Tag: Chargers red zone offense

One of Lions’ weaknesses Chargers can expose in Week 10

The Lions have struggled in the red zone this season.

The Chargers are set to face the Lions, who are sharp in nearly every category. But that doesn’t mean they don’t come without their flaws.

While they’ve been efficient on defense, as they rank fifth in total defense, Detroit has struggled in the red zone. Their opponents have scored 65.38% of the time inside the 20, which ranks 26th.

On the flip side, Los Angeles’ red zone offense ranks 2nd in the NFL, as they’ve found the end zone on 69.23% of their trips.

Justin Herbert has been one of the best quarterbacks in the red zone, throwing 11 touchdowns, the fifth-most, to just one interception.

Furthermore, the Lions have struggled against tight ends, as they’ve allowed the eighth-most receiving yards (477) and are tied for the second-most touchdowns allowed to the position (4).

This could be the recipe for solid performances from Gerald Everett and Donald Parham. Everett has two touchdowns in the last four games, while Parham has four scores, all of which have come in the red zone.

If Los Angeles wants to keep pace with Detroit, they must score plenty of points. The red zone is where the magic could happen.

Chargers red zone offense must be more productive vs. Chiefs

The Chargers can not leave points off the scoreboard against the Chiefs this Sunday.

The Chargers currently boast the fourth-best offense in terms of total yardage per game (416.0). However, despite being able to march up the field on a consistent basis, the team has struggled to put points on the scoreboard.

Los Angeles is averaging 18.5 points per game, which ranks No. 27 in the NFL. The issue stems from the fact that L.A. has had plenty of close opportunities, but they have been unable to execute.

Through two games, the Bolts made 10 trips to the red zone (inside their opponent’s 20-yard line), but they only found the end zone three times. Their 30% red zone scoring (touchdown) percentage ranks second-worst.

Here’s the play that have led to each of the seven red zone failures over the past two games.

No. 1 vs. Washington — Justin Herbert’s incomplete pass ruled a fumble, leading to a touchback

No. 2 vs. Washington — Tristan Vizcaino 33-yard field goal

No. 3 vs. Washington — Vizcaino 27-yard field goal

No. 4 vs. Washington — Herbert intercepted by William Jackson

No. 5 vs. Cowboys — Vizcaino 32-yard field goal

No. 6 vs. Cowboys — Herbert intercepted by Damontae Kazee

No. 7 vs. Cowboys — Vizcaino 29-yard field goal

The head-scratching sack-fumble call against Washington and Keenan Allen falling down on Herbert’s red zone interception against Dallas are the ones that should have resulted in a different outcome.

However, within those seven trip failures, and there being a total of 25 plays ran means the red zone play-calling and execution must be cleaned up, which could include running the ball or getting a quiet Donald Parham involved more.

With an opponent like the Chiefs coming up this Sunday, the Chargers can not afford to leave points off the scoreboard altogether or only settle for field goals or else Kansas City’s high-powered offense will outscore them.