Lions vs. Chargers Week 2 Scouting Report: Banged-up, still a threat
When the Chargers have the ball
He’s 37 years old, and doesn’t have much mobility, but quarterback Philip Rivers can still sling it with the best of them. He had an excellent Week 1 against the Colts, putting up over 300 yards through the air to go with three scores. The Lions will need to generate consistent pressure to force Rivers into poor decisions. Give him too much time, and it could be a long day for the Lions’ secondary.
Running back Melvin Gordon’s contract holdout seems to have no end in sight, but it hasn’t been much of a concern for the Chargers, furthering the debate abut the value of starting running backs in today’s NFL. Regardless, the Chargers have a solid, efficient pair in the backfield with Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson.
The duo combined for 115 yards on ground on just 18 carries in Week 1. Ekeler, always a threat out of the backfield, exploded for 96 yards through the air and two scores, including a 55-yard, tackle-shedding screen pass that went the distance. The Lions’ linebackers will need to be disciplined with their run pursuit and rush fits, in order to contain Ekeler’s forays into the second level of their defense.
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Wide receiver Keenan Allen is one of the absolute best in the NFL, capable of lining up all over the formation. Naturally, that means that he and Lions cornerback Darius Slay will get to know each other very well today. Slay tends to fare better when guarding opposing star receivers on the outside, as opposed to in the slot. Will the Lions shift nickel man Justin Coleman onto Allen inside, or will Slay shadow him everywhere? It will undoubtedly be a critical storyline to follow.
Tight end Hunter Henry is out with a knee injury, meaning Virgil Green and Sean Culkin will see the majority of the snaps at the position for L.A. Primarily blocking tight ends, they pose little threat in the passing game. Green has averaged just ten receptions per season during his career, and Culkin has a grand total of one career catch. This should be a distinct advantage for Detroit, though they have been victimized in recent seasons by backup tight ends.
The Lions’ vaunted defensive line seemed to tire as the game wore on against the Cardinals, and they will need to force more down and distance situations against L.A. to keep maintain their effectiveness later in the game. The Chargers have been unimposing in the middle of their offensive line for the past several seasons, and the Lions’ front must take advantage early to avoid playing from behind.