Why the Chargers offense is sputtering (and what the solutions are)

The Chargers' roster construction: 60%

The Chargers ignored depth in key areas and that is burning the team right now. Despite suffering injuries to these position groups, the team has not brought in any help at offensive line or at wide receiver this season.

As great as Jamaree Salyer is doing, he still is not Rashawn Slater. It also hurts when the only other option is Storm Norton, especially when Trey Pipkins has not been 100% the last two weeks but has to play anyway because the alternative is so awful.

Receiver is a better example of roster malpractice as the team had the perfect reason to bring in help after Jalen Guyton got hurt, but they didn't (practice squad lifers don't count). Now with Mike Williams missing time with an ankle sprain, the Chargers' receiver depth will continue to be challenged.

Just look at who Justin Herbert was throwing to in Week 7 in the second half. After Williams' injury, with Keenan Allen on a snap count, Herbert had a glorified special teamer for life as his best option. Outside of that, Herbert was literally throwing to practice squad receivers.

It isn't just the lack of depth, though. It is the kind of receivers that the Chargers have brought in. You cannot be this explosive dynamic offense that throws the ball deep when you don't have receivers that are deep threats.

The solution:

This is something that isn't going to be changed this season as it is a fundamental problem with how this roster is built. That being said, the Chargers can bandage the issue by bringing in receiver help before the NFL trade deadline.

Whether it be Elijah Moore, Kendrick Bourne, or whatever other receivers the Chargers can trade for. This team needs established receiver help more than ever and if they go into Week 9 without adding help for Justin Herbert then it would be yet another example of roster malpractice.