The Los Angeles Chargers will play the Houston Texans on Sunday at the Dignity Health Sports Park, which was the old StubHub Center on the campus of Cal State Dominquez. Kickoff is set for 1:25 p.m.
Both teams are 1-1. Last week, the Chargers were beaten by the Lions 13-10, and the Texans beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 13-12. Both teams need to win to stay above .500. If the Chargers expect to win, they will need to get back on track offensively, and cut down of their turnovers.
Charger quarterback Phillip Rivers, who has passed for 627 yards and three touchdowns so far this year, will need to be at the top of his game on Sunday because they are still playing without the services of holdout running back Melvin Gordon.
Austin Ekeler is doing a good job replacing Gordon, but there is still something missing on the Chargers offensive side of the ball. Gordon was a hard-running veteran tailback who brought a certain toughness to their offense.
If Gordon does not return, they will continue to rely on Ekeler and Austin Jackson to carry the load. In two games, Ekeler has gained 124 yards on 29 carries and Austin Jackson has 116 yards on 13 carries.
Rivers’ favorite targets are Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Ekeler. Allen has caught 16 passes for 221 yards, Williams has five receptions for 112 yards and Ekeler has caught 12 passes for 163 yards.
On defense the Chargers are led by linebacker Thomas Davis with 26 tackles, cornerback Brandon Facyson has 17 tackles and linebacker Kyzir White and defensive end Joey Bosa both have 14 tackles.
The defense will be busy on Sunday trying to contain Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson. The 6’2”, 215 pound former Clemson quarterback can beat you with his arm and his feet.
The Chargers also need to win this game to stay close to AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs, who are 2-0 to start the year. The Chargers are tied for second with the Raiders at 1-1, and the Denver Broncos are at the bottom of the division at 0-2.