The Chargers continue to search for their first win, but the vibes in Denver have only been slightly better as the Broncos are 2-2 and facing an offensive play-caller change heading into Sunday's game.
Here are a few reasons to be concerned about LA getting their first win.
Injuries piling up
The Chargers will be without five offensive linemen on Sunday: Joe Alt (neck), Kayode Awosika (fibula), Trevor Penning (concussion), and Rashawn Slater (ankle). That would leave a likely starting five of Logan Taylor, Jake Slaughter, Jacob Spomer, Cole Strange, and Travis Burke, with Branson Taylor as an option since he was activated from injured reserve on Saturday. Cornerback Donte Jackson (hamstring), nickel Derwin James Jr. (hamstring), and wide receiver Quentin Johnston
(chest) will also be unavailable. Wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot), who is questionable, could still be nursing his injury, leaving a thin wideout room.
Interior pressure
Defensive tackle Zach Allen is tied for second in the NFL among interior players with 19 pressures this season. 27 of LA's 56 pressures allowed that were attributed to pass blockers have been attributed to Chargers interior offensive linemen by PFF this season, with only 15 given up by offensive tackles. (The remaining 14 have been given up by tight ends or running backs.) If Los Angeles remains banged up, the problems on the interior will likely only get worse, and Omarion Hampton is the only Chargers running back who has been at least somewhat functional in pass protection.
Playcalling change
Broncos head coach Sean Payton is taking over the playcalling duties from offensive coordinator Davis Webb, according to comments he made on Thursday, ending (for now) a four-week tenure as playcaller for Webb that resulted in Denver ranking only 23rd in offensive EPA/play. Payton's resume as a playcaller is undeniable, however, so it's possible that the Broncos will find a rhythm that they have been missing with Webb calling plays. That's a tougher proposition than having first-year defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary, who has his Chargers unit playing well, matched up with first-year playcaller Webb and a struggling unit.
Quality offensive line
There's an argument that Denver is the best offensive line Los Angeles has played this season, which will come with some added challenges for a Chargers front that has been rather stout to open the year. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix has also been throwing the ball quickly this season to get checkdown options into space, which will limit the opportunities for LA's pass rush even further. With Jackson and James out, however, the Chargers will need to heat Nix up to prevent the Broncos from having explosive plays available to them.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 4 causes for concern for Chargers against the Broncos in Week 5
