Heading into week 8, the Chargers are preparing for their biggest game of the season. They’re facing off against the New Orleans Saints, a team struggling to get back to where they were at the beginning of the season. If they win this game, they can still be on the fast track to the playoffs. Should they lose, the panic meter will begin to activate for the season.
The biggest key of this game will be getting to Spencer Rattler. The rookie QB has not seemed comfortable in the league yet, and sending the elite pass rush at him can effectively neutralize him as a game-changer. This can be a much easier job if Joey Bosa returns from injury. Bosa is currently listed as questionable with a hip injury, with hopes that he can return against New Orleans. If he doesn’t, the Chargers can still use Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree to apply that pressure needed to take Rattler out of the game.
The Saints are adding more power at receiver this week, however. Chris Olave is returning from concussion protocol and new pickup Marquez Valdes-Scantling is expected to make his Saints debut this week. While not as lethal of a duo compared to some the Chargers have faced so far, it is still one worth noting going into a game. With CBs Ja’sir Taylor and Kristian Fulton expected to return, however, the Bolts will be much more equipped against this wideout duo than they have been in recent weeks.
The most important player for Los Angeles to game plan for is Alvin Kamara. Kamara has been the reason the Saints win, and the Chargers will have a tough time defending him. The Chargers run defense has been serviceable, but they haven’t gone against someone like Kamara yet. Last week they faced James Conner, who put up 101 yards rushing on 5.3 yards per carry. They let Kareem Hunt average a similar amount when he came in for the Chiefs in week four. Kamara is a different beast, and it will show how good this run defense is. Poona Ford and Taeir Tart have been very impressive, but Kamra may be too much for them this week.
The Chargers offense faces a big test this week as well, facing off against a star-studded Saints defense. Herbert will be watching out for Cam Jordan and Chase Young, while Chargers wideouts will be going up against Marshon Lattimore and Kool-Aid McKinstry. The already lackluster Bolts offense is in a tough spot and may find trouble getting in a rhythm. The offense will rely on JK Dobbins, who is off to a great start this year. Should Dobbins get hot, it will open up the passing game for Herbert and could help the Chargers get some points on the board.