The Los Angeles Chargers had no pass rush in their Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Are they limiting their own potential?
The Los Angeles Chargers defense fell flat on its face against the Kansas City Chiefs, giving up four easy touchdowns along the way.
However, while the lack of coverage on wide receiver Tyreek Hill did lead to back-breaking plays, it was the team’s inability to get anywhere near the Chiefs’ quarterback that ultimately cost the game.
Per ESPN’s Eric Williams, here are the defensive snap counts for the Chargers in Week 1:
Bolts play counts Week 1. DEF: T Williams 56, J Addae 56, D James 56, C Hayward 56, M Ingram 53, I Rochell 51, K White 44, D King 43, D Perryman 41, D Philon, D Square NT, J Jones 24, B Mebane 23, J Brown 15, K Emanuel 13, C Landrum 12, A Phillips 11, U Nwosu LB 2, N Dzubnar 1.
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) September 10, 2018
Head coach Anthony Lynn, when answering a question regarding the limited usage of Nwosu, said that the second-round pick had not enough reps at the base end position. That’s fair to say, as Nwosu is technically listed as an outside linebacker with Melvin Ingram and Isaac Rochell the starting defensive ends in Week 1. But, two snaps?
One of the potential problems that I listed in an article contemplating reasons why the Chargers would lose to the Chiefs was that the team would hold off on their rookies and returning players.
Fans should be happy to see that Derwin James played every snap on defense, and that Kyzir White is indeed the starter over Jatavis Brown (44 snaps versus 15). But both Nwosu and Landrum, who shined in the preseason with three sacks apiece, were given just 14 total defensive snaps in Week 1.
With the cross-town rival Rams looming (yes, I’m skipping the Bills), the Chargers need to figure out a way to get their best pass rush on the field. The Oakland Raiders were most dominant against the Rams on Monday night when the could get to quarterback Jared Goff.
When they couldn’t, the Rams moved effortlessly on offense and finished the game 33-13. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense looked just as flawless against a Chargers defense with only one sack by James, their safety.
The Chargers may be without star defensive end Joey Bosa for some time, but they have the right guys in the locker room to make up for his absence. However, if the coaching staff cannot find a way to put guys like Nwosu or Landrum on the field to rush the passer, opposing quarterbacks are going to dissect the defense.