The Los Angeles Rams are taking on the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday in their first meeting since the 2022 season. The Rams are 3-4 and looking to get back to .500, while the Chargers are still searching for their first win.
To preview this game, we caught up with Chargers Wire's Gavino Borquez and asked him five questions about the team, including a final score prediction.
What on earth has happened to Justin Herbert and this offense? What’s gone so wrong with Mike McDaniel as the OC?
Chargers Wire: The Chargers sit at 0-6 and rank dead last in the NFL in points per game (15.0) and EPA per play (-0.190). Herbert is playing the worst football of his seven seasons in the league. He has thrown 5 touchdowns and thrown 8 interceptions, tying for the league high, and has taken 21 sacks. The issues are layered. The offensive line and wide receiver group have
been ravaged by injuries. Pre-snap penalties have hindered the unit. And the marriage between Herbert and McDaniel’s scheme has not clicked. The two spent roughly four hours in film sessions during the bye week working on mutual accountability and finding spots to build on. We will see if it comes together on Sunday.
Are there any key players the Chargers are getting back from injury this week coming off the bye?
Chargers Wire: Right tackle Joe Alt is officially cleared and returning to the lineup after missing time with a neck injury. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey has been a full participant in practice coming out of the bye, though still navigating final clearance from a concussion, and is expected to play.
Who’s an underrated player on defense that the Rams should know about?
Chargers Wire: While the average casual fan might not know his name, defensive tackle Teair Tart is widely respected by offensive linemen as a player they need to account for. Tart is known for his run defense prowess, but he has flashed effectively in generating interior pressure.
Do the Chargers have any playmakers who can threaten the Rams defense besides Ladd McConkey?
Chargers Wire: The Chargers don't possess an alpha weapon, but second-year Tre' Harris has flashed potential as a reliable deep threat. In 5 games, he has caught 15 passes on 26 targets for 225 yards, averaging an efficient 15.0 yards per reception. Though his momentum was temporarily paused by an injury suffered in Week 5 that forced him to miss the Week 6 game against the Chiefs, Harris is trending towards on Sunday.
Who wins on Sunday and what’s the final score?
Chargers Wire: While the Chargers benefit from the return of key offensive pieces in Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey, their vulnerability lies right up the middle. The Bolts' struggling interior offensive line is poised to be the Achilles' heel in this game, allowing the Rams' defensive front to consistently collapse the pocket and get to Justin Herbert. Furthermore, even with the Chargers coming off a bye week, it's hard to tell whether they've made any meaningful offensive changes. Expect the Rams to exploit the center of the line and for their balanced offense to score three touchdowns to secure the victory. Rams 24, Chargers 16.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams-Chargers preview: 5 questions for Sunday's matchup
