On Wednesday, the Chargers (4-6) introduced they’re inserting linebacker Joey Bosa on injured reserve after he suffered a foot sprain in a Week 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He will miss at the least 4 video games.
“It’s hard to overstate how big the loss of Bosa is for the Chargers,” wrote The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “[Head coach] Brandon Staley’s defense has been bad this season. The positive spurts, though, have come when Bosa and [linebacker] Khalil Mack are both healthy and rushing the passer at a high level.”
L.A. is fifth within the NFL in sacks (34) and ninth in tackles for loss (55). Bosa was second on the workforce in sacks (6.5) and fourth in tackles for loss (six). Rookie linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu — second on the workforce in TFLs (eight)— will fill in for Bosa. Although the 21-year-old has proven promise, changing a four-time Pro Bowler is troublesome.
Aside from its means to generate stress, the Chargers protection is awful. The unit is tied for twenty third within the NFL in factors allowed (23.8) and ranks second to final in yards allowed (393.6). Despite the struggles, Staley insisted he will not cede defensive play calling following the loss to Green Bay.
Don’t be shocked if the Chargers D struggles in a prime-time matchup in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens on “Sunday Night Football.” Baltimore is fourth within the NFL in factors scored (27.6). As of Wednesday, oddschecker lists the Ravens as a 3.5-point favourite.
The New York Times simulator notes Los Angeles’ playoff chances will fall from 10 to 5 % if it loses on Sunday.
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