State of the Union: San Diego Chargers Offense Week 7
The San Diego Chargers offense continues to have success in 2014. They have led the team to 5 straight wins and continue rolling momentum. The Chargers will be facing the Kansas City Chiefs this week. The Chiefs always find a way to limit the passer but can be knocked back with the run.
Phillip Rivers continues to add to his MVP resume. Last week at Oakland he threw for 313 yards and 3 touchdowns in their victory. He has a 69.3% completions leading to 1,756 yards and 15 touchdowns.
This week he will deal with a Chiefs defense that is 7th in the league against the pass. This defense does not intercept the ball but they find a way to get after the quarterback. Tamba Hali and Justin Houston are as tough as rushers get. Rivers can succeed this week if he plays smart and quick with the passing offense.
The passing game has a wealth of options for the Chargers and the Chiefs cannot cover them all. It is expected that the Chiefs will key in on Keenan Allen which opens up Malcolm Floyd and Eddie Royal. Even if they are able to cover up Gates, look for Ladarius Green to have success. If there’s one thing Rivers has done great, it is spread the ball around to the open spots in the defense. It is also possible for Branden Oliver to get some catches out of the backfield.
Speaking of Branden Oliver, he is expected to get the workload once again. It has helped the pass block in the backfield to have Ronnie Brown but Oliver will get the carries. Last week at Oakland he had 26 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs are ranked 23rd against the run and Oliver is elusive enough to roll this defense. If Oliver can continue to get 100 yards off 20 carries then the Chargers offense has infinite possibilities.
I expect Oliver to get 1 touchdown and 125 yards this week and Phillip Rivers throwing for 3 touchdowns and 250 yards. The Chiefs are coming off their bye week but are not ready for this offense. This team is hot and on a roll with Denver very close on a Thursday night. Expect the Chargers to be quick and fast in scoring so they can keep their guys fresh for Denver.