Offensive keys to victory for Los Angeles

The Chargers rank 10th in offensive DVOA, a sign that Joe Lombardi has his squad moving. But there’s been plenty of criticism about the play calling through two weeks.

Here are four keys things Los Angeles needs to do against the Jaguars on Sunday afternoon to not only get the critics off Lombardi’s back but get them a win.

Diversify the passing game

One of the main points of ire amongst Chargers fans has been Lombardi’s overreliance on just a few passing concepts to get the ball moving. The stick concept, a play designed for athletic tight ends like Gerald Everett because of its option route at that position, is perhaps the most egregious culprit. Lombardi has also gone away from pushing the ball downfield, something the team said would be an emphasis this offseason with a new offensive line. To fix this, I’d love to see Los Angeles get DeAndre Carter and Jalen Guyton more involved. Carter should be the third wide receiver with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams both on the field because of how his skill set complements those two compared to Josh Palmer. Guyton has barely played but is the team’s fastest receiver and therefore most obvious deep threat.

Effectively run the ball

Despite being 10th in offensive DVOA, the Chargers are just 26th in rush DVOA, statistical confirmation of what most fans have seen through two weeks. And before you ask, no, I don’t think Austin Ekeler is a surefire fantasy bust yet. But Los Angeles does need to show some signs of life in the run game, especially with Justin Herbert hurting due to the rib injury suffered last Thursday against the Chiefs. Maybe that means we see more doses of Joshua Kelley, who’s done well as the change of pace back through two weeks. Maybe it means Ekeler gets involved in the short passing game early, like how the Panthers try to engage Christian McCaffrey early in games when runs between the tackles aren’t working. Somehow, someway, Ekeler needs to get involved.

Attack the slot

The Jaguars have Darious Williams playing the slot after signing him this offseason to a big-money contract based on his play on the boundary for the Rams. Williams did perform well against now-teammate Christian Kirk on the inside last season when matchups dictated it, something that Jacksonville has pointed out. But through two weeks, the results have been uninspiring. Williams has allowed six receptions for 53 yards on ten targets thus far, with five of those receptions coming for 44 yards in…