Chargers sign former Packers player ahead of Week 11 matchup

The Green Bay Packers face one of their toughest tests of the season when they host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11. Despite their record, the Chargers boast one of the most electric offenses in football, led by quarterback Justin Herbert.

The Chargers rank seventh in points per game, while Herbert leads the eighth-best passing offense in the NFL.

Herbert has thrown for 2,349 yards, 17 touchdowns, and five interceptions, with a passer rating of 99.5 in the opening nine games. He ranks seventh in passer rating, while only four quarterbacks have thrown more touchdown passes.

That's a concern for a Packers secondary that just traded away starting cornerback Rasul Douglas, is without Eric Stokes, and could also miss Jaire Alexander this week.

And the Chargers' latest signing will make life even more challenging for the Packers.

Does Justin Hollins signing give Chargers advantage over Packers?

A familiar name will return to Lambeau Field in Week 11. The Chargers have announced the signing of former Packers linebacker Justin Hollins. Green Bay released Hollins less than a month ago.

The Chargers already have some familiarity with Joe Barry's scheme. Barry was linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Rams while Brandon Staley was the defensive coordinator in 2020. Staley is now the Chargers' head coach.

But signing Hollins gives them some up-to-date insight into Barry's defense. Hollins knows the calls.

"I'm sure they could get something out of it, but I think more than anything else, they're getting a really good football player," said head coach Matt LaFleur. "I've got a lot of respect for Justin Hollins. They added another piece to a pretty good pass rush they have already."

It might not make a huge difference, but it only helps the Chargers, even if only slightly.

Barry's defense has had enough difficulty stopping talented offenses this season. It doesn't get any easier if a recently-released player is giving the opponent insight into the scheme.

Regardless of the plays Barry calls, the Packers' defense needs to be on top of its game to have any chance of slowing down Herbert and the Chargers on Sunday.

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