As the Los Angeles Chargers came away with a massive victory, 31-14, against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 13, they rebounded on both sides of the ball from a horrid, pre-bye defeat that looked to seriously threaten their playoff chances.
Yet, perhaps their most important development came in the form of their improved run defense, allowing only 31 total rushing yards to the Raiders' offense on the day.
While Las Vegas is certainly not the model of a formidable offensive attack, the Chargers' ability to completely shut off that aspect of their game bodes well for their chances at finalizing their playoff push, especially considering the extent to which some of their upcoming opponents have struggled to establish their run games.
The Chargers' run defense could be the last piece they need to finalize their chances at a Wild Card spot
Firstly, it's important to identify the fact that this Chargers team will live or die with the performance of their offensive line. Insofar as that unit actually looked competent for certain stretches of their matchup against the Raiders, there were certainly positive signs present on that front.
Competent protection is exactly what Justin Herbert needs to eek out offensive production, and he did exactly that against Las Vegas. The idea that the run defense could even matter, therefore, assumes that the O-line maintains this level of production for the duration of the season.
Yet, against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11, none of it mattered whatsoever. The Chargers allowed 192 rushing yards throughout the course of the game while allowing seemingly constant pressure on Herbert. That was, easily, the most disastrous game of their season on both sides of the ball.
Coming up, however, their performance against the Raiders could bode positively for their ability to limit opposing offenses on the ground. The Chiefs, Eagles, Texans and Broncos are all outside of the top ten in the NFL in rushing yards amassed this season, and Los Angeles's ability to limit their run game could make all the difference as the enter the gauntlet that will decide their season.
Given the limitations that the Chargers' offense has seen this year, their path to the playoffs lies firmly upon their defense's ability to keep games close. If their absolute dominance over the Raiders proves to be more than just a fluke, it could ultimately be the development that saves their playoff hopes.