Aug 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) waits in the tunnel before pre-game introductions before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers pass offense was ranked 10th overall in yards per game with 256, while the rush offense ranked 30th in yards per game with a meager 85. A ton of factors contribute to these numbers including roster, game plan, leading or trailing, etc. Another dominant factor is the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing defense.
Here are the opponents for the 2015 season:
Home – Bears, Browns, Broncos, Lions, Chiefs, Raiders, Steelers, Dolphins
Away – Ravens, Bengals, Broncos, Packers, Chiefs, Vikings, Raiders, Jaguars
Let’s take a look at what the 2015 Chargers offense can prepare for this off-season.
Pass Game :
- 8 games facing a team ranked top 10 in pass yards allowed.
- 8 games facing a team ranked top 10 in yards per attempt. (each under 7 YPA)
- 9 games facing a team ranked top 10 in sacks.
- 6 games facing a team ranked top 10 in interceptions.
- 10 games facing individuals ranked top 16 in sacks. (10 or higher each)
Run Game :
- 10 games facing a bottom 13 rush defense in yards per game. (each over 116 YPG)
- 9 games facing a bottom 15 rush defense in yards per attempt (4.2 YPA or higher)
- 9 games facing a defense that allowed 10+ rushing touchdowns in 2014 regular season.
Overall :
- 13 games against a team with a better turnover differential than the Chargers in 2014.
- 10 games against bottom 16 defenses in points allowed. (each 22 PPG or higher)
Bottom Line :
Despite the numbers, I don’t see a huge dip in Rivers production in 2015. He could use a true burner or jump ball receiver to compliment possession receiver Keenan Allen. The offensive line needs to be addressed via free agency or early in the draft. We need to find a way to keep Philip Rivers upright. The greater the pass protection, the greater to passing production. The greater the passing production, the greater the opportunity to get back to running the football efficiently. Don’t expect a big shake-up in running back depth with Brown, Oliver, and Woodhead all set to return (potentially Mathews too). We have to find an offensive balance along with some creative play-calling. The good news for 2015 is that in reference to opponents, the Chargers have the matchups in place to kick-start the ground game.
Oct 19, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) leads the huddle during the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) signals at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi