The Los Angeles Chargers (1-1) head crosstown to take on the Los Angeles Rams (2-0) Sunday afternoon. Kickoff from the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is set for 1:05pm PT.
What to Watch For…
On Offense for the Chargers
Philip Rivers has the Bolts running like a well-oiled machine heading into Week 3. He's completing 73.1 percent of his passes (57 of 78) for 680 yards with six touchdowns and only one pick for a 119.6 passer rating. He ranks third in the NFL in touchdowns, fourth in total yards, completion percentage and passer rating and sixth in completions. Meanwhile, Melvin Gordon is proving to be an all-around weapon, toting the rock 24 times for 92 yards (3.8 ypc) and one rushing touchdown to go along with a team-high 15 catches for 140 yards and two receiving TDs. Austin Ekeler is also dominating on the ground, running the ball 16 times for 116 yards (7.3 ypc). Finally, Keenan Allen leads the team with 175 receiving yards on 14 receptions.
On Offense for the Rams
The Rams also boast a high-powered offense, led by running back Todd Gurley. Through two games, the running back has carried the ball a league-high 39 times for 150 yards (3.8 ypc) and three rushing touchdowns. He also has six receptions for 70 yards and one score. Meanwhile, Jared Goff is 42-for-65 (64.6 percent) on the year, throwing for 587 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for a 102.5 passer rating. His top targets are Brandin Cooks (12-246-0), Cooper Kupp (11-115-1) and Robert Woods (9-118-0).
On Defense for the Chargers
The Bolts' pass rush returned to form a week ago as they now have six sacks on the year, which is the eighth most in the NFL. Rookie Derwin James leads the Chargers with two, while Melvin Ingram is close behind with 1.5. James is also tied for the team lead with Jahleel Addae in total tackles (11), followed by Denzel Perryman and Kyzir White who both have 10.
On Defense for the Rams
The Rams' defense has been very stingy thus far this year, averaging only 6.5 points per game, buoyed by last week's shutout of the Arizona Cardinals. They have four picks on the year as Marcus Peters, Sam Shields, Corey Littleton and John Johnson each of have one interception. Littleton and Johnson each pace the team with 16 tackles while Michael Brockers and Samson Ebukam have the Rams only sacks of the season.
Series History
The Rams hold a slim 6-5 all-time advantage, including a 5-2 mark in home games. The Chargers won the last matchup, 27-24, in 2014 as Keenan Allen hauled in six passes for 104 yards and one touchdown while Philip Rivers was 29-for-35 for 291 yards and a touchdown. In the last road meeting for the Bolts, the Rams secured a 20-17 victory. In six meetings in Los Angeles, the two teams each sport three wins.
By the Numbers
The Chargers rank third in total offense (445.0 yards per game), third in passing (329.0 ypg), 11th in rushing (116.0 ypg) and eighth in points (29.5). The Rams rank seventh in total offense (398.5 ypg), 10th in passing (283.5 ypg), 13th in rushing (115.0 ypg) and fifth in points (33.5).
Defensively, the Bolts rank ninth in total defense (327.5 ypg), 13th in passing (232.5 ypg), 14th in rushing (95.0 ypg) and 25th in points allowed (29.0). The Rams rank third in total defense (266.0 ypg), sixth in passing (191.5 ypg), fifth in rushing (74.5 ypg) and first in points allowed (6.5).
Noteworthy vs. the Rams
Philip Rivers has faced the Rams three times during the regular season over the course of his career. He has thrown three touchdowns and totaled 746 yards on 66-of-95 passing. In his last meeting against the Rams, Rivers was an efficient 29-for-35 for 291 yards and a touchdown.
In the 2014 contest, Keenan Allen hauled in six passes for 104 yards and a 29-yard score.
Playing for the Packers, Casey Hayward had an interception and three tackles against the Rams in 2012. Playing for the Seahawks, Brandon Mebane recorded a sack and two hurries in a shutout win against the Rams in 2009. Mebane has faced the Rams 17 times.
Connections
Chargers right tackle Joe Barksdale played for the Rams from 2012-14.
Rams Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips served in the same role for the Chargers from 2004-06.
Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers Joe Barry coached linebackers for three seasons (2012-14).
Assistant Linebackers Coach Chris Shula was the defensive quality control for the Chargers from 2015-16.
Broadcast Information
CBS – Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (analyst) and Evan Washburn (sideline)
KFI-AM 640 – Matt "Money" Smith (play-by-play), Daniel Jeremiah (analyst) and Shannon Farren (sideline)
Spanish Radio: KFWB – AM 980 – Mario Solis (play-by-play) and Jorge Villanueva (analyst)
Chargers radio broadcasts throughout the season will be able to be heard across ten radio stations from Southern California to Nevada. Fans can listen in English on KGB-FM and KLSD-AM (San Diego), KNWZ-AM (Palm Springs), KALZ-AM (Fresno), KBFP-AM (Bakersfield), KNWH-FM (Yucca Valley), KRLV-FM (Las Vegas), KRAK-AM (Victorville) and KATY-FM (San Bernardino). Spanish broadcasts can be heard on XHFG-FM (San Diego).
