Throughout this series we will be analyzing the Colts’ upcoming opponent through a more general lens, in order to have a proper understanding about who we are facing.
Momentum
An amazing play by Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey prevented what would have been a three-game losing streak for the Chargers, narrowly beating the Miami Dolphins with a game-winning field goal. The Chargers have been ravaged by injuries (more on that later), but are still a very dangerous team to face. The Commanders and Giants made life difficult for Herbert because of the pass-rushing capabilities of their defensive lines, something that the Colts do not have.
Offense
The Chargers’ offense runs through star quarterback Justin Herbert, one of my favourite quarterbacks in the NFL. Other than Stafford, he will be the toughest test this Colts’ defense has faced this year, and taking into consideration how the secondary struggled against Jacoby Brissett I am really worried about the matchup here. Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston are two impressive receivers, with Johnston starting to come into his own after a rough start to his career, and veteran Keenan Allen rounding out the receiver group. If Ward and either Moore or Hilton are not ready by Sunday, then this has a chance of getting really ugly for Indy.
The one weakness this team has is the offensive line, which has been hit hard by injuries. The only bright spot the Chargers had was Joe Alt, and his status for the game is questionable at this point after a high-ankle sprain suffered against the New York Giants. Rookie running back Omarion Hampton is also out for this game, with backups Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins taking over the position. Overall, the Chargers’ hope for offensive success rests on Herbert’s shoulders.
Defense
The Chargers’ defense desperately needed some pass-rushing help so they traded for Odafe Oweh. Still, this is not a group that poses grave danger for the Colts, and at least on paper is a much easier front to deal with than the Cardinals. Their linebackers Daiyan Henley and Troy Dye struggle in coverage, so this could be an ideal opportunity for Tyler Warren on shorter routes. As a unit, the Chargers have struggled to defend the run, allowing the 5th highest yard per carry clip in the NFL, a weakness that Jonathan Taylor should be keen to explode.
The Chargers’ secondary is their strong suit, led not only by All-Pro caliber safety Derwin James, but now with solid players in every single position. The weak spot here is #2 cornerback Cam Hart, who has struggled a bit this year. The Chargers might make a move there considering how well Benjamin St. Juste has been in limited playing time. Worth noting this secondary has 6 interceptions already, and Daniel Jones has a turnover-worthy play of 5.6% over the past three weeks compared to 1.0% for the first three.
Players to watch
- Austin Deculus, left tackle: If Joe Alt is not ready to go by Sunday, which seems the most likely scenario right now, the Chargers will be forced to play backup Deculus. He has been really bad this season so far, allowing 16 total pressures on 131 pass-blocking snaps. That is worse than Matt Pryor/Julie’n Davenport levels of bad.
- Bradley Bozeman, center: Bozeman has been a below-average center in pass protection his entire career, and now will be up against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. This is not a good matchup for the Chargers.
- Ladd McConkey, wide receiver: If Charvarius Ward misses this game, McConkey could go off for a career high. This one could get ugly quickly if the Colts’ defense cannot stop the Chargers passing game.
- Derwin James, safety: Past couple of games Daniel Jones has had some bad misses over the middle of the field. Luckily for him, most of those were dropped INTs (for example Budda Baker last week). James not only has impeccable instincts, but is an amazing athlete.
Injuries
- Left tackle Joe Alt did not practice, status unclear for Sunday but trending towards not playing. “I’m not going to say I can’t or can’t. I’m just going to say that, like I said, I’m back on the field now and we’re just going to continue to progress and see where it means for me going forward.”
- DB Elijah Molden, OL Trey Pipkins, LB Troy Dye did not practice.
- EDGE Khalil Mack, OL Jamaree Salyer, WR Quentin Johnston limited practice.
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