The Seattle Seahawks are back in the friendly confines of the Pacific Northwest this weekend as they host the Los Angeles Chargers. Since these two teams are no longer AFC West rivals, they rarely face each other these days. This will be the firt meeting between the Seahawks and Chargers since 2022, and the Chargers' first trip to Seattle since the 2018 season.
As such, it is beyond fitting we take another trip behind enemy lines to get a better idea of this Chargers squad. We spoke with Gavino Borquez, managing editor at Chargers Wire, to learn more about Seattle's upcoming opponent. Our questions and Borquez' answers are below:
No. 1 - What has gone wrong for the Chargers this season?
The Chargers' 0-3 start stems from an offensive collapse under new coordinator Mike McDaniel. A shaky interior offensive line
has hindered the run game, and the motion-heavy scheme has left players confused, as shown by a league-leading 10 false-start penalties that have stalled the unit. Additionally, pass-catchers like Quentin Johnston are dropping critical passes, causing the offense to waste a defense that forced five turnovers in Week 3.
No. 2 - Justin Herbert has seemingly escaped blame for most of his career, but the narrative appears to be changing. How much blame would you assign him this year?
Justin Herbert deserves some blame for this collapse. Through three games, Herbert is completing just 59.1% of his passes with four interceptions, and his downfield efficiency ranks last in the NFL. He looks overwhelmed, forcing throws and panicking under pressure late in games. However, he is not solely at fault. Herbert has been sacked eight times and receives zero help from his supporting cast and play-caller.
No. 3 - Who is a non-household name Charger we should be aware of?
Rookie safety Genesis Smith is an absolute must-watch who just burst onto the scene last weekend. Smith put the entire league on notice during a Week 3 matchup against the Bills. Filling in for the injured Elijah Molden, Smith intercepted quarterback Josh Allen twice in the first half. It wouldn't be surprising to see him pick off QB Sam Darnold if he decides to throw deep.
No. 4 - Is there a matchup that gives you concern?
The Chargers' interior offensive line is decimated by injuries, forcing them to start Trevor Penning at left guard. Right guard Cole Strange has struggled mightily. Expecting this unit to block Seattle's dominant defensive front of Leonard Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence is a recipe for disaster.
No. 5 - Who wins and why?
Justin Herbert keeps the Chargers neck-and-neck with the Seahawks by attacking the short passing game. In the fourth quarter, Seattle's defensive front finally wears down the Chargers' offensive line, forcing a critical turnover that allows Sam Darnold to throw the decisive touchdown. Seahawks 27, Chargers 20.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: 5 things to know about the Seahawks' Week 4 opponents: the Chargers
