Not a lot has gone right for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2023 season. Even after defeating the New England Patriots 6-0 in Week 13, the team is only 5-7 heading into a massive game against the Denver Broncos in Week 14.
The Broncos are one of the teams who the Chargers are competing with for a Wild Card spot in the AFC. With their five-game winning streak being snapped last weekend by the Houston Texans, they will be motivated to get things back on track against a division rival.
One of the challenges Los Angeles will face in the game is being able to move the ball effectively. The Denver defense has played much better in recent weeks, presenting a unique challenge to Justin Herbert and company.
There will be a lot of pressure on Herbert and the passing offense as the ground game has once again been a disappointment this season. However, a change could be coming to the Chargers’ backfield starting this week.
NFL News & Rumors: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Brandon Staley, Los Angeles Chargers Updates
While head coach Brandon Staley has stated previously that starting running back Austin Ekeler isn’t in danger of losing that title, a slight adjustment to the game plan could be made. Staley hinted at a change in usage when talking to reporters this week.
“Competition for carries is going to be something that you can see happening,” Staley said Wednesday. “We’re going to keep exploring, making adjustments, so that we can find that rhythm that I’ve been talking about. That’s certainly one way to do it.”
The last time that Staley hinted at a change being made, sweeping adjustments occurred. After watching Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers pick them apart for 322 yards and two touchdowns, nearly the entire defensive secondary was benched.
Cornerbacks Michael Davis and Ja’Sir Taylor and safety Dean Marlowe were sent to the bench. While a benching for Ekeler would be shocking, don’t be surprised if we see more of Joshua Kelley in Week 14.
NFL News & Rumors: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Brandon Staley, Los Angeles Chargers Updates
“We know that Austin is a good running back,” Staley said. “We just haven’t found any rhythm in the last couple of weeks in the run game. Just need to keep after it and keep working hard in practice.”
Ekeler got off to a strong start in Week 1, gaining 117 yards on the ground and adding 47 through the air. But, a high ankle sprain was suffered in that game that kept him sidelined until Week 5.
Since getting back in the lineup, Ekeler hasn’t looked quite the same. According to ESPN, “Among running backs with at least 100 carries since Week 5, he has the fewest rushing yards (329) and yards per carry (3.0). He has 28 straight carries that have gone for 6 or fewer yards, tied for the second-longest streak by any player this season, only trailing his own 48-carry stretch from Weeks 1 through 8.”
Things could have reached a breaking point against the Patriots last week. Ekeler carried the ball 14 times for only 18 yards. The Chargers need more production from their backfield and if Ekeler cannot provide it, Staley will look for someone who can.
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