The Chargers know exactly what’s waiting for them in Week 2: Max Crosby coming off the edge and making life miserable for Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel didn’t sugarcoat what makes the Raiders pass rusher so dangerous. He pointed to the full package - the motor, the toughness, and the way Crosby shows up snap after snap.
"He's, I mean, he is upper echelon just because the relentless drive and competitiveness play in play out I it's almost unmatched. So there's, you know, you play really good players every single week, and every single week they got pass rushers that NFL teams have pass rushers, and they're generally pretty talented, but every so often there's a guy that is a professional game wrecker, and so you have you have to present to the players you have to, and you know, we obviously all of our guys know who Max Crosby is and has have gone against him numerous times," McDaniel said.
That kind of respect comes with good reason. Crosby was all over the field in Week 1, finishing with two tackles, 1.5 sacks, one tackle for loss and three quarterback hits. He made his presence felt in both the passing game and against the run, which is exactly why the Chargers have to account for him on every snap.
For Los Angeles, the challenge starts up front. The offensive line has to stay sharp with its communication so Crosby doesn’t get a free lane to Herbert.
Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater loom especially large in that matchup, since Crosby does most of his damage rushing off the edge. Whether he stays in one spot or moves around will be something to watch.
The Chargers also need a cleaner day overall after Week 1. They have to move the ball more consistently, protect Herbert better, and give him a chance to find open receivers. If they can keep Crosby from wrecking the plan, the offense should have a much better shot at finding rhythm - and putting together a productive day on the ground, too.
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Chargers Already Have A Worrying Akheem Mesidor Problem
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Through Week 1, Mesidor has not yet delivered the kind of impact the Chargers were hoping for, which only adds to the concern around a defense trying to find its footing. The coaching staff still has time to get more out of him, and the need is obvious if the team wants to avoid digging an early hole. For now, the question is whether Mesidor can settle in quickly enough to become part of the solution rather than another reason for worry. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers Left Guard Problem Is About To Get A Real Answer
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The split duties drew criticism because it cut into the offensive lines continuity, a particularly important issue for a unit trying to settle in early. Awosika also entered the conversation with some momentum after initial Pro Football Focus data in the season opener showed him grading better than Pipkins, so this weeks snap count should go a long way toward clarifying the Chargers best answer at the spot. [Read more 🡒]
Chargers O-Line Shuffle Is Exposing A Bigger Problem Than Harbaugh Wanted
The Chargers are still trying to sort out the interior of their offensive line, and the picture at left guard has already changed again by Week 2. Jim Harbaugh has moved away from a rotation there, but the answers have not come easily, with Trey Pipkins among the players asked to step in while the group deals with injuries and a lack of settled roles.
The bigger issue is what all of this says about the line as a whole. With center Tyler Biadasz sidelined and rookie Jake Slaughter starting at left guard, the Chargers are leaning on combinations that raise real questions about fit, experience and continuity. It is the sort of early-season instability that can linger long after the lineup card changes. [Read more 🡒]