Five Packers players to watch vs Chargers

The Green Bay Packers have a big challenge ahead in week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers. It's a big opportunity for the offense facing an overall weak opponent, while the defense will probably have a lot of problems against a strong Justin Herbert-led unit.

So let's analyze five important players for the Packers in Sunday's game.

Christian Watson

The second-year wide receiver has been a disappointment this season. After a strong finish to his rookie year, the expectations were really high, but for several reasons he hasn't been able to meet them. Injuries, lack of connection to Jordan Love, and problems with his route-running have hindered his performance. Love has a 37.8 passer rating when targeting Watson, which is less than if Love had spiked the ball on every play.

The Chargers defense is 26th in dropback EPA, and their cornerback duo of Asante Samuel and Michael Davis is not great. Moreover, it's been feasible to attack linebackers Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray in coverage, so Watson could be a weapon on the outside and also on the middle of the field. It's, more than anything else, a great turnaround opportunity for the young player.

Aaron Jones

Jones appeared on our list last week too, and he had a poor performance against the Steelers, especially running the ball — he had only 35 yards in 13 carries. Furthermore, he was criticized by Matt LaFleur after the game for keeping on the field during the final drive, killing important seconds for the offense.

However, Jones is one of the most important players for the unit, and his performance has a force-multiplier effect. He hasn't had a truly efficient game since week 1, when he suffered a hamstring injury. It's time for the Packers to have his best version again.

Kenny Clark

Clark is paid like a top defensive lineman, but he hasn't been one this year. His 60.0 PFF grade is the definition of average, and the Packers need much more than that from him, especially because he's their best (and maybe only) versatile interior D-lineman.

He's tried to disrupt too much, and that's probably part of Joe Barry's plan, but it has hindered the run defense — that's why he has a 57.8 run defense grade. He has been relatively impactful rushing the quarterback, with 21 pressures and five sacks, but the Packers need a more complete game out of him.

Quay Walker

Walker is questionable, but if he plays, it's a big boost for this matchup. Austin Ekeler is one of the most versatile and electric running backs in football, and it's hard to have a linebacker able to cover him. Walker's athleticism allows him to compete, and if Walker is healthy and able to play, the Packers will have a better chance at limiting the Chargers explosive offense.

If Walker can't play on Sunday, this role will probably go to De'Vondre Campbell, with Isaiah McDuffie having a limited role more focused on stopping the run.

Anthony Johnson Jr.

Darnell Savage is on IR, and Rudy Ford is doubtful with a biceps injury, so the rookie seventh-rounder will have the opportunity to start his second game this season. He played pretty well against the Los Angeles Rams two weeks ago, but now the challenge is way bigger.

The Chargers have an interesting group of skill players. Even though Keenan Allen is questionable to play with a shoulder injury, he practiced at full on Friday, and the team also has first-round rookie Quentin Johnston. Moreover, Justin Herbert is a particularly tough task after starting against Brett Rypien.