The Chargers are back from their bye week and resume their quest for their first win on Sunday in a matchup between arguably the two most disappointing teams in the league to this point.
Here's what LA needs to do on offense to beat the Rams.
Keep it simple
Even if offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, quarterback Justin Herbert, and head coach Jim Harbaugh won't say it directly, it's clear from the first portion of the season that the Chargers tried to install the nuances of this offense before they nailed the basics. With McDaniel still in the building and calling plays and Harbaugh talking this week about cutting down the volume in the playbook, Sunday has to look like a simplified - perhaps even boring - version of what Chargers fans have seen this season to justify
McDaniel's continued presence. That's especially true considering the Chargers could still be missing a number of contributors on offense.
Shut out the pass rush
The Rams have managed only 10 sacks in 7 games, and Chargers tackle Joe Alt is completely off the injury report after missing two games with a neck injury. For as much as has been made of Alt's struggles with penalties this season, he has played at the level Chargers fans have come to expect both as a pass protector and in the run game. His return should be a huge boost and will help contain Byron Young, who is the Rams' second-most dangerous threat behind defensive tackle Aaron Donald with Myles Garrett, Kobie Turner, and Poona Ford all on injured reserve.
Look competent with stars back
In addition to Alt, the Chargers should get wide receiver Ladd McConkey back with no limitations considering he has practiced in full while clearing the league's concussion protocol and is no longer listed with a foot injury. LA's offense has been at its best when McConkey has played the full game, so his return, in addition to what Alt can give the Chargers from a protection standpoint, should set a floor of not looking like the worst offense in the league by a mile. If the Chargers can accomplish that, and maybe a little bit more, Sunday could be a successful outing.
Limit turnovers
The Chargers have turned the ball over 15 times in 6 games, which on a per game basis is the worst in the league by half a turnover (the Patriots turn the ball over twice a game). But the Rams' defense is not proficient at forcing turnovers - they have only 6 takeaways in 7 games, a per-game rate tied for fourth-worst in the league - so the Chargers just need to avoid handing the ball straight to their opponents, and it should be a positive turnover margin game. Unfortunately, that's exactly what LA has struggled with so far this season, but if they can manage it on Sunday, they might be able to sustain drives and keep up on the scoreboard.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers' offensive keys to victory against the Rams
