Since the Washington Commanders last faced the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2021 season opener, a new head coach has taken over, and quarterback Justin Herbert has made strides in his development with Jim Harbaugh at the helm.
"[Harbaugh] is known for running the football," host Michael Jenkins said on this week's edition of the "Get Loud" podcast. "Yet he's managed at the same time to elevate [Herbert]."
The Chargers are coming off their first loss of the season to the New York Giants, whose defensive line pressured Herbert a total of 20 times according to Next Gen Stats. So far this season, Herbert has thrown for 1,063 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions. It was Herbert's worst performance of the season so far, as he completed just 56% of his passes and threw three interceptions. The Chargers' passing game had been dominant up to that point and currently ranks fifth in the NFL.
According to analyst Logan Paulsen, that can be attributed to Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who utilizes the run game to put Herbert in a better position -- something Washington's defense will have to prepare for.
"He's condensing the formation, creating more space outside the numbers for receivers, and forcing the defense now to think about different personnel, different formations, are we gap sound?" Paulsen said. "As a defensive coordinator, you have to spend time in the week coaching that. So now, all of a sudden, when it's time to throw the football, the play action shot is more effective, or the defensive line can't tee off the same way because we're in a certain formation."
Washington's defense is one of only two teams that hasn't allowed a run of more than 20 yards this season. However, they've allowed 13 pass plays for over 20 yards this season. Paulsen pointed out that the goal of the defense is to make offenses one dimensional and the variation of the Chargers offense can be a challenge for opponents.
"The pass game looks really good," Paulsen said. "It's because you've got a baller back there. He can do whatever you want. He can run, he can throw, he's playing with great confidence, and I think that's one thing that is maybe underrated about Harbaugh is he believes in his players."
