Chargers News: Kellen Moore Run Game Sputters Against Former Squad

LA couldn't get anything going on the ground.

Entering their game against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, the Los Angeles Chargers felt good about their chances. They were coming off their bye week, had a game in their building, and were getting some major reinforcements back into the lineup.

But the same old sentiment surrounded this team when the clock hit zero, and the Chargers now sit with a record of 2-3. It was a very disappointing game for the Bolts, and they know they wasted a prime opportunity to turn their season around.

One aspect of the game that really hurt the Chargers chances in this game was their lack of a running game. Despite them getting starting back Austin Ekeler back from injury, the Bolts struggled to get anything going in their ground game, and it buried them.

"I think that our inability to run the football allowed their rush to really express itself. They were able to play their type of game most of the game," Staley said. "They have a lot of good rushers, so there's going to be pressure. We have to do a better job of running the football."



Per Brandon Staley via Chargers.com

Ekeler carried the ball 14 times but only could muster up 27 yards on the ground. It was about as deflating of a return for Ekeler as could be, and the weak running attack limited the Chargers passing game.

"We have to take a hard look at what we're doing. It takes all 11 people. It's not just on one unit — it's not just the O-line — it's the tight ends, the backs, the wideouts and the quarterback," Staley said. "We have to be more effective in that phase, if you're going to play high-level offense against a pass rush like that."

Per Brandon Staley via Chargers.com

Credit goes to the Cowboys' defense for shutting down the Chargers offense, but there is still no excuse for the poor running game on Monday. Going forward, the Bolts need to figure something out badly because if they don't, their season will be over before they know it.

Don't forget to join our community at LA Sports Report, where we celebrate all things Chargers!