Packers offense might be doomed if they can't overcome struggling Chargers

We will learn a lot about the Green Bay Packers offense this week.

The Packers have had more downs than ups on offense this season. While bumps in the road were expected for a unit featuring a first-year starting quarterback and several rookies in key positions, they have also made too many inexcusable mistakes.

Whether it's dropped passes or running the wrong routes, the Packers have a lot to fix.

This week's matchup presents the Packers with a daunting challenge, but that's due to the offensive firepower Joe Barry's defense has to contend with. Green Bay gets a far more favorable matchup against the Los Angeles defense.

Week 11 matchup with Chargers will teach us a lot about the Packers offense

The Chargers have star players on defense. Joey Bosa, Derwin James, and Khalil Mack are game-changers. But the Chargers' defense hasn't met expectations this season.

Think the Packers haven't reached their potential on defense this year? Wait until you see what's going on in Los Angeles. The Chargers have been every bit as bad. Joe Barry was on Brandon Staley's defensive staff with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020, and both coaches are under fire this season.

Only the Denver Broncos have allowed more yards per game than the Chargers' 393.2. They have particularly struggled through the air, giving up a league-worst 291.2 passing yards per game. It's by far the most in the NFL -- the next closest are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are allowing 266.9 passing yards per game.

Bosa and Mack have good sack totals, but collectively, the Chargers aren't consistently pressuring quarterbacks. According to ESPN, they rank 30th in the league in pass rush win rate.

Last week, the Chargers allowed 41 points and 533 yards to the Detroit Lions. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said he felt anything in their playbook would work, and he wasn't wrong.

Detroit ran all over Los Angeles' defense, piling up 200 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Jared Goff completed 23 of 33 passes for 333 yards and two touchdowns. When the Lions ran the ball, it worked. When they threw the ball, it worked.

Of course, Green Bay's offense isn't on Detroit's level. The Lions have a dominant offensive line, an excellent running back duo, and a red-hot receiving combination of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta.

The Packers won't put up 41 points and 533 yards of offense. That's not the expectation. But this group needs to show signs of progress, and they won't get many better opportunities than a home matchup against a struggling defense.

Regardless of the game's outcome (stopping Herbert is a challenge), the Packers need to move the ball offensively.

If their struggles continue against this defense, Green Bay may truly be doomed on offense.

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