Packers vs Chargers: Week 9 Matchup
Aaron breaks down both sides of the ball in his preview of Sunday's showdown with the Chargers.
By PackerAaron
Matt LaFleur brings his 7-1 squad to Los Angeles to take on Anthony Lynn's meandering Chargers team.
Here's a look at what to expect from both sides of the ball and my sure-to-be-incorrect call on who wins the game.
When The Chargers Have The Ball
The Chargers have not been able to run the ball. At all. They are the first team in the Super Bowl era to rush for 40 yards or less in four straight games. Numbers like that should get someone fired and this week, they finally did.
The team parted ways with offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt shortly after the team's win over the Chicago Bears last week (which, if we're being honest, should have been the team's fourth loss in a row if not for the Bears continuing to suck)
Lynn announced that QB coach Shane Steichen will be calling the plays going forward, which presents an interesting challenge for Mike Pettine as he gets to face a play caller whose tendencies will not be able to be mined from the team's 2019 film.
While the Chargers have been hard to watch on offense for much of this season, there is still a bevy of talent on this side of the ball. From quarterback Philip Rivers to wide out Kennan Allen to tight end Hunter Henry to running back Melvin Gordon, the Chargers should be a potent bunch, but they have been anything but. And while Gordon is the name brand, Austin Ekeler is the back that scares me in this matchup. With a new play caller, I could see him being used extensively in the passing game and I could see the Packers linebackers and safeties struggling to keep up.
AUSTIN EATIN' @AustinEkeler | #INDvsLAC pic.twitter.com/5QSlHfofuA
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) September 8, 2019
I'd expect to see Jaire Alexander matchup with Allen (who is dealing with a hamstring injury) and Kevin King to see a healthy dose of Mike Williams.
One thing the Packers should strangely have on their side is the crowd noise, as this game is projected to basically be a home game on the road. Hopefully we get treated to a few new sack dances on Sunday afternoon.
Mark IT down.@TheRealZSmith celebrates his seventh sack of the season! #GBvsKC | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/3wcRuDKBLT
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) October 28, 2019
At the end of the day, I don't really care who has the ball in their hands this week. Whoever it is needs to be brought down as soon as possible. No more throwing yourself at the ball carriers feet or throwing a shoulder into a guy and hoping you knock him down. The Packers tackling was atrocious at times last week. Let's hope that was just a bad week at the office.
When The Packers Have The Ball
Hopefully that crowd noise, or lack of it, makes things a bit easier up front this week because the pass protection operation struggled early on against the Chiefs in a loud environment.
The tackles in particular will need to be on point this week with a formidable pass rushing duo ready to pounce in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley doesn't need to get exotic with pressure packages with these two bookends, though he does utilize the odd stunt and game up front from time to time. Bryan Bulaga in particular needs a bounce back game after struggling in Kansas City against guys who aren't even close to what he's going to see Sunday in Los Angeles. It doesn't help that he'll be playing with the injured finger that kept him out of the final few drives against the Chiefs.
Of course, a tried and true football axiom is to run at pass rushers and I think we'll see some of that from LaFleur. A healthy dose of Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams and getting the ball out of Aaron Rodgers' hands quickly will be paramount.
Will Rodgers be getting his number one weapon back? All signs point that way, though I'm still not convinced this is the week. As LaFleur said earlier today, we'll all find out "90 minutes before kickoff" when inactives are announced.
Davante Adams leapfrogging grown men has to be a good sign, right? #Packers pic.twitter.com/USrU6l3rvM
— John Doran (@JohnDoranTV) November 1, 2019
No, Adams leaping over a grown man doesn't mean anything in particular, but it is a lot of fun to watch.
Enough Already, Who Wins?
The Packers offense should be able to operate well enough in what will feel like a home environment that they jump out to an early lead and stem the tide of whatever curveballs a new play caller throws at them. I'd expect them to win the turnover battle - again - and come out on the right side of this one.
Packers: 34
Chargers: 27
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Comments (13)
porupack
November 01, 2019 at 03:02 pm
I dunno, Chargers are tough to figure out. Very potent and they're desperate to turn their season around and just could do it. Rivers has a lot of receiving weapons and their RBs are elite. How many times do stagnant teams have a resurgence or record breaking performance against the Packers? But, then again, we're in 2019. I agree with Aaron;
Get a run game to counter the chargers pass rush, and quick planned releases especially first quarter.
I would like to also see
up-tempo to tire out Chargers D line and minimal substitutions
Deep kickoffs through endzone
increase attack with TEs.
I think Chargers offense is too much for GB D right now, and special teams coverage is a liability.
4thand1
November 01, 2019 at 03:03 pm
O yea of little faith.
4thand1
November 01, 2019 at 03:05 pm
This will be like a home game. There will be more Packer fans than Charger fans in their dinky little fair weather fan stadium. GOPACKGO. GB 35 LAC 24.
PatrickGB
November 01, 2019 at 03:29 pm
A little over four weeks is a bit early to come back from a major toe sprain. If Adams sits out for most or even all of the game I would be ok with it. The Charges are a tough team and an even tougher team to figure out. I expect some surprises and a lot of yards from them. GPG
murf7777
November 01, 2019 at 08:00 pm
If it was a major toe injury I would guess it to be much longer. Reality is we don’t know the extent of injury and if he is ready to go I think it was more of a minor toe injury. Packers are conservative on rushing players back.
flackcatcher
November 01, 2019 at 07:19 pm
Chargers are like a wounded animal. Dangerous, and nothing left to lose. Classic trap game here, but the Packers have to date been ready. Time for the short Flacky.... UGH, another out of conference game. (DIE Goodell DIE!!!) Good news: Packer West. Enjoy your home game Smith Bros. Offense: Chargers are falling apart. Injuries and internal discord are showing up on the field. Their HC could be a Fired Coach Walking. That's one heck of a drop off from last year. But, their core is good, really good, starting with one of the really good QB not name Rodgers. Two years? ago Rivers carved up Green Bay's secondary in the second half and almost pulled a win out late in the game. Do not rest on the Chargers offense. Packers need to run their game period. Chargers defense can be had. If the O line gives Rodgers time, and he passes on schedule, the Chargers defense will be in for a long day. I see a lot of pounding the 'rock' leading to....(we all know what THAT leads too :-) Defense: Funky team Chargers are. (Yoda speak) Soft in the middle, pretty good secondary, but two good ones at the ends. Like every modern NFL defense, plays a brand of bend not break. Packers fans are asking themselves. ' Has the ghost of Dom Capers returned seeking revenge'. Nah.... Pettine has had to play a more standard 3-4/3-3-5 with more zone coverage to cover for the injuries in both the front 7 and back 5. It is just a fact of pro football life. Find a way to keep the team out of the end zone. So far Mike Pettine has. Special Teams: I got nothing. (Looks skyward...) Kicking: Steady, hope for no more 'accidental contact'. Game outcome: This could be a very tough game. As always, mental mistakes will decide the play on the field. Packers Win 28-14. (Not short again. heh heh heh.....)
SterlingSharpe
November 01, 2019 at 07:49 pm
Any of ya heard if the Bolts will wear white uniforms again as they've been, so we can wear our greens?
Or will they sport their awesome powder blues?
Or their plain dark navy blues?
ALLGASNOBRAKES
November 02, 2019 at 03:57 am
If I had to guess I'd say the whites. It's going to be 81 here in Los Angeles on Sunday and sunny. I'm not sure if that translates into even warmer temps on that funky little field, but if I were the Chargers I'd make the Packers wear their green home jerseys.
BoCallahan
November 01, 2019 at 09:36 pm
My Son-in-law has been hired by the Chargers to sing the national anthem and to do a half time spot. So, not only will the crowd be filled with Packer fans, but they will also be serenaded by a Packer fan. You can check him out by searching “anthem artist.” Joe has done a number of NFL, NHL, NBA, & MLB games. He paints while he sings. His paintings have raise well over 1 million $$ for wounded veterans.
MrFitz66
November 01, 2019 at 11:19 pm
Very inspiring, what a talent, thanks.
ALLGASNOBRAKES
November 02, 2019 at 04:05 am
Very cool Bo... Hell, I can't sing or paint so to be able to do both AND raise money for something so worthwhile is amazing.
I just watched his video on his website and I'm already a huge fan!
#Awesome!
HawkPacker
November 02, 2019 at 10:18 am
I just went out and saw your son in law sing the national anthem and paint the 'soldiers hoisting the flag' (Iwo Jima) at the Missouri basketball game. It was fantastic. What a great surprise at the end. Wow. So cool!
Packers2020
November 02, 2019 at 08:22 am
Chargers Offense
In total yards they are 4th in the NFL. Having said that, Rivers has thrown 12 TDs and 7 INTs this season and has been sacked 14 times. He can be pressured and get him to make mistakes. Chargers are 27th in rushing with 3.5 yards per carry. They do have Melvin Gordon but I think the Packers will again play more CBs and defend the pass. Not sure we blitz a ton or not. Rivers is not super mobile so we should be able to not have to worry about him getting out of the pocket.
I think our CBs will match up well with their WRs but I am concerned about Henry at TE and Ekeler at RB. Rivers throws to them a lot and those are our weaknesses. Having said that, I feel good about the match up. I think our D will play its best game in the last few weeks. The Chargers offense has only scored more than 27 points twice all year and one of those games was against the Dolphins. Take those two games out and they are scoring 16 points per game.
Chargers Defense
They are 6th against the pass and 22nd against the run. They are giving up 19.6 per game. This D is better then we think; however, I think we should be able to run the ball with Jones and Williams and utilize them in the passing game again. We also do have AR which is a luxury. We still should be able to pass the ball and be very balanced.
I like the way the offense has been playing and I do not think that changes this weekend; especially, since it will be like a home game. Rodgers will be able to audible at the line easier and get the calls out quicker.
Packers- 38
Chargers- 17