The Chargers travel to Seattle to face the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks on Sunday as Los Angeles continues its search for its first win.
Here are a few reasons to be optimistic that LA can get it done.
Struggling run game
Seattle has struggled to run the ball this season with Kenneth Walker III off to Kansas City and Zach Charbonnet on injured reserve, as the Seahawks rank 28th in EPA/rush and managed only 44 yards against the Commanders in a 33-31 loss last week. First-round rookie Jadarian Price has fumbled twice, the latter of which got him benched, is now on injured reserve. George Holani is also on the injury report with a rib issue, leaving Emanuel Wilson and practice squad members Velus Jones Jr. and Jacardia Wright as the only healthy running backs.
LA has been a strong run defense unit to start the year and may be able to keep Seattle behind the sticks consistently on Sunday.
Rotation at guard
With starting right guard Anthony Bradford on injured reserve, Seattle has pulled a play out of the Chargers' playbook and rotated Christian Haynes and Beau Stephens there in Weeks 2 and 3. Those two will likely continue to rotate because both have been solid, but not spectacular. That puts pressure on that duo and right tackle Abraham Lucas, which the Chargers should be able to exploit with Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Akheem Mesidor, and defensive tackle Teair Tart all playing well to start the season. Running stunts and twists on the right side of the line may be a way to generate extra pressure on Sam Darnold, who will be in his second game back from a glute injury.
Defensive injuries
It looks like Seattle will get safety/nickel Nick Emmanwori back from an ankle injury on Sunday. Safeties Julian Love (calf) and Ty Okada (hamstring) missed last weekend's game against the Commanders. Love has said that he plans to play, but that still reduces Seattle's depth to Rodney Thomas II and former Charger AJ Finley on the back end. While the Seahawks defense has played at an elite level to start the year, that attrition at safety may leave some space for the Chargers offense to exploit them.
Trap game vibes
The Chargers will likely be playing desparately after an 0-3 start with the rest of their season potentially on the line. Jim Harbaugh and players have alluded to that sense of urgency since last week's loss, while offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has also said he feels he knows what works with quarterback Justin Herbert better after three games. Seattle is not exactly resting on their laurels after an upset loss to the Commanders with backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, but as the Super Bowl champions, they also know that they'll get other teams' best shot every week. The Chargers roster has proven that their best shot under Harbaugh can compete with anybody, which could set up for a closer game than expected on Sunday.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 4 reasons for optimism for Chargers against the Seahawks in Week 4
