The Chargers can’t afford to let QB Lamar Jackson loose.
For the Chargers to have success against the Ravens, they must be stronger against the run.
Los Angeles currently has the worst rushing defense in the NFL, allowing 157.6 yards on the ground per game and the most yards (788).
The absence of defensive tackle Justin Jones has been crucial to that specific area. With Jones out, the Bolts have had to turn to three undrafted free agents – Joe Gaziano, Breiden Fehoko, and Forrest Merrill.
The lack of talent up front has been evident. They have been unable to generate any push, thus leading to big holes where the second and third levels have struggled with getting off blocks and making tackles in the open field.
On the other hand, Baltimore has the league’s fourth-best run offense averaging 148.8 yards per game and 5.9 yards per carry.
Even without their top three running backs, quarterback Lamar Jackson has made life difficult for defenses with his legs, gaining over six yards per carry.
Los Angeles must hold its own on the ground, so they can make the game one-dimensional, forcing Jackson to try to beat them with his arm.
As we know head coach Brandon Staley’s defense specializes in neutralizing the pass.
Aside from last weekend’s lackluster performance against the Browns, the Chargers limited Dak Prescott, Patrick Mahomes, and Derek Carr from being factors, allowing an average of just 237 yards.
Los Angeles’ run defense has been woeful this season, but if Staley’s unit can replicate the performance against the Raiders, where they limited Las Vegas to just 48 rushing yards, the Bolts should have a great shot on Sunday.
