The Chargers can knock their opponent out of playoff contention for the second consecutive week with a win against Dallas on Sunday.
Here’s what LA needs to do on offense to get it done.
Stick with the run game
The Chargers have been inconsistent in sticking with their running backs throughout a game this season, especially when Justin Herbert has been fully healthy, but last week’s game against the Chiefs provided an excellent example of what Los Angeles is capable of if it lets the ground game wear opposing defenses down. Omarion Hampton took 6 carries for 8 yards in the first half against Kansas City, but nine more handoffs to him in the second half resulted in 53 crucial yards that sealed the game. Against a Cowboys front that could be without defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and has struggled on the second level all year, there should be room to run.
Keep pressure from becoming sacks
Dallas has four players in the top 50 of PFF’s pass rush win rate statistic, three of whom play on the interior of the defensive line. While the tackle play has been a frequent topic of discussion with the Chargers’ offensive line, the interior has struggled mightily as well. Herbert also tends to take more short sacks between the tackles as he tries to step up and navigate through the pocket. The Cowboys are only 20th in sacks this season despite their productivity in generating pressure. LA will need that to continue to keep the ball moving on Sunday.
Open up the offense
Dallas allows a league-worst 254.8 passing yards per game this season, a number that Herbert has only hit four times – in Weeks 1, 3, 6, and 7. Los Angeles has become a more run-oriented offense to keep Herbert off the injured list since left tackle Joe Alt went down against the Titans in Week 9, which has resulted in five wins of the team’s last six. But the way to beat the Cowboys is through the air, and Dallas has five cornerbacks on the injury report, including both starters on the boundary and rookie Shavon Revel Jr. and second-year man Caelen Carson, who have been playing while Trevon Diggs has been on injured reserve.
Get Ladd McConkey going
The Cowboys have been primarily playing Reddy Steward in the slot this season, a matchup that should work in McConkey’s favor. It’s been an up-and-down sophomore season for the 2024 second-round pick, who has hit the century mark only twice – against the Dolphins and Steelers – and has had six games of less than 40 yards, including each of the last four. Going to LA’s best receiver early and often may be exactly what Herbert and the Chargers need to open the passing game back up after a few weeks of dormancy.