Chargers vs. Packers Analysis

[Topcat]

Well, this is more like it! These are the REAL Chargers, the talented team that overcame a quality opponent to win. A lot of us wondered how Stitch would do compared to Whiz, and sure enough, I noticed a more up-tempo offense, more quick slants and dump-offs to RB's and better blocking. One difference was the split backs formation, with Rivers in the shotgun:

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I like split backs because they can either stay in to max protect, or one or both can go into the flats for a dump-off pass. In this case, both Watt and Gordon went out. Watt (red) was open early, but Gordon (yellow) was not. Rivers got sacked here. If you're going to send the backs out, it's preferable to hit them early, not send them in long routes.

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[Topcat]

I really like Bradley sending both SupaMel (yellow) and Bosa (red) from the interior to create mismatches. Boss got to Rogers first for the sack, but Ingram wasn't far behind, after putting on a nice spin move:

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[Topcat]

Still having some O-line issues, resulting in a sack. Scott, (red) subbing for the injured Tevi, lets his man get by him. Same with Feeney (yellow):

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[pacstud]

We ran 10/11 all day other than goalline. We ran more trips than usual. Blocking and play calling was far more similar than different, as can be expected. Big difference was our defense.

Offense struggled quite a bit in the red zone and simply didn't turn it over, which is a huge difference.

Reading into a "new offense" is both futile and incorrect.

[assman3000]

Here's Rivers and the little ones take:

[Topcat]

SupaMel with a monsta sack:

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[Topcat]

Bolts had some good success with dump-offs to RB's, like this one to Gordon:

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[Topcat]

Rivers was able to dump off a little shovel pass to Gordon just before Okung's man got to him:

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[Topcat]

Rivers to HH on a short pass, which he took for a first down. Short passes are key--Rivers unloads rock before rush gets to him:

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[Topcat]

Monster punt block by Tranquill here. He also had a couple of nice ST tackles. Dude is beasting it!

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[Topcat]

Gordon almost scores a TD here, but I wish he wouldn't lunge out with the ball exposed like that--after his fumble-itis issues this year, you'd think he'd learn:

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[Topcat]

Nice to see the I-formation on the goal line instead of that predictable shotgun handoff. Touchdown!

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