Week 1 did not go as planned for the LA Chargers as the team lost 36-34 against the Miami Dolphins. It was only a three-point loss for the Bolts but it still left a very ugly taste in every fan's mouth because of how bad the defense played.
The Chargers are looking to throw that game away and get into the win column in Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans. If the Bolts are going to do that, though, then the team is going to have to make some adjustments when it comes to playing time.
3 Chargers who must play more in Week 2 vs Titans:
1. Ja'Sir Taylor (over J.C. Jackson)
There are two main reasons to make the change and play Ja'Sir Taylor more than J.C. Jackson. The first has to do with J.C. Jackson's performance in Week 1. Jackson was very consequential to the Chargers to the point where the team had to bench him down the stretch in the fourth quarter.
But there is also the matchup aspect of this game. On paper, Jackson won't have as tough of an assignment with no Tyreek Hill on the field but the Titans still have good receivers in Treylon Burks and DeAndre Hopkins. It won't be a walk in the park, either.
The main reason to play Taylor more, though, is because of the Titans' ability to run outside the tackles. This is an area where the Titans have historically been very efficient while the Chargers also happen to struggle.
Small sample size but, the Titans when running outside the tackles against the Saints:
— Steven Haglund (@StevenIHaglund) September 12, 2023
8 carries, 59 yards (7.35 per), & 2 runs of 10+. Outside zone has long been Derrick Henry’s jam. Chargers run defense will be tested at a much higher level this week.
Miami didn't need to attack this weakness as the team was able to throw all over the Chargers. Tennessee's offense is built to run the ball, though, so the Bolts definitely will be tested in this regard.
Taylor is the best run defender that the Chargers have to put in the slot and that is why he should be playing on almost every first and second down. This should kick Asante Samuel Jr. to the outside, where he can take a lionshare of the snaps with Jackson and Michael Davis.