The Chargers’ Week 3 battle against the Chiefs is just days away, and Los Angeles has been hard at work preparing for a Kansas City team that has arguably the most explosive offenses in the NFL.
A lot of their success attributes to wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is the most dangerous playmaker in football. Hill is a threat to break off a big play and find the end zone every single time he lines up on offense.
Giving opposing defenses fits on a weekly basis, how has the speedy wideout fared against the Bolts in the past few years? Recent history shows it to be a bit of a mixed bag.
Week 15, 2018: 8 targets, 7 receptions, 169 yards, 2 touchdowns
Week 15, 2018: 7 targets, 4 receptions, 46 yards
Week 12, 2019: 2 targets, 0 receptions
Week 16, 2019: 5 targets, 4 receptions, 61 yards
Week 2, 2020: 11 targets, 5 receptions, 99 yards, 1 touchdown
These numbers came against the former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, but head coach Brandon Staley scheme isn’t going to do any favors for Hill.
Staley’s primary emphasis on his defense is limiting explosive passing plays. Last season, the Rams allowed just 41 gains of 20-plus yards last season, per Pro Football Focus.
The majority of the starting defensive backs have faced Hill at least once, with the exception of rookie Asante Samuel Jr.
If Chris Harris Jr. is not available this weekend, Michael Davis and Harris will shadow Hill. But Hill will be often be doubled with bracket coverages in attempt to keep him from being a non-factor.
If the Chargers can neutralize tight end Travis Kelce and Hill altogether, they will have a great chance of winning this game.
