Five Packers to watch vs. Chargers in Week 9 matchup
By Jesse Fry
At the halfway point, the Green Bay Packers are 7-1 and looking like they are ready to take off. Which players will be vital to keep the momentum going?
The Packers close out their AFC West side of the schedule this Sunday versus the San Di… sorry, so used to saying the former way, Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers have been one of the biggest disappointments this year with a 3-5 record.
Once thought of as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, LA has had injuries pile up and faced quite a bit of bad luck.
Despite their slow start, their defense is playing well and have two top-tier players who can get after the quarterback. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are as good of a tandem as the Packers have faced. And they’ve faced some great ones this year.
LA’s offense is led by the 38-year-old veteran Philip Rivers, who at this point of his career hasn’t lost much arm talent, if any at all. Rivers is a fiery competitor and uses the short passing game to move the offense.
Former Wisconsin product Melvin Gordon returned to the Chargers in Week 4 but has yet to be much of a factor. Since his return, Gordon has split carries with Austin Ekeler, though Ekeler might be the more effective back at the moment. I expect both to see plenty of playing time as the Packers have yet to completely solve their issues in run defense.
The Chargers are coming off a one-point win against the rival Chicago Bears. Despite the slow start, LA has the opportunity to climb back into the AFC West race with a win as they are only two games behind the leading Chiefs.
If the Packers want to sweep the AFC West, these players will need to help stop Ekeler, Gordon and the rest of the Los Angles Chargers.