The biggest key matchup heading into the Week 4 matchup between the Chargers and Buccaneers was in the trenches.
Tampa Bay boasted one of the league’s most fearsome pass rushes, and Los Angeles was thin along the offensive line due to the absences of tackle Bryan Bulaga and guard Trai Turner.
The coaching staff knew that it could’ve been the deciding factor of the game, and answered with the perfect plan to slow down the blitzes defensive coordinator Todd Bowles deployed.
L.A. used a large amount of max protection, keeping tight ends and running backs in to serve as additional blockers. But the offensive linemen stayed intact throughout the entire contest.
In total, the unit only allowed two sacks to a defensive group that had 12 sacks in the first three games. To go along with that, only nine pressures were allowed.
A complete breakdown by each lineman, per Pro Football Focus:
Sam Tevi – 1
Forrest Lamp – 0
Dan Feeney – 3
Ryan Groy – 2
Trey Pipkins – 3
When quarterback Justin Herbert was pressured, his pocket mobility and poise helped mask them. Two of Herbert’s three touchdowns came while under duress.
Overall, the coaching staff did an excellent job of scheming the perfect plan against one of the NFL’s top pass rushes. Credit goes to offensive line coach James Campen, who has helped with the development of the guys up front.
While pass protection was strong, the running game was nonexistent, especially after running back Austin Ekeler left the game with a hamstring injury. The Chargers amassed only 46 rushing yards.
