The Los Angeles Chargers face the Cleveland Browns looking not to rock ‘n’ roll on Sunday, but to run.
The Chargers (2-2) seek their second straight victory one week after defeating the Houston Texans with yet another tepid rushing attack.
Running back Austin Ekeler did do the Texas two-step, scoring twice on the ground in Houston. But below the surface the Chargers are at the bottom of the NFL’s rushing ranks, averaging a scant 64 yards per game.
“There’s a ton of meat left on the bone,’’ Pro Bowl center Corey Linsley said.
No better time than Week 5 for L.A. to prove it can run as well as it can throw. Adding better production with the former will only help the latter.
The Chargers are asking a lot from quarterback Justin Herbert, who’s playing with fractured rib cartilage. L.A.’s request is only compounded if Herbert can’t keep the Browns honest with the appearance of a running attack.
That’s especially true with active three-time Pro Bowl Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (shoulder, biceps) returning, and possibly the other end, Jadeveon Clowney (ankle).
“I think it’s huge,’’ Herbert said of establishing the run. “It’s important to be a well-balanced offense.’’
The Chargers would love to rewind the clock to when they leaned so confidently on the run. But it’s been a challenge to get yards on the down-low, with injuries to left tackle Rayshawn Slater (biceps) and Linsley (knee), inconsistent performances from left guard Matt Feiler and rookie right guard Zion Johnson breaking his NFL seal.
Ekeler’s two running scores last week were the Chargers’ first of the season, that’s good.
L.A.’s team total of 81 rushing yards was eclipsed by 12 individuals in Week 4, that’s bad.
“We’re not where we need to be, but we are going in the right direction,’’ said Ekeler, who had 60 of the Chargers’ run yards, and a scoring reception, on Sunday. “But we’re going in the right direction.’’
Maybe the Chargers have the proper tonic in the Browns to find their footing. Cleveland ranks No. 17 in halting the run, but there’s little doubt that’ll be its focus this weekend.
Keep the Chargers behind the chains on early downs and it limits Herbert’s options. It also restricts offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi in dialing up the play-action, which often leads to deep strikes that take advantage of Herbert’s big arm.
“I wish it was easy that you could just point to one thing,’’ Lombardi said. “But, as usual with these things, it’s everyone pulling a little harder to get the thing going in the right direction.’’
Unfortunately Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring) is out against the Browns. That’s one fewer weapon for Herbert and one less component of the Chargers’ muted offense for Cleveland to worry about.
The status of kicker Dustin Hopkins (quad) is also in doubt, meaning the 2.5-point favorite Chargers have less room for mistakes by the lake this weekend.
Lombardi, who admitted his play-calling could improve, too, eyes the Browns’ unit with respect.
“It’s got good team speed, great pass rushers, and they’re a team that can create chaos for you,’’ he said.
What’s left unsaid is for the Chargers’ playoff dream to materialize, their nightmare scenario of being one-dimensional offensively has to vanish.
Ekeler, who tied for the NFL lead with 20 touchdowns last year, got his first of the season against the Texans.
“Finally,’’ he said.
What’s still needed is L.A. unearthing its ground-and-pound approach at the Dawg Pound. So far the Chargers’ running game has shown little bark or bite.
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If The Los Angeles Chargers Want To Take Flight, Getting Right On The Ground Is The Aim Against Browns - Forbes
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