The Chargers sit pretty with a 5-3 record after winning a close game in philly. What could be better than that? Well 6-3 of course! This is a game that theoretically was marked as a win by most fans upon the schedule release. However, this is a game that could present real issues match up wise. Both teams have several injuries on the defensive side of the ball. This is a game that has potential for a shoot out. Let’s take a look at some keys to victory.
Big goon to the rescue
Linval Joseph has been on a tear the last two games. Ever since the return of Justin Jones Joseph has been playing like his old self and the proof is in the pudding. It makes sense seeing as how he wasn’t getting much help next to him from Tillery or Covington. Since the return of Jones, Joseph has recorded two straight games with an 80 defensive grade or higher including a grade of 86 run defensive grade last week. He recorded 7 tackles and 3 stops at the line of scrimmage and 2 tackles for a loss. This week he goes against his former team so emotionally Linval will want badly to put on a performance like last week. If he can manage to help stop the run in thus type of same capacity it will hinder Minnesota’s offensive game plan.
DBs need to embrace the challenge
This is where the match ups get a bit tricky for the Bolt’s. With Davis out again this week Asante Samuel Jr will get his biggest test as the CB1 for the first time in his career. He will likley be matched up against the offensive rookie of the year runner up, Justin Jefferson. Adam Thielen on the other side is no slouch himself. Tevaughn Campbell will be the other corner with a big test this week. Campbell has been one of the more unheralded suprise players this year. While he isn’t exactly a shut down corner, he has definitely played at a higher level than most fans expected coming in with a 68.4 coverage grade so far on the season. Some help over the from both Nasir Adderley and Derwin James should help ease the threat of a big play. Adderley’s coverage grade has been 71 or higher 3 of the last 4 week’s. Combine that with the fact that Cousins has thrown for less than 190 yards the last two weeks in a row and it makes the daunting match ups not seem as insurmountable.
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