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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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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 29: Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #94 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 29: Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #94 of the Kansas City Chiefs sacks quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

Chargers stat: Averaging 3.3 first quarter points per game

In 2018, the Chargers were ninth in the NFL with an average of 5.1 points in the first quarter. This past season, they averaged just 3.3, which dropped them all the way to 25th in the NFL.

Compare the average the defense gives up (mentioned previously) to the amount of points the Chargers score in the first quarter, and you’ve got yourself a deficit heading into the second quarter. The Chargers are at their best when they can lean on the run game and utilize Watt at fullback, but falling behind early on disrupts their offensive game plan.

Chargers stat: 0-6 in the AFC West

Though the Chargers still struggled to keep up with the Chiefs in the AFC West, they were at the very least competitive with the Broncos and swept the Raiders in Anthony Lynn’s first two seasons. This past season, everything changed, as the lower-tier teams in the division acquired talent through the draft and free agency to narrow the gap between them and the Chargers. Fortunately, on paper, the Chargers are still an overall more talented team than either the Broncos or Raiders. It’s up to them to limit turnovers, score in the red zone, and build an offensive line to separate themselves even further.

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