Colts’ Opponent Report: Week 7 @Chargers

Colts’ Opponent Report: Week 7 @Chargers
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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...