The Chargers are back at SoFi Stadium, looking to take care of business against the Broncos and pick up their third-straight win.
Here are four storylines to watch for Monday’s matchup.
Can the Chargers cook Russ?
Coming into the season, the thought was that the AFC West would be the best division in the NFL, with Russell Wilson’s arrival in Denver being one of the reasons. However, Wilson’s tenure with the Broncos after being traded from the Seahawks hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows.
Wilson ranks No. 14 in the NFL in passing yards (1,254), is tied for No. 23 in passing touchdowns (four), and ranks No. 28 in passing completion percentage (59.4%). Denver is averaging just 15 points per game, which is second-worst in the league behind the Colts.
Wilson will be looking to this matchup to be his get-right game. But the Chargers’ defense, which is a two-high safety scheme that disguises coverages, could give him fits, given that he’s not been properly making his reads. So speeding up his internal clock could lead to turnovers.
Stiffest test yet
The Broncos boast the NFL’s best passing defense, allowing just 176.6 yards per game, and they have given up only three touchdowns, which is tied for second-best.
Under new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Denver plays a lot of zone coverage to force quarterbacks to throw underneath, hoping to get them to third down, where they are a headache to offenses, with a whopping 54.5% pressure rating (highest on non-blitzes).
Denver has a fearsome edge defender trio of Bradley Chubb, Baron Browning and Randy Gregory, who have combined for 52 pressures. They will be without Gregory, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, however.
Along the interior of the defensive line, Dre’Mont Jones and D.J. Reed have totaled 14 and ten pressures, respectively.
Allowing quarterbacks little time to throw has been a big part of their defensive success, but in the back end, the Broncos have Patrick Surtain II, who has emerged as one of the top cornerbacks. They will also have safety Justin Simmons back, who was activated from the injured reserve.
Justin Herbert is the least sacked quarterback (5), but that’s primarily of how efficient he’s been at evading pressure in the pocket. Jamaree Salyer will have to be on his A-game against Chubb. The same applies to Matt Feiler, who has struggled. The running backs will also be key components in pass pro.
Will the real pass rush please stand up?
If the Chargers want to rattle Russ, it all starts up front in the trenches, where getting pressure on him is imperative. Easier said than done. Since Joey Bosa has been out with a groin injury, the team has been unable to get production opposite Khalil Mack.
Chris Rumph’s lack of size and strength has shown up as he has continued to lose at the point of attack. He isn’t countering his pass-rush moves. And he’s taking unnecessarily wide angles. Like Rumph, Kyle Van Noy’s been a one-trick pony as a pass-rusher.
The Broncos will be without starting left tackle Garrett Bolles, who is out with a broken leg. Calvin Anderson is the next man up at the position. Opposite Anderson is Cameron Fleming, who has allowed 12 pressures, five hits and two sacks this season.
After weeks of facing premiere pass protectors, this would be the game for Rumph and Van Noy to finally show up.
Can J.C. Jackson find his footing?
After missing the start of the season due to a minor ankle procedure, Jackson’s play has not matched the big money he was given in March. Jackson said it’s been a shift with the defensive scheme after going from a man-heavy system to playing the most zone coverage he has ever played.
Jackson has been targeted 20 times this season while allowing 15 receptions for 245 yards and two touchdowns, according to Pro Football Focus. He has yet to intercept a pass and has been credited with just a single breakup.
Nonetheless, the Chargers will rely on Jackson to minimize the Broncos’ No. 1 wideout, Courtland Sutton. Sutton is tied for sixth-most receiving yards in the NFL with 417. He has six of his 29 receptions that have gone for over 20 yards.
