The Los Angeles Chargers are officially rolling. After a statement win over the Kansas City Chiefs that not only ended their rival’s season but also pushed the Bolts to 10-4, the narrative around this team has flipped entirely.
Not long ago, a losing season looked like a real possibility. Now?
They’re a win away from virtually locking up a playoff berth. And next up: a road trip to face the 6-7-1 Dallas Cowboys, a team still trying to find its identity down the stretch.
Dallas just gave up a breakout performance to J.J. McCarthy, and their defense is showing cracks.
The Chargers, meanwhile, are playing their best football of the year-especially on the defensive side. But to keep this momentum going and take care of business in Dallas, there are three key things they need to get right.
1. Let the Big Three Eat
When Tuli Tuipulotu, Odafe Oweh, and Khalil Mack are all on the field together, it’s a problem-plain and simple. This trio has been relentless in recent weeks, and they’ve become the engine behind the Chargers’ defensive resurgence. Their ability to generate pressure without needing heavy blitz packages gives defensive coordinator Jesse Minter a ton of flexibility.
Against Dallas, that pass rush needs to be front and center. The Cowboys have serious weapons at receiver, and if Dak Prescott is allowed to sit back with time, those receivers will find space.
The key here is to speed up Dak’s internal clock. Force him into quicker decisions, get him off his spot, and the odds of a game-changing mistake go way up.
The Chargers don’t need to reinvent the wheel-just let their dogs hunt.
2. Don’t Let Quinnen Williams Wreck the Game
Assuming Quinnen Williams clears concussion protocol, he’s the one guy who can single-handedly derail the Chargers’ offensive rhythm. He’s been a game-wrecker since returning, and his presence in the middle has transformed Dallas’ run defense from a soft spot into a strength.
Greg Roman’s job this week? Scheme around him.
That might mean quick-hitting runs to the outside, misdirection, or using tempo to keep Williams from getting set. You’re not going to neutralize a player like that completely-few can.
But you can make sure he doesn’t take over the game. If Williams is consistently living in the backfield, this could get ugly fast.
The Chargers need to keep him guessing and avoid letting him dictate the terms at the line of scrimmage.
3. Keep KaVontae Turpin in Check
Special teams might not always get the headlines, but it can flip a game in a heartbeat-and KaVontae Turpin is exactly the kind of player who can do that. He’s one of the most dangerous return men in the league, and the Chargers have had their share of special teams mishaps this season.
One big return could light a fire under a Dallas crowd that might otherwise be sleepwalking through a game with limited playoff stakes. That’s the last thing Los Angeles wants.
The Chargers can’t afford to give the Cowboys any free momentum. The coverage units need to be disciplined, stay in their lanes, and keep Turpin in front of them.
Make Dallas earn every yard the hard way. A clean special teams performance could be the hidden edge that tips this game in the Chargers’ favor.
So here we are. The Chargers are 10-4, riding a wave of confidence, and staring down a golden opportunity to put one foot firmly in the postseason.
Win in Dallas, and the path to January football becomes a whole lot clearer. But slip up, and suddenly every remaining game turns into a must-win.
This team has shown it can handle adversity. Now we’ll find out if it can handle expectations.