quarterback who will make you miss with his feet, and he has elite weapons in Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf downfield.
Charger’s Keys to Victory: Good special teams play
One of the highlights of the game last week was the heads-up play by Ja’sir Taylor and Deane Leonard on punt coverage. Taylor forced the Gunner to pick up the block on him, pushing the Gunner back into the return man. This allowed Leonard to find the ball after the muffed punt, and give the Chargers the ball with great field position.
The Chargers were able to play complimentary football in all three phases of the game. This is a point that needs to continue throughout the rest of the season. Too many Chargers fans remember the year they had the league’s best offense and defense. However, the special teams’ play was historically bad, ultimately causing them to miss the playoffs.
Chance to Shine: Taylor Bertolet
Taylor Bertolet made his NFL debut in week five against the Cleveland Browns. He was perfect on all three of his kicks that day from 28, 25, and 27 yards respectively. The Chargers only have one more opportunity to elevate the Kicker the following week unless they sign him to the active roster. With the bye week coming up, this may be Bertolet’s only opportunity to show the Chargers that he is a reliable kicker. Should Hopkin’s injury sideline him the full four weeks, LA may look to Bertolet to carry the load. He may be called on as one of the Charger’s keys to victory for weeks to come.
#Chargers’ kicker Taylor Bertolet never gave up on his dream! 💭🏈 pic.twitter.com/PpFQv8h2tq
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 11, 2022
The matchup is scheduled for Sunday, October 23rd, 2022 at 4:25 EST / 1:25 PST. The Chargers opened up this week as -6.5 point favorites against the visiting Seahawks. Chargers fans will be scouring the daily injury report this week to see if any of the star power on this roster is set to return. Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Keenan Allen has been out since early week one with a hamstring injury. All-Pro Center Corey Linsley missed last week’s game with food poisoning. Los Angeles would surely love to have these two elite-level players return.
Related: Hopkins Puts Foot Down in Charger’s Cringeworthy Win
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