Los Angeles Chargers: How they have a shot to upset the Rams

Attacking the linebackers

For all the Rams’ strengths on the defensive line and corner groups, the linebacker position remains an overlooked area of need by the team. With starting linebacker Mark Barron either out or limited in Week 3, the Chargers have a chance to find quick-hitting mismatches against a soft middle.

This is an area where Hunter Henry would have shined, as his sure hands and crafty routes would move the chains quite a bit in this game. However, the Chargers have weapons to spare, and playmakers who are good across the middle:

• Virgin Green, TE: Needs to act as a security blanket for Rivers
• Tyrell Williams, WR: If he plays WR3 to Mike Williams and is not shadowed by Marcus Peters or Aqib Talib, Williams has a special ability to create yards after the catch on drag routes over the middle.
• Mike Williams, WR: If he plays WR3 to Tyrell Williams, he can use his massive frame and catch strength to bully linebackers
• Antonio Gates, TE: He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He’s going to show up in this game.

Remaining creative (and effective) rushing the passer

For as oblivious as Gus Bradley looked calling plays to get after Patrick Mahomes in Week 1, he certainly looked much more aggressive in his blitzing against the Bills last week. Five total sacks from five different players at various positions paid off in a big way en route to another dominant win. It’s a trend that needs to continue.

Against the Oakland Raiders, Goff looked a bit distressed when the Silver and Black came after him with different pass rushers. The Raiders, even without Khalil Mack, managed to keep the game 13-10 at the half and entered the locker room with a lead. When they could no longer get to Goff, as was the case with the Chargers against Mahomes, the Rams blew them out and crushed them at home.

Bradley will need to find more winnable match-ups than relying on Melvin Ingram to win against Pro-Bowl veteran tackle Andrew Whitworth. If pressure can be created against Goff, it’ll be hard for the Ram’s high-intelligence offense to throw consistently against the Chargers’ strong group of corners.

The Bolts are expected to lose, but they way in which they play will determine if they’re ready to make a playoff push in 2018. Lose big, and they don’t belong with the top dogs. Lose small, and the team should feel confident knowing they held their own against a team set at all-in mode. But win? The sky would be the limit.