The Chargers are set to play under the lights against the Saints on Monday night.
With that being said, here are three keys to Los Angeles snapping their three-game losing streak:
Let it loose
Rookie Justin Herbert was named the team’s starting quarterback moving forward. Herbert has shown that he belongs in the league, averaging nearly 300 passing yards against some of the stingiest defenses in his first three starts.
The first-round pick should have a favorable matchup against a defense that’s surrendering 30.8 points per game, 11 passing touchdowns and is allowing opponents in the end zone on 82.4% of their trips in the red zone, which is the worst in the NFL. They are also last in defensive pass interference calls (11).
Herbert may feel the heat quite a bit, knowing Los Angeles will be without tackle Bryan Bulaga and guard Trai Turner again and New Orleans has 10 sacks and 20 quarterback hits so far this season. However, he leads the NFL in passing yards while under pressure (433).
The running game may be put a little bit to the side this weekend, not only because of the absence of RB Austin Ekeler, but because the Saints ranks 6th against the run in 2020, allowing 97 yards per game and 3.6 yards per attempt. Therefore, Herbert should have plenty of opportunities to let it rip.
Slow down Kamara
The Saints will be without star wide receiver Michael Thomas, which is a huge blow to their offense. However, they have one player that’s proven to make a huge impact on that side of the ball, with that being running back Alvin Kamara.
Kamara has been on a tear, amassing 557 total yards and seven touchdowns through the first four games. Not only can he shred a defense on the ground, Kamara is capable of making big things happen in the passing game, as he leads the team in receptions (30).
New Orleans will look to get Kamara the ball in a multitude of ways, but most notably check-downs, screens and swing passes where he’s dangerous in the open space, bouncing off tacklers with ease. He leads the NFL in receiving yards after contact this season (100).
The Chargers can’t afford Kamara to gain ground once the football is in his hands. Linebackers Kenneth Murray, Kyzir White as well safety Rayshawn Jenkins and cornerback Desmond King have to limit his catches and swarm to the ball once it’s in his grasp.
Minimize mistakes
One of the biggest reasons why the Chargers haven’t pulled off games that many thought they had secured is because they have lost the turnover battle far more than none. Los Angeles has won the turnover battle in just three of their 20 games. They are 3-0 in those games.
Offensively, ball security is vital. QB Justin Herbert needs to take care of the football and can’t afford to have any head-scratching interceptions. RB Joshua Kelley needs to ensure he doesn’t let go of the football. Kelley has two fumbles in the past two games.
Defensively, the unit needs to help the rookie out by creating turnovers in any way possible. The Saints will be hungry to pounce on a banged up defense that allowed 38 points in Week 4. The unit must also stay disciplined and eliminate penalties. The same thing applies on offense.
