The Chargers enter Seattle searching for their first win of the season. To get it, the offense must finally find its rhythm, the team has to eliminate costly turnovers and the defense needs to continue its aggressive play.
The Los Angeles Chargers head into Seattle in desperate need of a complete performance. Sitting at 0-3, the Chargers have shown flashes in each of their first three games but have yet to put everything together for 60 minutes. The Seahawks present another difficult challenge, especially at Lumen Field, but there are three things the Chargers must do if they want to finally get into the win column.
1. Get the Offense on Track
The biggest issue through three games has been the offense. The Chargers are averaging just 14.7 points per game, which ranks 29th in the NFL, while Justin Herbert has thrown for 627 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.
That simply isn’t good enough for an offense built around one of the league’s best quarterbacks.
The Chargers need to find a way to get Herbert comfortable early. That means establishing the run with Omarion Hampton, getting Ladd McConkey involved and finding ways to utilize the tight ends. The offense has spent far too much time struggling to sustain drives and has been unable to consistently put pressure on opposing defenses.
Seattle’s defense has been one of the better units in the league early this season, so the Chargers can’t afford another slow start. They need to move the football, stay ahead of the chains and finish drives with touchdowns.
2. Protect the Football
Turnovers have been an ongoing problem for the Chargers, and ball security has to become a priority.
Herbert already has four interceptions through three games, while the Chargers have struggled with execution and mistakes throughout the season. Seattle has also been particularly opportunistic defensively, entering the matchup with an NFL-best four interceptions.
The Chargers cannot give the Seahawks short fields or extra possessions. Against Buffalo, Los Angeles actually won the turnover battle 5-1 and still lost 24-16, showing that even creating takeaways isn’t enough if the offense can’t capitalize.
Protecting the football doesn’t mean playing scared. It means making smart decisions and eliminating the unnecessary mistakes that have plagued this team.
3. Continue the Defensive Aggression
The defense has been one of the few bright spots for the Chargers, particularly after forcing five turnovers against Buffalo. The pass rush has also generated seven sacks through three games.
That aggression needs to continue against Seattle.
Sam Darnold is back healthy, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as one of the NFL’s most productive receivers with 405 yards and six touchdowns through three games. The Chargers need to make Seattle uncomfortable and prevent Smith-Njigba from taking over the game.
The defense can’t be expected to carry the team every week, but another aggressive performance would give the Chargers a chance to stay in the game while the offense tries to find its footing.
The Chargers don’t need to reinvent themselves this week. They need to execute. If the offense finally gets going, the turnovers disappear and the defense continues playing aggressively, Los Angeles will give itself a legitimate opportunity to change the direction of the season.
