The Chargers are on a bye week following a 37-23 loss to the Seahawks, which brought the team to 4-3.
To recap how Los Angeles has performed in the first seven games of the 2022 season, here’s a look at how the Bolts have done statistically.
Offense
Scoring: 23.4 points per game (11th)
Total offense: 368.3 yards per game (8th)
Passing offense: 279.4 yards per game (4th)
Rushing offense: 88.9 yards per game (26th)
Third down offense: 40.57% (15th)
Red zone offense: 53.57% (20th)
There were high expectations for the Chargers’ offense entering the season, but those haven’t been met. It all starts with the heart and soul of the group, Justin Herbert, who has not been playing at the caliber we’re all used to since he fractured his rib cartilage in Week 2.
Herbert has missed his security blanket, Keenan Allen, who has not played a full game this season after sustaining a hamstring injury in Week 1. The wide receiver’s only deep threat, Jalen Guyton, tore his ACL in Week 3, and that’s why they have struggled to create explosive plays.
Now, the unit will be without Mike Williams, who has a high ankle sprain, for the next four weeks.
Other factors come on the offensive line, where left tackle Rashawn Slater tore his biceps in Week 3. Corey Linsley has been healthy for just three games due to a knee injury early on and a case of food poisoning. Further, right tackle Trey Pipkins has been playing on a sprained MCL.
Because of the injuries up front, Herbert is one of the most pressured quarterbacks in the league. Because of that, Austin Ekeler is been relied on as a check-down machine. Being under duress while playing in pain with the rib injury has not been ideal for Herbert’s progression.
Los Angeles has been one-dimensional for the most part due to an inconsistent running game. A big reason for that is poor blocking, not only from the offensive line but the tight ends, including Tre’ McKitty, who was drafted to be an in-line blocker.
Defense
Scoring defense: 27.0 points per game (30th)
Total defense: 357.6 yards per game (20th)
Passing defense: 220.0 yards per game (18th)
Rushing defense: 137.6 yards per game (26th)
Sacks: 17 (T-8th)
Third down defense: 40.96% (17th)
Red zone defense: 54.17% (15th)
The Chargers used most of their resources this offseason on the defensive side of the ball, but the results have not exactly been reflective of that.
Starting up front, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson and rookie Otito Ogbonnia were acquired to give a boost to a porous run defense from last season. The two have been solid at clogging up the interior.
But Los Angeles has allowed too many big runs. This speaks to the absence of Joey Bosa, who not only got after the quarterback at a high rate but set solid edges in the run game, and second and third levels players missing tackles and over-pursuing ball carriers.
Further, J.C. Jackson, the team’s big-ticket free-agent acquisition, failed to play like the money they gave him. Jackson missed the first two games with an ankle injury. He struggled with the scheme when he got onto the field. He will be out for the rest of the season after rupturing his patellar tendon.
Special teams
Kickoff return: 19 yards per return (28th)
Punt return: 10.9 yards per return (6th)
Punt coverage: 3.0 yards per return allowed (1st)
Net punting: 43 yards per punt (12th)
After years of being bottom of the barrel, the Chargers prioritized the special teams department, and the moves have paid off.
Brandon Staley signed Dustin Hopkins halfway through last season, hired special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken, added All-Pro long snapper Josh Harris and punter JK Scott and returner DeAndre Carter via free agency, and drafted and developed contributors.
Veterans like Nasir Adderley, Drue Tranquill, Troy Reeder, Alohi Gilman and Michael Davis, second-year players Nick Niemann and Chris Rumph, and rookies Ja’Sir Taylor and Deane Leonard have been integral to their success on coverage units.
