The Chargers travel to the opposite corner of the country to face the Giants on Sunday morning.
Here are five storylines about the game to keep an eye on.
Rookie debut
Giants head coach Brian Daboll has already announced that first-round pick Jaxson Dart will start for the rest of the season in New York, replacing Russell Wilson after three games. Dart has had a designed package in each of those games, mostly as an extra threat in the run game in short-yardage and goal-line situations. However, his skill set as a passer differs from Wilson’s, which could lead to a game plan unlike anything the Giants have put on tape this season. How quickly the Chargers diagnose that on Sunday and adjust will be a key component of LA’s pursuit of a fourth straight win.
Running back split
Najee Harris tore his Achilles during the Week 3 matchup with the Broncos, which has left Omarion Hampton and Hassan Haskins as the only two running backs on the active roster. Even with Harris going down before halftime, Haskins only played 7 snaps on offense last week, with the entire rushing attack being turned over to Hampton. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman spoke before the season about his belief in a running back by committee approach. But without an outside move late in the week, the Chargers’ options behind Hampton will be Haskins and practice squadder Kimani Vidal. Look for Hampton to dominate the snaps in the backfield and learn quickly through experience.
Can Oronde Gadsden stay involved?
Another rookie contributor on offense emerged last week with Will Dissly (knee) down due to injury, as Gadsden had 5 catches for 46 yards in his pro debut. Both Roman and head coach Jim Harbaugh have said this week that the fifth-rounder has proven that he deserves more opportunity, and Justin Herbert is already comfortable enough with him that he drew two targets on the final drive of the game. Dissly did not practice on Wednesday, but even if he plays, Gadsden should have a role once again.
Patchwork offensive line
Three starters on the offensive line were limited or held out of practice on Wednesday – center Bradley Bozeman (back), right guard Mekhi Becton (concussion), and right tackle Trey Pipkins III (knee). With a Giants defensive line that features Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Abdul Carter on the other side, the matchup in the trenches looks like it could be an uphill battle for the Chargers. Andre James, Jamaree Salyer, and Austin Deculus would take over for Bozeman, Becton, and Pipkins, respectively, if any of those three are not able to go on Sunday.
Defensive momentum
The Chargers have been a tight ship defensively, but got away with a few breakdowns in coverage against the Broncos thanks to some deep misfires by Bo Nix. A big play or two did sneak through on some miscommunications in the secondary, however, which could only intensify now that Donte Jackson (ankle) is on the injury report as well. Dart is also a more mobile passer than Nix or Geno Smith, which could bend some of LA’s coverage rules and leave more voids on the field than Chargers fans are used to seeing after the open to the year the defense has had.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Chargers vs. Giants: 5 biggest storylines ahead of Week 4 game
Reporting by Alex Katson, Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
