Houston's ferocious front awaits. Can Greg Roman orchestrate an "ugly" win, leaning on the run game to protect Herbert and shock the Texans?
The Los Angeles Chargers are suiting up for their biggest game of the season against the Houston Texans and their vaunted defensive line. The Chargers will be wearing their fan-favorite “Super Chargers” uniforms for the primetime matchup and who knows, maybe that provides a bit of luck and confidence. Look good, feel good, play good, right?
Hopefully, Jim Harbaugh and the team are not relying on uniforms and pregame hype to carry them against a Texans team still firmly in the hunt for the AFC South title. Everyone knows the Chargers offensive line is severely outmatched against this Houston front. Suggesting otherwise would be flat-out ignorant.
This is where coaching matters most. This is where Harbaugh’s reputation was built. Ugly wins still count, especially in December, especially when everything is stacked against you.
Greg Roman will be called upon to do everything in his power to help both Justin Herbert and the offensive line find any semblance of success in a game where nearly every advantage favors Houston.
Even the Chargers’ best version of their already banged-up offensive line will not be on the field, with Jamaree Salyer ruled out due to a hamstring injury. For Roman, the approach should be simple. Get big bodies on the field. Get them moving in the run game. Mix in motion from Scott Matlock. Use blocking tight ends. Do everything possible to slow down the Texans pass rush.
Houston is not going to just lay down, but if Roman can turn this into an ugly game, the Chargers have a real chance to grind it out. Herbert does not need all day to throw because there likely isn’t a universe where that happens anyway. What matters is making sure he is not running for his life in under two seconds on every snap.
Stack bodies up front and lean into the run game. We have already seen this team win games by making things uncomfortable. Let Omarion Hampton impact the game on the edges while the big bodies create space inside. This is not a matchup the Chargers are going to win in the trenches outright. Instead, throw every resource possible into sustaining drives and staying on the field.
Three points per drive are infinitely better than repeated three-and-outs or turnovers. Roman knows exactly what he has to do to give this team a chance against Houston. Now it’s time to see if he can execute and put the Chargers in position for a Week 18 winner-take-all showdown for the AFC West.