If the Jacksonville Jaguars are going to beat the LA Chargers in Week 11, these are the three keys to doing so.
The Jacksonville Jaguars return home in Week 11 for a matchup with the LA Chargers.
Following a disappointing loss in Houston, the Jaguars are in need of a bounce-back performance as they look to continue making a playoff push.
Entering this week’s game, the Jaguars are 5-4 and are the seventh seed in the AFC. One of the teams they are chasing in the wildcard race are the 7-3 Chargers.
In order to come away with a victory on Sunday, these are the three keys to doing so.
Jaguars’ four-man front has to win
Generating a steady pass rush has been an issue for the Jaguars for much of the season. However, the Chargers’ offensive line has struggled to protect Justin Herbert at times as this unit has dealt with several injuries. LA will enter this game ranked 32nd in pressure rate allowed.
Creating pressure is the name of the game, but if the Jaguars are unable to do that against a quarterback of Herbert’s caliber, it could be a big day for the LA passing game. Time in the pocket allows Herbert to operate within the timing and rhythm of the play, and gives the receivers additional time to get open.
In addition to that, if the Jaguars’ pass rush isn’t getting home and Anthony Campanile has to dial up more blitzes, that’s then going to put the Jacksonville secondary at a numbers disadvantage.
Win the third-down battle
This is always an important element to any game, but feels particularly important this week given the differences between these two teams in third-down success this season.
The Chargers’ offense is second in third-down conversion rate this season, while their defense is one of the best at getting off the field on third downs. Jacksonville, meanwhile, ranks near the bottom in third-down success on both sides of the ball.
The Chargers’ offense being able to move the chains to stay on the field while limiting Jacksonville’s possessions on offense obviously is not going to be a recipe for success.
Winning these downs begins with the Jaguars’ offense finding some success in the run game and staying in manageable down-and-distance situations. On the flip side, limiting the Chargers’ run game and pressuring Herbert will be key to getting off the field.
Lean into the run game
We just mentioned one reason why this is a must, but on paper, this could also be where the opportunity lies for the Jaguars’ offense. The Chargers are allowing 4.9 yards per rush this season, which ranks 26th in the NFL.
Along with a strong running game keeping the offense ahead of the sticks, it takes some of the pressure off the passing game, and is a staple of the Liam Coen offense, with the running and passing concepts building off each other as the game goes on.