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Good morning StormCloud!
In today's Week 4 matchup, the Los Angeles Chargers face a critical challenge as they take on division rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Justin Herbert is expected to start despite battling a high ankle sprain, which forced him out of last week's game. Though Herbert claims to feel better, some fans are concerned that starting him before the bye week could risk further injury. Adding to these worries, the Chargers’ offensive line is dealing with major losses, as both starting tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are sidelined. Coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman will need to be creative with their protection schemes against the Chiefs' defense.
Defensively, the Chargers are missing key playmakers. Joey Bosa is out with a hip injury, but Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, and Khalil Mack provide depth at the EDGE position. Meanwhile, the absence of safety Derwin James, suspended for a helmet-to-helmet hit in Week 3, leaves the secondary vulnerable, especially in covering star tight end Travis Kelce.
Linebacker Blake Lynch and C Sam Mustipher have been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the game, so it will be interesting to see if this hints towards Mustipher being a key to the makeshift offensive line, or if he is a depth piece. Musipher has over 40 starts at center over his career, but no starts at guard. Bradley Bozeman has played multiple seasons as a starting guard, and has done so in a Greg Roman offense, so if the Chargers were to get extremely creative we may see a line of, left-to-right, Jamaree Slayer - Zion Johnson - Sam Mustipher - Bradley Bozeman - Trey Pipkins.
While the Chiefs have shown some inconsistencies this season, defeating them without key players will be a tall task. However, a victory would send a strong message as the Chargers aim to enter the bye week at 3-1 despite their injury woes.
Happy Week Four everyone, get that chatter going in the comments below! Don't forget to follow along on the Article Page, rather than the Forum Page, for live comment updates.
I don’t love the Bolts’ chances today, but they do have a chance. If the patchwork O-line can be ok, then the team might be ok. Henley needs to have a big game. And if Tony Jefferson can have a game like he had in the preseason, that’d be great.
This is such a weird way to look forward to a game. I'm fully expecting them to lose and I just hope no major injuries get added to the already big list for the Chargers.
That being said it would be absolutely crazy and so very uncharger like for them to pull out a W from this shitty situation.
Here's hoping for a competitive game!
Of course Kelce is going to erupt for the 1st time this season
With Rice out, Kelce is going to be the focus. Need to stop him. Derwin would have been great in this game.
That's exactly what we need!
Such a great throw by Herbert. Looks like it will be his last one of today though 🙁
Ugh, lucky Chiefs.
And the refs immediately helping out a Chiefs team that is in a pickle
That is always going to be the case with the Chiefs. The Chargers need to expect this.
The boys have really brought the heat today and are managing against the 12th man but do we really not have any checks for 3rd and short yardage plays to take advantage of the loaded boxes?
Similar to last year, the defense somehow looks better without Derwin.
@kevdiego The free release on that Worthy touchdown was a huge mistake, same with all these free releases for Kelce who has been getting double and triple teamed by other teams. I'm amazed we've been getting any calls against the Chiefs OL.
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