Keys to a Chargers’ victory over Bills in Week 12
The Chargers are set to face off against the Bills on Sunday. There are a few things that Los Angeles will need to do in order to a secure a victory.
Offensively, quarterback Justin Herbert and company could be in for a field day, facing a Buffalo defense that has allowed 872 total yards and 66 points.
However, their secondary, which features a few studs, will be fresh off a bye week. The offensive line will need to be on their A-game, as well. The Bills have posted 27 sacks this season.
L.A. will have running back Austin Ekeler back in the mix after he was activated off the injured reserve on Saturday. Ekeler could quickly get back on track, facing a run defense that ranks No. 29 in the NFL.
Defensively, the Bolts will have their hands full. Not only is Josh Allen one of the league’s most prolific quarterbacks, the Chargers will be short-handed, as they will be without cornerback Casey Hayward and defensive ends Melvin Ingram and Uchenna Nwosu.
It all starts up front with generating pressure. Joey Bosa, who had five quarterback hits, will need to make up for Ingram and Nwosu being out to minimize the time in the pocket for Allen. Jerry Tillery, Justin Jones and Linval Joseph will also be needed in a big way.
The Bills haven’t been susceptible to running the football, which means that it could take the pressure off of the linebackers. However, Allen is just as efficient with his legs as he is with his arm. A quarterback spy will be needed, and it’s all about making sound tackles in the open field, which is something the team has struggled with.
The battle in the secondary will be the most critical matchup. While Chris Harris Jr. returns to the action, Hayward will be out. Buffalo features two stout wide receivers, Stefon Diggs and Cole Beasley. Michael Davis, Tevaughn Campbell and Brandon Facyson will have to keep them close.
Special teams is an area where games have been determined for the Chargers. After being ranked last, the team made some changes to the coaching staff in hopes of fixing their woes. We will see if the changes pay off.
