LA Chargers: 3 areas that must improve from Week 1 to Week 2

Win the field position battle

Thanks to a stellar effort from the defense, the Bengals failed to capitalize constantly on good field position. The Bengals, on average, started their drives on their 33-yard-line, while the Chargers started theirs on the 26 — but that’s a number that is inflated by Joe Mixon’s fumble, which left the Chargers at Cincinnati’s 24-yard-line.

That simply won’t do against a Chiefs offense. As good as the defense might be, it’s going to be a long night for the Bolts if Mahomes keeps getting the ball after his 40-yard line. The return game will need to be on point, as well as the punting game. Beating the Chiefs will take a consistent effort in all three phases of the game.

Luckily for the Chargers, Tyreek Hill doesn’t field kicks often anymore, but that role has fallen to the speedy Mecole Hardman, who can be equally dangerous if he finds an alley. They will need to force touchbacks and fair catches close to the end zone to keep the Chiefs’ dangerous returner at bay.

The Chargers themselves will need to make the most of their returns. Joe Reed looked good in limited action as a kick returner, which was expected of him as he was one of the best college football returners in the nation.

Desmond King can be a dangerous punt returner sometimes, but can also make head-scratching decisions now and then and will need to bring his confidence and his A-game. Many fans are calling for Reed to field punts as well, but let’s remember that he didn’t return a single punt in his entire college career, and the last thing the team needs is a botched punt in an important game.

It goes without saying that it’s crucial for the Chargers to sustain drives, and even if they’re gonna punt, punting from way back in their own field will make things easier for Kansas City.

These are the three main things that the Chargers will need to improve from their win against the Bengals if they are to mount a serious challenge against a team like the Chiefs. Do you agree? What do you think the LA Chargers need to improve for their next game?

Let us know in the comment section.