L.a. Chargers Chargers vs New Orleans Saints Picks and Predictions October 27th 2024

Saints Look to Locate Missing Rush Defense vs. Chargers

The New Orleans Saints are desperate for a solution to their faltering run defense as they visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. After allowing 641 rushing yards over the last three games, the Saints are in dire need of a defensive turnaround to stop their five-game losing streak.

Saints’ Defensive Woes: Tackling the Basics

In recent games, the Saints’ defensive lapses have led to significant yardage gains for their opponents. Averaging 5.9 yards allowed per carry and recording 24 missed tackles over their past three games, New Orleans is aware of the holes in its game plan.

“I think that’s the type of game that they want to play, so we’re going to see it, and we’re going to see it until we stop it,” Saints head coach Dennis Allen said. “We’re going to have to do a better job of striking blocks, getting off the blocks, and tackling when we get in those positions.”

In their Week 7 matchup, New Orleans allowed 225 rushing yards in a 33-10 loss to Denver. Allen pointed out that part of the issue has been a lack of defensive presence around the ball, making missed tackles even more costly.

“Missed tackles do happen in our league, but when you create more and more population to the ball, they don’t become as costly, because you have somebody else backing you up,” Allen explained. To tighten their defense, the Saints will focus on fundamentals like tackling, block-shedding, and consistently bringing multiple defenders to the point of attack.

Chargers’ Rushing Attack: Room for Improvement

While the Chargers’ offense ranks 10th in the NFL for rushing attempts per game, their run game has been inconsistent. Led by J.K. Dobbins, who has 478 yards and three touchdowns this season, Los Angeles has seen its rushing attack fluctuate. Although Dobbins started strong with big games in the season’s opening weeks, the Chargers have been held to 61 or fewer rushing yards in three of their last four games.

The Chargers struggled on the ground again in their most recent outing, a 17-15 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. With only 59 rushing yards on 22 attempts, Los Angeles struggled to create running lanes for Dobbins, who managed just 40 yards on 14 carries. Center Bradley Bozeman acknowledged the offensive line’s role in this shortfall.

“They were forcing guys in the box and doing a couple different things,” Bozeman said. “At the end of the day, we have to execute and give J.K. those seams.”

Chargers’ Offensive Strategy: Air Attack in Focus

With recent struggles in the run game, the Chargers leaned on quarterback Justin Herbert against Arizona, and he responded with a season-high 349 passing yards. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh suggested that offensive balance is still a priority, but adaptability is crucial.

“Sometimes you go George Patton — on the ground. Sometimes it’s Chuck Yeager, Amelia Earhart and you’re going through the air,” Harbaugh said. “We were very effective through the air in this ballgame. You really don’t know what the next will be, so you’re striving to get good at both.”

Saints’ Offense: Rattler Steps In Again

With starting quarterback Derek Carr sidelined for a third week due to an oblique injury, rookie Spencer Rattler will continue as the Saints’ signal-caller. Rattler’s time as starter has been challenging, managing a completion rate of 62.7% with 415 passing yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions over the last two games.

In addition to Carr’s absence, the Saints are managing several key injuries on offense. Notably, running back Alvin Kamara and wide receivers Chris Olave and Cedrick Wilson Jr. were limited in practice this week, as were other core players, including tight end Taysom Hill and offensive linemen Lucas Patrick, Cesar Ruiz, and Connor McGovern.

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Chargers’ Injury Report: Key Absences

Los Angeles also faces its share of injuries. Wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey, tight ends Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly, and linebacker Denzel Perryman all missed Wednesday’s practice. Additionally, linebacker Joey Bosa and wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. were limited participants, adding potential question marks to the Chargers’ game plan.

Game Outlook: Keys to the Clash

For New Orleans, it’s all about finding a way to halt the run and tighten defensive fundamentals. If the Saints can plug their holes in the run game, they’ll have a better chance of slowing a Chargers team that’s shown a willingness to adapt with a balanced offense.

Meanwhile, the Chargers may look to expose any defensive gaps in New Orleans with Herbert’s arm while continuing to push their run game. With both teams struggling for consistency, Sunday’s clash will be a litmus test for which team can find stability and make the right adjustments.