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Jaguars vs. Chargers: How to watch, what to expect as Jags try to improve poor West Coast record

Garry Smits, Florida Times-Union
·2 min read
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throws against the Jaguars in a 2020 game in L.A., with the Jags Josh Allen (41) trying put pressure on him.
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert throws against the Jaguars in a 2020 game in L.A., with the Jags Josh Allen (41) trying put pressure on him.

When: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.

Where: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles.

TV: CBS.

Radio: 1010-AM, 92.5-FM; Spanish, 930 AM/97.3 FM via Accion; Sirius XM Channel 227.

Live stream: NFL+ Premium (click here for 7-day trial).

Injury report: Jaguars — Questionable, CB Shaquill Griffin (hip). Chargers -- Questionable, QB Justin Herbert (rib); WR Keenan Allen (hamstring), TE Donald Parham (hamstring); OT Trey Pipkins (foot). Doubtful, CB J.C. Jackson (ankle); C Corey Linsley (knee).

Odds: Jaguars +3.5; over-under 42.5.

Records: Jaguars 1-1, Chargers 1-1.

Last week: Jaguars beat the Indianapolis Colts 24-0; Chargers lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24

Series history: Chargers lead 9-3.

Last meeting: The Chargers won 39-29 on Oct. 25, 2020.

About the Jaguars

• The Jags are .500 or better for the first time since week two of the 2020 season. If they beat the Chargers they get off to a 2-1 start for the first time since 2018.

• The defense has collected six turnovers and six sacks. The Jags didn't reach six turnovers until week 11 last year, and didn't record six sacks until week five.

• The Jaguars have never won on the road against the Chargers, going 0-5. Four games were in San Diego and the loss in 2020 was in Los Angeles.

About the Chargers

• The big question is how mobile will quarterback Justin Herbert be with a rib cartilage injury if he's able to play. Two years ago he torched the Jags defense for 347 yards passing and three TD passes, and 66 yards rushing and a touchdown. He's not likely to take off running with his injury but has dangerous targets in wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, and tight end Gerald Everett -- except Allen also is questionable.

• L.A.'s big three on defense, pass rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa and defensive back Derwin James, have 6.5 sacks among them. But watch out for the middle pressure from tackle Mogan Fox against the Jags young tandem of center Luke Forner and left guard Ben Bartch. Fox has three sacks this season.

• Running back Austin Ekeler has gotten off to a slow start with 75 yards and 2.7 yards per carry. But he leads the team with 13 receptions (for 91 yards).

Key matchup

Jaguars CBs Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell vs. Chargers WR Mike Williams

After being held to two receptions for 10 yards in the opening game against Las Vegas, Williams exploded for 113 yards on eight catches last week against Kansas City.

L.A. Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams had a huge game last week against the Kansas City Chiefs.
L.A. Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams had a huge game last week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 6-foot-4, 218-pound six-year veteran from Clemson had a monster year in 2021 with 98 receptions for 1,361 yards and 11 touchdowns. It will be up to Griffin and Campbell, who have been somewhat up and down the first two games, to keep him in check and they still may need help from the safeties.

Contact Garry Smits at gsmits@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @GSmitter

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars vs. Chargers: How to watch, what to expect in first 2022 West Coast trip