Browns vs. Chargers: Q&A with Bolt Beat
By Thomas Moore
Sep 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates his touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the San Diego Chargers 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns hit the road this Sunday for a game against the San Diego Chargers.
Both teams enter the weekend at 1-2 following disappointing losses in Week 3. While the Browns were busy losing to Oakland, the Chargers were getting blown out by Minnesota.
It will be the 24th meeting between the clubs, with the Browns trailing in the series, 8-14-1, and having lost six of the 10 meetings in San Diego, including the past three.
While the Chargers have won seven of the past nine meetings between the two, the Browns did win the most-recent matchup, a 7-6 decision at FirstEnergy Stadium.
To learn a bit more about the current state of the Chargers, we had a virtual sit down with Ernie Padaon, one of the editors at Bolt Beat.
Question 1: The Chargers lost a close game to Cincinnati in Week 2, then were blown out by Minnesota. What is going on?
Ernie: The offensive line is a disaster and the defensive line is just as bad. The close game in week 2 never felt that close. At this time, the team is looking for a solution up front on both sides of the ball. This team will play as well as the offensive line plays. At this time, it has not looked good.
Question 2: Melvin Gordon has only rushed for 190 yards and no touchdowns. The Browns have, by far, the worst run defense in the NFL. Is this the week that Gordon breaks out?
Ernie: It should be the week that he breaks out, but as mentioned before, the offensive line is crap. Any time that Gordon has shown that he can tear a defense up, he is put on the bench for Danny Woodhead. There is a lot of frustration from the fans on the use of Gordon at this point.
Question 3: Cleveland cornerback Joe Haden has struggled with big receivers this season and now he will have to face Keenan Allen. Will we see another double-digit catch day for Allen?
Ernie: Philip Rivers is going to try and feed him the ball. He is amazing at getting open, and without Antonio Gates on the field, Allen is Rivers’ first option.
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- 3 Cleveland Browns players who don’t deserve another season in 2023
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
Question 4: The Chargers’ offensive line has struggled so far this season, giving up 10 sacks, and left tackle King Dunlap, left guard Orlando Franklin and center Chris Watt are all hurt. Can they hold up against a Cleveland defense looking to redeem itself?
Ernie: It depends on who actually steps on the field. Even when those three were on the field, the team struggled. I bet we lean on the running game even more at this time.
Question 5: The Browns, at least in theory, want to run the ball this season to minimize what they need from their quarterbacks. The Chargers are currently 28th against the rush; is this the week the Browns turn it around?
Ernie: Yes. The Chargers can’t stop the run and struggle with tackling. This is the time for some big runs for the Browns.
Prediction: Chargers 24, Browns 20
Philip Rivers will not let this team lose. He might get murdered behind the offensive line, but he will now allow this team to fall again. He should be able to bounce back and get the win at home.