Los Angeles Chargers: Three keys to victory against Rams
By Jason Reed
1. Beat the Los Angeles Rams in special teams
As simple as this first key may sound, it actually could be quite hard for the Los Angeles Chargers to do. The Chargers are notorious for struggling in the special teams department whether it is making field goals or punt and kickoff returns.
Perhaps the only consistent positive for the Chargers’ special teams unit is punter, Drew Kaser. However, in Week 1 he blasted the ball too far, giving Tyreek Hill enough time to establish himself and take a kickback to the house.
That is obviously not Kaser’s fault but we had to nitpick him some.
Caleb Sturgis has been decent thus far as the kicker but missed a kick in Week 1 that would have at least given the Chargers a chance to tie the game down by one possession. Returning kicks and punts still has not been great.
Normally, this would impossible for the Chargers to do as the Rams have arguably the best kicker in the league and an elite kick returner and punt returner. However, kicker Greg Zuerlein is out with injury and Pharoh Cooper is on the IR.
Making field goals is huge and the Chargers can’t leave any points on the table and have to hope that Sam Ficken is shaky for the Rams.
As for the returning department, the offense is going to need extra help against this defense and getting good starting field position will be a massive help. Keeping the Rams’ returns at bay, which shouldn’t be too difficult, is imperative as well.