The Chargers suffered — once again I might add — a heart breaking loss last Thursday night to the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. A record of 1–1 isn’t bad by any means. In fact, five of the last ten Super Bowl champions had the same record through the first 2 weeks — including the 2018 Eagles, and the 2021 Buccaneers — but many are quick to hit the panic button and assume the season is over. While it’s not over by a long shot, Week 3 is a great opportunity to bounce back and prove this Chargers team is still one of the top squads in not only the AFC, but the NFL.
The Jaguars are fresh off of a shutout win against the Colts, and there are two things one might attribute that success to. First, Trevor Lawrence has taken the leap many expected he would in his 2nd year due in large part to newly acquired free agent wide receiver, Christian Kirk. Plus, Doug Pederson has turned the Jags into a functioning NFL team, almost the opposite of last year’s dumpster fire under the Urban Meyer coaching staff. However, there’s many things the Chargers still have to prove.
The Chargers Pass Rush
The Chargers improved pass rush, headlined by Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, and featuring newly acquired defensive tackle, Austin Johnson, can prove they are with the elite pass rushing groups this Sunday. Over the first two weeks, they’ve looked not only good, but great. Khalil Mack is 2nd in sacks, and he is tied for 2nd in tackles of loss — which is more of a run stopping stat, but noteworthy nonetheless. Joey Bosa, on the other hand, has been getting double teamed, but it’s clearly freeing up play-makers, such as Khalil Mack, to get into the backfield and destroy opposing QBs.
Yet, they may have their work cutout for them this Sunday, as Jaguars tackles, Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor, have played very well, only allowing a handful of total hits. If the Chargers want to dominate, they have to get into the backfield, bring the pressure to Trevor Lawrence, and either get the sack, or allow their secondary to make the play.
Jaguars Pass Defense
The Jacksonville defense has looked very serviceable early in the season, especially with first overall pick in this year’s draft — pass rusher, Travon Walker — playing at an amazing level. Trey Pipkins will have to hold his own, particularly against the run, which happens to be Travon Walker’s bread and butter. Also, Josh Allen has been scary — two sacks through the first two games — so it’s up to Rashawn Slater, who’s only allowed just two pressures in the first two weeks, to shut him down.
We all know the Bolts have not been able to get a good run game going this year, and that may continue. The Jaguars as a whole have looked good against the run, but their secondary may be their Achilles’ heel. Their stats are slightly skewed due to the blowout against the Colts as they have 5 interceptions and, although their cornerback duo of Shaquil Griffin and Tyson Campbell has been great — Griffin has two pass break ups and has only been targeted 14 times — their safety group is subpar at best. For instance, Andre Cisco is hit or miss, and former Charger, Rashawn Jenkins, has just not been the same player since his departure from LA.
Look for a deep pass attack if the Chargers want to dominate. While the wide receiver room is headlined by Keenan Allen, who is expected to play, Mike Williams and DeAndre Carter may be the marquee options when attacking deep. Carter has super-human speed, which was on full display in his Chargers debut against the Raiders. And Mike Williams proved he deserved his new, lucrative contract after he went off against the Chiefs. Herbert relies on Mike Williams as a deep option, made evident by his 15 YPC with Herbert under center.
Chargers Secondary
The Bolts boast an exceptional secondary, headlined by Derwin James and J.C. Jackson, while having a great supporting cast. Chargers’s second-year corner, Asante Samuel Jr., is having a breakout season, and Bryce Callahan has allowed a passer rating well-below 30 in his first two games with the Bolts. Nasir Adderley has been above many’s expectations, and has the starting free safety spot on lock. And while J.C. Jackson wasn’t exactly his best — no thanks to a fresh injury and first game with a new defense — he was still solid. Moreover, the Chargers have the highest PFF graded team secondary as of right now. They are easily at the top of the league as a group right now, and there’s no sign of slowing down. If they lock in like they did against the Raiders, they should easily dominate and come out victorious.
