We're back with another "Strengths & Weaknesses" to preview an upcoming game, and I can already imagine people saying, "Wouldn't the Chargers side of this remain the same each week?" 

Well....no. Last week, I said that the Chargers' strength was their pass defense and their weakness was protecting Justin Herbert. Both of those situations have evolved. Let's find out how that effects tomorrow's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Chargers Strength: Third Down

I can't use this one all the time, but I'm going to hope to use it for the next two weeks because the Los Angeles Chargers, who are about average when it comes to converting on third down on the road (41.18%), have been an elite offensive team at home on third down (51.52%).

Also, in case you're worried about bias, I think it's easy to agree that they have faced tougher defenses at home (KC, DEN, WSH) than on the road (LV, NYG, MIA).

Both of these numbers are improvements over the team's 2024 third-down conversion rate of 39.66%, which was right at league average.

I don't know what it is, but I do know that the Chargers are more comfortable when they have the ball on third down at Sofi Stadium and that's going to make it harder for them to lose.

Colts Strength: Scoring Points

I know that sounds stupid, but I need you to understand that the Indianapolis Colts offense is kinda terrifying. They lead the entire NFL in total points scored and points scored per game. Their third-down conversion rate is the second-best in the league (behind the Packers). They are great at running the ball and passing the ball and they look like a well-oiled machine while doing both.

The Chargers defense will be tested.

Chargers Weakness: Stopping the Run

The Chargers have given up 100+ rushing yards in each of their last four games. The only reason the Dolphins were in the game last week was because of De'Von Achane's 8.0 yards per carry. And still, meaning right this second, the Dolphins rank 28th in the league in rushing yards, 11th in rushing yards per attempt and 20th in rushing TDs. The Colts rank 6th, 14th and 1st, respectively.

This is the battle the Chargers' coaching staff will need to figure out to force Daniel Jones to make plays to win the game.

Colts Weakness: Time of Possession

This is a weird hidden stat that I want to make everyone aware of.

Two things can be true at the same time:

1. The Colts lead the league in offensive time of possession
2. The Colts have lost the time of possession battle in each of their last four games

This is caused by the Colts overwhelmingly winning the TOP battle against the Dolphins in Week 1 and that screwing with the averages and totals. 

They're kind of the opposite of the Chargers that way, as Los Angeles has handily won the TOP battle in three of their last four games. Perhaps that can be a blueprint for Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers coaching staff, to keep the Indianapolis defense on the field and tire them out while keeping Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor sitting on the sidelines.