Post-Game Breakdowns of the Los Angeles Chargers Strategies

Post-game breakdowns of the Los Angeles Chargers’ strategies reveal a team that blends aggressive playcalling with adaptive tactics—tailoring its approach to exploit opponents’ weaknesses while masking its own. Led by head coach Brandon Staley and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the Chargers’ game plans are built around maximizing the talents of stars like quarterback Justin Herbert and defensive end Khalil Mack, yet they also prioritize flexibility to adjust mid-game if initial strategies falter. These breakdowns, which draw on film study, player interviews, and statistical analysis, offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the Chargers turn pre-game plans into on-field success (or identify why they fall short). Post-Game Breakdowns of the Los Angeles Chargers Strategies dives into the most impactful strategic choices from key games this season, exploring what worked, what didn’t, and how the team learns from each outcome.

Post-Game Breakdowns of the Los Angeles Chargers Strategies starts with the Chargers’ offensive strategy in their Week 13 overtime win against the Las Vegas Raiders—a game where Moore’s playcalling balanced the run and pass to keep the Raiders’ defense off-balance. Film breakdowns show the Chargers used a “12-personnel” package (1 running back, 2 tight ends, 2 wide receivers) on 60% of their snaps, a formation that allowed them to shift between power running and play-action passing. On their game-winning overtime drive, the Chargers alternated between Austin Ekeler’s between-the-tackles rushes (which exploited the Raiders’ tired interior line) and Herbert’s quick passes to wide receiver Keenan Allen (who was matched up against a backup cornerback). A critical play came on third-and-5: Moore called a play-action pass, with Herbert faking a handoff to Ekeler before hitting tight end Gerald Everett on a crossing route for a 12-yard gain. “The key was keeping the Raiders guessing,” Moore said in a post-game breakdown interview. “When they stacked the box to stop the run, we hit them with play-action; when they dropped extra defenders into coverage, we ran Ekeler up the middle.” Statistical analysis backs this up: the Chargers rushed for 142 yards and passed for 318 yards, with Herbert completing 72% of his passes—proof the balanced approach worked.

Post-Game Breakdowns of the Los Angeles Chargers Strategies focuses on the team’s defensive strategy in their Week 10 win against the Minnesota Vikings—a game where Staley’s “Cover 3” scheme neutralized the Vikings’ high-powered passing attack. Film breakdowns show the Chargers used Cover 3 (3 deep defenders, 4 underneath defenders) on 75% of their snaps, a formation designed to limit deep passes while forcing Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins to throw short, time-consuming routes. The strategy targeted the Vikings’ biggest strength: wide receiver Justin Jefferson. By assigning safety Derwin James Jr. to shadow Jefferson in the slot and using cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to cover him outside, the Chargers limited Jefferson to 6 catches for 58 yards—well below his season average of 95 yards per game. A key adjustment came in the second quarter: after the Vikings tried to exploit Cover 3 with short crossing routes, Staley added a “zone blitz,” sending linebacker Divine Deablo on delayed rushes to pressure Cousins without sacrificing coverage. The blitz led to a sack and a forced fumble, which the Chargers recovered to set up a touchdown. “Cover 3 gave us the flexibility to cover Jefferson while still pressuring Cousins,” Staley explained in a post-game film session. “The zone blitz was the missing piece—we forced him to make quick decisions, and he made mistakes.”

Post-Game Breakdowns of the Los Angeles Chargers Strategies delves into a strategic misstep: the Chargers’ offensive strategy in their Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs—a game where overreliance on the pass cost them a chance to win. Film breakdowns show the Chargers used a “11-personnel” package (1 running back, 1 tight end, 3 wide receivers) on 80% of their snaps, abandoning the run early after falling behind 14-0. Herbert threw 45 passes (compared to just 12 rushing attempts for Ekeler), and while he passed for 345 yards, he also threw 2 interceptions—both on deep passes into double coverage. A critical error came in the fourth quarter, with the Chargers trailing by 7 and facing fourth-and-3 at the Chiefs’ 30-yard line: Moore called a deep pass to rookie wide receiver Quentin Johnston, who was covered by Chiefs All-Pro cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. The pass was intercepted, ending the Chargers’ comeback bid. “We got away from our balanced approach, and that hurt us,” Moore admitted in a post-game breakdown. “When we stopped running the ball, the Chiefs could focus on covering our receivers, and Herbert was forced into tough throws.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this breakdown was a lesson in sticking to their strengths—even when facing adversity. The team adjusted in subsequent games, ensuring they run the ball at least 20 times per game to keep defenses honest.

Post-Game Breakdowns of the Los Angeles Chargers Strategies explores the Chargers’ special teams strategy in their Week 8 win against the Chicago Bears—a game where special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken’s tactics swung momentum in the Chargers’ favor. Film breakdowns highlight two key plays: a 45-yard punt return by Derius Davis that set up a touchdown, and a blocked field goal by defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day that preserved a 3-point lead. Ficken’s strategy for the punt return focused on creating a “wall” of blockers on the left side, with Davis using his speed to cut back across the field once the wall formed. On the blocked field goal, Ficken called a “loop blitz,” with Joseph-Day lining up at the edge before looping around the Bears’ long snapper to block the kick. “Special teams is about creating mismatches, just like offense and defense,” Ficken said in a post-game breakdown. “We studied the Bears’ punt coverage and saw they were weak on the left side; for the field goal, we knew Joseph-Day’s quickness would beat their long snapper.” These plays weren’t flukes—they were the result of weeks of practice and film study. For the Los Angeles Chargers, special teams strategy is often the unsung hero of wins, and this game proved its importance.

Post-Game Breakdowns of the Los Angeles Chargers Strategies concludes with how the team uses post-game strategy breakdowns to improve—turning losses into lessons and wins into blueprints for future success. After every game, the Chargers’ coaching staff holds a 3-hour film session with players, breaking down each play to highlight strategic successes (like the overtime drive against the Raiders) and failures (like the overreliance on passing against the Chiefs). Players are encouraged to share feedback: Herbert might point out a coverage look he noticed that the staff missed, while Mack could suggest a blitz package that worked against a specific tackle. This collaborative process ensures the team’s strategies evolve week-to-week. For example, after the Chiefs loss, the staff added more run-heavy packages to their playbook, and in their next game against the Denver Broncos, the Chargers rushed for 165 yards and won by 10 points. “Post-game breakdowns aren’t about blaming—they’re about learning,” Staley said. “Every game gives us data we can use to get better, and that’s how we build a championship-caliber team.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, this commitment to strategic refinement is what separates them from teams that repeat the same mistakes. In the end, Post-Game Breakdowns of the Los Angeles Chargers Strategies is a story of a team that uses analysis and adaptability to chase success—one game plan at a time.