Pundit Reveals Key Component Of Chargers Offense That Has Fallen Apart
At one point this year, the Los Angeles Chargers offense relied heavily on its ground game. But as the season has gone on, the rushing attack seems to have vanished.
According to Elliot Teaford of the Orange County Register, the one thing about LA's offense is the regression of the run game.
Teaford pointed out that in the first game of the season against the Miami Dolphins, the Chargers ran the ball for 234 yards with three touchdowns on 40 carries.
Start of the Regression
As the season has gone on, the Chargers' running game has been almost nonexistent this year as they have run the ball for over 100 yards three more times following the game against Miami.
Last week, the team had their worst game on the ground yet going for 29 yards in 24 rushing attempts.
Running back Austin Ekeler ran the ball 14 times against New England but only totaled 18 yards, averaging 1.3 yards per carry.
In Teaford's report, Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley acknowledged the rushing struggles of the Chargers and stated that the team needs to focus on gaining consistency.
“I think we’ve been able to do it in spurts,” Coach Brandon Staley said. “I think what’s frustrating is that we’ve done it (but) we haven’t done it consistently. I think that’s where the frustration is. It would be one thing if I haven’t seen it at all. Then I think you’d be frustrated and upset.”
The one thing that has remained true about the Chargers ground game is that they haven't necessarily ignored it.
LA is currently in the middle of the pack when it comes to rushing attempts per game with an average of 23.
With the Chargers at least making an effort to run the ball, you might question the ability to create holes and lanes for running backs to go through as running backs can't make their way past the O-Line.
The Chargers running game might be able to resurrect itself this weekend as they host the Denver Broncos this Sunday.
Denver's rushing defense has been atrocious this year as they are allowing 5.2 yards per carry, the most in the NFL.
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