The Chargers secured their biggest win of the season in Week 14 with a 23-17 victory over the Dolphins.
But that score differential could have likely been much wider.
The Bolts scored just two touchdowns in six trips inside the 20-yard line, continuing a trend of struggles in that area this season.
“We need to score the ball better down there. Last year, we were a top-five unit in the red area and I was jacked about that,”‘ Staley said. “It’s something that’s very core to me, how we play in the red zone.
“Offensively, it’s been up and down,” Staley added. “I think it’s that for a lot of reasons, as you all know, but we have to have cleaner operation.”
Through Week 14, the Bolts rank 27th overall with a success rate of 47.92 percent on scoring touchdowns once they get inside the 20-yard line.
The Chargers have scored 23 touchdowns on 45 trips inside the red zone, but have just two games this season where they have been better than 75 percent in that area.
Staley said this week that he’s involved in offensive red-zone meetings along with Chargers Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi and his staff.
Both Staley and Lombardi said when space is condensed near the goal line, the key to success is running the ball so there’s less pressure on your passing attack.
“We have to run the ball better down there. How you run the ball, that is going to change, based on the opponent,” Staley said. “You have to take advantage of who you have. We have to run the ball better.”
Lombardi added: “Running the ball is always a premium in the red zone, so doing better there.”
The Chargers also need to clean pre and post-snap penalties in that area, and focus on overall cleanliness in the most important area of the field.
If the Bolts can routinely walk away with seven points instead of three, that will help them avoid constant close games.
The Bolts defense, meanwhile, is coming off its best game of the season.
The Chargers limited Miami to just 219 total yards, a season-low allowed for Staley’s unit….
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