The Chargers will gear up for their first 10 am kickoff of the season on Sunday, as a road game against the Giants and first-time starter Jaxson Dart looms.
Here’s what Los Angeles’ offense needs to do to come away with a win.
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Set Omarion Hampton loose
Hampton, for better or worse, is going to be the guy for the Chargers’ rushing attack this season now that Najee Harris is out for the year with a torn Achilles. The rookie felt close to breaking a few explosive runs against the Broncos en route to the best rushing output of his career, but he also affected the passing game with 6 catches for 59 yards out of the backfield. The Giants have one of the worst run defenses in the league through three weeks, which gives Hampton a premier opportunity to announce his arrival as an impact player in the NFL.
Take the yardage
The Giants defense has allowed the second-most overall yards, second-most rushing yards, and fifth-most passing yards per game this season, which bodes well for LA, who has the NFL’s current leading passer under center. The Chargers have been a very strong passing offense (6th in EPA/play), which has buoyed their overall offensive stats, but finding a more balanced gameplan with Hampton on the ground and Justin Herbert through the air will keep the Giants on the back foot. Considering New York is allowing touchdowns on 80% of their defensive drives that reach the red zone, churning out yards, keeping the ball in their possession, and punching in touchdowns after long drives will go a long way towards keeping the variance low and the Chargers’ chances high on Sunday.
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Limit the defensive line
The matchup in the trenches doesn’t look great for the Chargers on paper. The LA offensive line performed well in the first two weeks but struggled with Denver’s front of multiple threats, and now has to face off with a similarly talented Giants front. They’ll need to hold up against the likes of Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Chargers pivoted to swing passes to Hampton to get the ball out faster against the Broncos, which could be a blueprint for this game as well.
Keep Oronde Gadsden involved
The Chargers got virtually zero receiving production out of tight ends Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin in the first two weeks of the season, as the two combined for four catches for 75 yards against the Chiefs and Raiders. With Dissly (knee) out last week, fifth-round pick Gadsden suited up for the first time, immediately generating 5 catches for 46 yards and drawing 7 targets, including 2 on the final game-winning drive. Los Angeles needs to continue getting production from the tight end position, especially with two Giants linebackers on injured reserve, so keeping Gadsden involved would be a good way – on paper – for the Chargers to keep the chains moving.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers’ offensive keys to victory against the Giants