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10 stats Chargers need to improve upon heading into 2020

By Tyler Schoon

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 15: Middle linebacker Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings forces a fumble by running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers allowing defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo #95 of the Minnesota Vikings to grab the ball and run for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 15: Middle linebacker Eric Kendricks #54 of the Minnesota Vikings forces a fumble by running back Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers allowing defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo #95 of the Minnesota Vikings to grab the ball and run for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game at Dignity Health Sports Park on December 15, 2019 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 27: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates with Derek Watt #34 after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 27, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 27: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates with Derek Watt #34 after scoring a touchdown during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 27, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Chargers stat: 122 snaps on offense for Derek Watt

In 2018, the Chargers have fullback Derek Watt 146 snaps on offense. This year, just 122. Now, the difference is likely due to the difference in game flow between each year. In 2018, the Chargers were well ahead of teams like the Raiders, Cardinals, and Broncos, so the lead allowed them to sit back and run the football more.

However, 122 offensive snaps for Watt, who was voted a Pro-Bowl alternate this season, is inexcusable. No. 34, following 17 snaps against the Jacksonville Jaguars, was given a total of 12 snaps in his final three games.

The San Francisco 49ers gave Kyle Juszczyk a whopping 389 snaps this season; rightfully so, as he is one of the better fullbacks in the league who is also capable of both carrying and catching the football. For the 2019 season, Juszczyk is first in Pro Football Focus’ run-blocking grade. Watt, for this past season, is fifth.

In terms of running the football, Watt has the third-highest Pro Football Focus grade among fullbacks, a number significantly better than his peer in San Francisco (who sits at 11th).

Austin Ekeler is not a hammer, nor should he be utilized like one. But, should the team need a hard-earned yard, or even a solid chunk of yards on first down, they need to have Watt out in front of him.

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