This is what Los Angeles needs to do on offense to achieve this.
Stick with the running game
The Chargers have been inconsistent in keeping their running backs throughout a game this season, especially when Justin Herbert has been fully healthy, but last week’s game against the Chiefs provided a prime example of what Los Angeles is capable of doing if it allows the running game to wear down opposing defenses. Omarion Hampton took 6 carries for 8 yards in the first half against Kansas City, but nine more carries in the second half resulted in 53 crucial yards that sealed the game. Against a Cowboys front that could be without defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and has struggled at the second level all year, there should be room to run.
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Prevents pressure from becoming bags
Dallas has four players in the top 50 of PFF’s pass rush win rate statistic, three of whom play on the interior of the defensive line. While the tackle play has been a frequent topic of discussion with the Chargers’ offensive line, the interior has also had major issues. Herbert also tends to take more short catches between the tackles as he attempts to advance and navigate through the pocket. The Cowboys are just 20th in sacks this season despite their productivity in generating pressure. Los Angeles will need that to continue keeping the ball moving on Sunday.
Open the offensive
Dallas is allowing a league-worst 254.8 passing yards per game this season, a number Herbert has only reached four times: in Weeks 1, 3, 6 and 7. Los Angeles has shifted to a more run-oriented offense to keep Herbert off the injured list since left tackle Joe Alt went down against the Titans in Week 9, resulting in five wins of the team’s last six. But the way to beat the Cowboys is through the air, and Dallas has five cornerbacks on the injury report, including both starters on the limit and rookie Shavon Revel Jr. and second-year player Caelen Carson, who have been playing while Trevon Diggs has been on injured reserve.
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Get Ladd McConkey going
The Cowboys have primarily been playing Reddy Steward at the position this season, a matchup that should work in McConkey’s favor. It’s been an up-and-down second season for the 2024 second-round pick, who has reached the hundred mark just twice (against the Dolphins and Steelers) and has had six sub-40-yard games, including each of the last four. Turning to Los Angeles’ top receiver early and often may be exactly what Herbert and the Chargers need to get the passing game back after a few weeks of inactivity.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers’ offensive keys to victory against Cowboys