The Chargers offensive line has turned solid to wobbly in a short time and it is keeping quarterback Justin Herbert in a difficult position. Los Angeles is entering turbulence after cruising past three AFC West rivals ready to take on Washington Commanders on Sunday.
Left tackle Joe Alt, who has performed well in place of Rashawn Slater with a knee injury that sidelines him, has a high ankle sprain. Mekhi Becton, a right guard, is also doubtful with a concussion, and the line will be playing in a patchwork formation that failed to hold up with the New York Giants last week.
Cinderella story, said offensive line guru Duke Manyweather. You see when that clock strikes mid-night the carriage is a pumpkin. You saw that against New York.”
There is no lack of choice among the Chargers. Injuries have been problems a team has dealt with in the past, and coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman can use tricks to improvise–have a back in to protect or bring in a tight end to the line, etc. One modification, though, restricts the versatility of the offense, and the linemen remain in the process of mastering field communication.
Right tackle Trey Pipkins III said that, especially with new guys, you have to speak it out a lot. Having played with one long enough, you find out what he will do. So far, it is all about over-communicating.
No record of when Alt will resume but Austin Deculus is left with left tackle. The third choice of the Chargers at that position is Deculus and the team is also on second right tackle and right guard. All-Pro (retired) Andrew Whitworth commented on how difficult that can be.
You play not wholly prepared people, you learn the offense, you determine who you are next to, Whitworth said. The attrition war actually takes its toll.
The strain upon Justin Herbert has been very heavy. He has experienced the greatest pressure of any quarterback in the league in the last two games, having been pressured 46 times on dropbacks, according to TruMedia. Nevertheless, Herbert is sure of his backups.
They have been playing big games before, he said. perhaps, it is new to NFL, but they are used to managing pressure.
The Chargers are 3-1 and they remain on top of their division hence there is no cause of panic. However, the following few weeks will tell just how deep the team can be and how the coaches and Justin Herbert can overcome the adversity. We will learn much about this team, said Manyweather–and about what Justin Herbert can carry.
It is a challenge of endurance, ingenuity and hard work. It is yet to be seen whether the Chargers can revert this momentary setback to smooth sailing.
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