3 changes Chargers must make to go on a miracle playoff run
By Jason Reed
Win an ugly 6-0 win over the New England Patriots in Week 13, the LA Chargers have a 5-7 record and still statistically have a chance of making the NFL Playoffs this season. The Chargers cannot afford to lose another game but there still is a chance for Brandon Staley's team.
With several teams ahead of the Chargers in the AFC down to their backup quarterbacks and having to play each other down the stretch, there is a chance for a path to be paved for the Bolts to make the playoffs. It is up to the Chargers to hold up their end of the bargain and not disappoint.
If the Chargers are going to do that, though, the team is going to need to implement some changes. We have already seen Brandon Staley make several personnel changes on defense and that mindset should continue.
1. The Chargers need to rely less on Austin Ekeler in the running game
It has been really bad for Austin Ekeler this season. That was highlighted in Week 13 when Ekeler failed to get anything going despite the conditions being perfect for him to have a big game. If anything, this should be the straw that breaks the camel's back. Kellen Moore needs to stop treating him like the Austin Ekeler of old.
Ekeler still has value but he should no longer be the primary back. While his numbers also are not the best, Joshua Kelley has much more explosiveness in the run game and gives the team a better chance of winning if he is the primary back.
It is hard to imagine the season going any worse for Ekeler than it has. Even with his huge showing in Week 1, Ekeler's 42.9% success rate running the ball ranks 34th out of 41 running backs with at least 100 carries this season.