LA Chargers: Complete roster breakdown vs. New Orleans Saints
By Jason Reed
The defenses:
Defensive line: Advantage, New Orleans Saints
Charger fans might disagree with me on this one but the numbers tell the story. With Melvin Ingram out and Joey Bosa seemingly not being 100% because of a triceps injury, the Saints’ defensive line has been better.
The Saints’ defensive line ranks seventh in the NFL in adjusted sack rate while the Chargers rank 27th (per Football Outsiders). The Chargers’ offensive line will have its hands full.
Linebackers: Advantage, New Orleans Saints
DeMario Davis is one of the most overlooked defensive players in the league and while I am not overly impressed with the rest of the linebacker group in New Orleans, I do think Davis pushes it over the edge against a Chargers team that is banged up and has struggled in pass coverage at the position.
Cornerbacks: Advantage, LA Chargers
Chris Harris being hurt is not ideal and I do not like Michael Davis or Brandon Facyson all that much. However, I do think that Casey Hayward is better than Marshon Lattimore, although if Hayward has another game like he had in Week 4 then the Chargers are in big trouble and this swings in the Saints’ favor.
Both cornerback groups are fairly weak, in my opinion.
Safeties: Advantage, New Orleans Saints
Nasir Adderley simply has not been good for the Bolts this season and while Rayshawn Jenkins is playing solid football, I would not necessarily say that he is a needle-mover. I would not say the Saints have great safeties either but I do prefer Marcus Williams and Malcolm Jenkins.
Biggest disappointments through 4 weeks. Next
It really is a case of the Chargers being so banged up that they lose any potential advantage that they otherwise would have, such as the defensive line and the safety position.