Keys to Victory:
- Slow Down Nick Chubb
- Slow Down Myles Garrett
- Spread the Ball Around
There are some big-time keys to victory for the week five matchup between Los Angeles and Cleveland. The Chargers and Browns put on one of the most incredible offensive performances of the season last year. With the lead being taken by each team multiple times throughout the game, the Bolts came away with a narrow, 47-42 victory over Cleveland.
Key to Victory One: Slow Down Nick Chubb
Nick Chubb has been one of the most dominant runners in the league since his emergence in 2018. Chubbs’ 5′ 11”, 227-pound frame makes him nearly impossible to stop. The former bulldog put on a clinic against Los Angeles last season carrying the ball for 161 yards and a touchdown, on a 7.6 YPC average. The Chargers’ run defense has improved since last year, albeit not drastically letting up at least one big run in each of their first four games. The Bolts need to band together behind Outside Linebacker Khalil Mack and do everything they can to keep him from breaking away.
Key to Victory Two: Slow Down Myles Garrett
Myles Garrett is another player on this Browns roster who is ranked nearly at the top, if not at the top of his position class. Garrett was all over the backfield in their 2021 matchup, totaling two tackles, one sack, and three quarterback hits. The All-Pro defensive end is coming off of a missed week against Atlanta after flipping his car to avoid an animal. This is a caliber of player that will not need too much time to get back into the swing of things and has returned to practice this week ahead of week five.
Rookie Offensive Lineman Jamaree Salyer had an outstanding game last week against the Texans’ defense filling in for Rashawn Slater. This is going to be a true test of his ability to play at this position going against one of the top pass rushers in football. If he can give Herbert just a little bit of time, and the Chargers chip Garret to help Salyer, they should be able to keep him quiet.
Key to Victory Three: Spread the Ball Around Early
Joe Lombardi’s offensive play calling has been a hot topic amongst Chargers fans early in the year. One thing the Chargers did well in their week one victory against the Raiders has spread the ball around. Herbert completed passes to nine different receivers in week one, showing that the Chargers truly have weapons at all levels on offense. Justin Herbert needs to spread the ball around early in this game so that the playmakers like Austin Ekeler and Mike Williams do not get taken out of the game too quickly as we have seen early in the year.
After a 34-24 victory in Houston, the Chargers head into Cleveland as -2.5 point favorites against the Browns. They look to improve to 3-2 putting them above .500 for the first time since week one. A huge road win here would be a statement of the Chargers’ ability to overcome adversity with all the injuries they have suffered as of late.
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