LA Chargers: 3 improvements needed in second half vs. Bengals

2. The offensive playcalling

Shane Steichen is coaching his first game as the full-time offensive coordinator and things did not start that great for Steichen. Again, it is the first game of the year with no preseason so we will give him the benefit of the doubt, but the playcalling has to be better in the second half.

The Chargers have touted a new offensive style all offseason and we did not really get that. The Chargers opened the game rarely running the ball and instead were gunslinging like Philip Rivers was still the quarterback.

Taylor had 11 pass attempts after a quarter of play. Austin Ekeler has not been involved nearly enough.

Even when the Chargers run the ball it has not been as inspired as it should be. The team has opted for dives up the middle despite the interior offensive line being in shambles. With so much athleticism in the backfield, the Chargers need to bounce more things to the outside.

They have tried it some. A perfect playcall happened when the Chargers ran a pitch option to Ekeler that gained big yards. Ekeler also had a big run following a penalty prior to the field goal that gave the Chargers a much better chance for the touchdown.

The team also rolled Tyrod Taylor out on a drag route to Keenan Allen, which was one of the biggest pick ups of the game. The Chargers need more of this — not more of Taylor sitting in the pocket and staring down his receivers.