Looking onto week six, the Charger’s host the Denver Bronco’s on Monday Night Football. Justin Herbert and company were able to put on an offensive show against the Browns last Sunday. However, the run defense looked like a big question mark against Nick Chubb. After escaping Cleveland with a narrow 30-28 victory, Charger’s look to expand on their two game win streak at home in week six.
Here are the week six keys to victory for Los Angeles.
Put pressure in the backfield:
One thing that Charger’s fans were really looking forward to was this teams improved run defense. However, the defense has not been worth all the hype in terms of stopping the run. The Broncos have ran for just over 112 yards per game through the first five weeks. Khalil Mack and Sebastian Joseph-Day will need to be huge contributors to stop the run against Denver at home.
The Charger’s have to create pressure in the backfield and slow this run game down to make the Broncos offense one dimensional. In doing so, Russel Wilson will have to put the team on his back, which he has been unable to do so far, posting an abysmal 4:3 touchdown to interception ratio.
Win the turnover battle:
Obviously this is something every team wants to do going into a game, especially a divisional game. However, the Broncos offense has been widely labeled as the worst offense in football. Denver is ranked dead last in red zone efficiency so far this season with just over a 21% success rate. They are also ahead of just one other team, the Indianapolis Colts, in points scored per game with 15 PPG.
The Chargers should have no problem taking the ball away from Denver in week six. Russel Wilson, who has almost as many interceptions thrown as he does touchdowns, is coming off of an apparent Lat injury. Melvin Gordon is also a turnover machine who has fumbled the ball six times this season, leading all running backs in the category by four.
Establish the run early:
Coming off of a season high 222 rushing yards combined between Austin Ekeler, and Joshua Kelley, the Chargers should look to duplicate that performance. Controlling the clock and keeping this defense loading the box will be extremely impactful in terms of the Chargers passing game, and forcing Denver to air the ball out. The Bronco’s are currently ranked 15th against the run in terms of yards per game. The have allowed just over 112 yards per game against opposing running backs, creating a great opportunity to put the ball into their play makers hands.
The Chargers new found run game is an exciting element to this offense, especially with Pro Bowl Wide Receiver Keenan Allen still looming on the injury report. They need to be able to establish this early, to open up passing lanes for their All-Pro Quarterback.
The Chargers open up as -4.5 point favorites against the visiting Denver Broncos in week six. If they can turn the ball over and force Russel Wilson to use his arm, they should have no problems moving to 4-2, and a three game win streak. The game is set to kick off at 8:15 EST on ESPN/ESPN2 ending week six on Monday night.
Related: Chargers Thankful to Escape Cleveland with a Win
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