Following their loss to the Broncos, the Chargers will look to get back on track against the Bengals on Sunday morning.
With that being said, here are five things to watch for in Los Angeles’ Week 13 bout with Cincinnati:
Justin Herbert looks to bounce back
It wasn’t a great day at the office for Herbert last Sunday. Some of the blame fell on the poor pass protection and dropped passes. Still, Herbert had opportunities yet made questionable decisions and throws, which included two costly interceptions in the fourth quarter. Herbert has struggled with his post-snap reads when his pre-snap read is eliminated, and the Bengals have a pretty solid defensive personnel, and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo does a great job with designing pressure packages and disguised coverages. Herbert’s play is crucial to determining the Chargers’ success, as he looks to outduel fellow 2020 first-rounder Joe Burrow.
Big game for Austin Ekeler?
The Chargers’ backfield is a mystery. But despite not having an option to take some of the load off, the do-it-all back has managed to carry all of it himself. Logging six total touchdowns in the past three games, Ekeler has a chance to have another big performance, particularly through the air. The Bengals have given up 614 receiving yards to opposing running backs, the fourth-highest total in the league. Cincinnati’s opponents have targeted their backs 107 times this season. Great opportunity for Ekeler to exploit Cincinnati’s linebackers.
Pass defense
One of the Chargers’ most significant issues recently has been the cornerback play, and it’s been Tevaughn Campbell, who’s been the primary culprit. With Asante Samuel Jr. out (concussion), Campbell has struggled in coverage. The group will draw a young, ascending duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase has 50 receptions for 906 yards and nine touchdowns, while Higgins is coming off his best performance of the season, finishing with six catches for 114 yards and one score. Limiting them, especially in third-down situations, is key for Herbert to get more opportunities.
Interior defensive line rotation
The Chargers had a great showing against the run when they played the Steelers in Week 11, but they took a step back against Denver, allowing 147 yards on the ground. One of the primary factors for the poor play was due to personnel. Rather than rolling with the team’s best run defenders, Breiden Fehoko and Joe Gaziano, Jerry Tillery played most of the snaps out of any interior defender, in which he struggled. Los Angeles is better in that department when those two are on the field, which is why it’s imperative that Fehoko and Gaziano get more playing time to slow a red-hot Joe Mixon.
Matt Feiler’s return
Feiler did not play last weekend due to an ankle injury, and it’s safe to say his presence was missed. In place of him was Senio Kelemete, who allowed six pressures, two hits, and a sack. Getting Feiler back is vital, as he has been a dominant asset up front this season. The Chargers are set to face an imposing defensive line that features D.J. Reader, who is Cincinnati’s highest-graded defender by Pro Football Focus (83.4). He has 18 run stops and 19 pressures.