Featured matchups: chargerQB Justin Herbert vs. texans“Pass defense in the middle of the field”
This game has the potential to be a wildcard round snoozer, but I actually think there are some interesting points where the game could swing. If the Texans offense can blitz for the first time this season, they may be able to pull off an upset, but the Chargers' defense, known for making opposing offenses miserable with creative blitz packages and high-pressure looks, could pull off an upset. If you play against them, it might be an uphill sled. So I'm focusing on how Chargers QB Justin Herbert, back in the playoffs, will perform against a very good, very fast, very physical Texans defense. Masu.
I think the Texans defense is good, but I still think there are some issues in the middle of the field. This is largely due to inexperience at linebacker, but according to Sports Information Solutions (SIS), the Texans allow 0.22 EPA per play when the offense targets the middle of the field, leading the NFL. It ranks 25th in the ranking. Outside of the hash, it's first with -0.11 EPA per play allowed. Avoiding throwing to Dynamo cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter is a must for LA, especially since they don't have a talent advantage on the outside. Especially if they can get the run game going, the following plays could be possible in LA.
Herbert and the Chargers' skill position players weren't the best players in the middle of the field, but utilizing play-action to pry that area open naturally helped their game given who was playing. It was suitable for Herbert ranks fourth in the NFL in total EPA when targeting the middle of the field on off-play actions, and his 9.0 yards per attempt is good for ninth in the NFL.
The Chargers like to bring in heavy personnel to take downfield shots in off-play action, and catching overactive LBs off balance is their bread and butter.
Given how fast and aggressive the Texans' second-level play is, I wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers try to hit some hard play-action shots over the middle to keep them honest. Sho. The Texans defense can take over games, so that should work out for them.
Featured individual matches: Texans EDGE Daniel Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. vs. Chargers tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alto
