Chargers News: Kellen Moore Content with Run Game, Striving for Improvement

After criticism has been lobbied on the Chargers offense for their one-dimensional style in the past few seasons, the Bolts' new system has made it a priority to run the ball.

Working well to start 2023 after failing to do so in 2022's playoff loss, the rushing attack under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has gotten off to a flying start, one that Moore wants to continue pushing.

Kellen Moore on being the #1 rushing team in the preseason + success in week 1: "We've spent a lot of this offseason on run game emphasis...Excited to be able to build off that. Doesn't mean you can build off of that each and every week, but we'll see where it takes us."
— Alex Insdorf (@alexinsdorf99) September 14, 2023

Relying mainly on Austin Ekeler in the past few seasons as the pure bell-cow back of the Chargers, the team relied on their second back, Joshua Kelley, to also contribute to over 200 yards on the ground.

It's a stark contrast to last year, where the run game for LA failed to register even 90 yards on the ground per game, forcing Justin Herbert to throw on a consistent basis despite his rib injury.

Though this week, the Bolts may be without the services of Ekeler due to an ankle injury holding him out of practice in the last two days, Kelly's role of over 100 yards and a touchdown could indicate the system's success.

Only needing to throw for about 230 yards, Herbert's new offense could finally take the pressure off of his arm and could open up the passing game even more should defenses focus on the run.

Even if the team ultimately couldn't finish the deal against the Dolphins in their Week 1 contest, it wasn't due to Moore's system, as the Chargers offense made good on their high expectations with 34 points scored.

Normally a high enough figure to win plenty of football games, the defense was to blame after failing to sack Tua Tagovailoa even once and allowing 500 yards total.

Though the offense will hope to continue clicking through the air and on the ground, the Chargers' chances to win will start and end with the defensive end of the ball.