It can be useful when analyzing an opponent to hear things straight from those who cover that opponent each and every day. This week, to get that insight, we look to Gavino Borquez over at Chargers Wire.
Q: How big of a loss do you expect JC Jackson to be if he is unable to go?
GB: Jackson being unable to suit up would represent a pretty big departure from what Brandon Staley wants to be the gameplan. Jackson was signed this offseason to be the Chargers’ Jalen Ramsey: someone Staley can stick on an island and trust to win in one-on-one situations while the other ten defenders run their defense. Without Jackson, LA will have to employ more zone coverage or trust one of Michael Davis or Asante Samuel Jr. to win on an island. Considering those two were last year’s starters and led the team to pursue Jackson, I’d lean towards a heavy dose of zone coverage if Jackson can’t go.
Q: How much do you expect the Chargers to be motivated in this game by the tough loss to end last season?
GB: It’d be dismissive to say it’s not a factor at all. The entire core of last year’s team is back this season and will certainly be looking to prove that they’re the team to beat last season. Numerous players said that padded practices earlier this week were some of the most physical sessions of the season so far. But I don’t think the Week 18 loss to the Raiders will be the sole motivating factor for LA. This is a team that has championship aspirations this season after adding Jackson and Khalil Mack. While looking past the Raiders completely on that quest would be ill-advised, I do think the mindset of getting the gears in motion for such a run will take precedence over the revenge aspect of things.
Q: We all know about the additions of JC Jackson and Khalil Mack, but what is an underrated offseason move that could be a difference maker?
GB: On defense, I think the answer is slot corner Bryce Callahan. Most people outside of the Chargers news bubble haven’t mentioned him much because he’s on the wrong side of 30 and usually on the wrong side of an injury, but he’s been the emphatic starter in the slot since arriving in LA over the likes of Samuel, who many people were expecting a breakout year from.
On offense, I think it has to be receiver DeAndre Carter. A small salary signing to replace Andre Roberts at kick returner, Carter has flashed as a receiver this offseason and should have a big role as WR4 this season for the Chargers. Especially as a speed threat, both laterally and vertically, Carter gives the offense an extra dimension they mostly lacked last season.
Q: What can Justin Herbert do to take his game to the next level and therefore bring the Chargers to the next level?
GB: Most of Herbert’s developmental trajectory at this point hinges on creativity. A profile on Herbert from The Ringer detailed just how far along the face of the Chargers is as a decision maker – even when pressured, Herbert’s turnover-worthy play rate was the best in the league. But some of the pre-snap adjustments are still a work in progress: checking out of plays, fixing protections, some of the minutiae of the position where the game’s best truly make their money. Herbert also ran the offense as it was scripted last season – more freedom this season to put his own twist on things will only open things up even more.
Q: What is the weak area for the Chargers that the Raiders would be smart to try and exploit?
GB: Offensively, it’s the right side of the line. It’s a weak point for a lot of the AFC West teams, with the Chargers starting rookie Zion Johnson at right guard and Trey Pipkins at right tackle. While Johnson looked solid in the preseason, it’s still his first NFL game; with Pipkins, the story will be how his first stint as a full-time starter goes. Especially with Maxx Crosby lining up over the right side, the Raiders would be wise to find ways to get Pipkins on an island.
Defensively, it hinges on JC Jackson’s availability. If he’s out, targeting Michael Davis and Asante Samuel whenever they’re matched up with Davante Adams would be wise. Attacking over the middle with linebackers in zone coverage would also be a good idea. But if Jackson plays, the weakest point on the defense is probably the linebacking corps. Bring in a few extra blockers to ensure a clean release to the second level and let Josh Jacobs and the running backs feast.
