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Top 5 Rushing Matchups
LA Chargers at Houston
The Chargers have struggled mightily in the run game through three weeks, averaging only 59 yards per game, the worst performance on the season. The team has run 22.3 times per game, which ranks 24th in the league. Austin Ekeler had 14 carries in each of his first two games before he only saw four carries in a blowout loss to Jacksonville. Sony Michel has operated as the second back in the offense, handling, 7, 4, and 5 carries through the first three games of the season. The team has been decimated by injury on the offensive line as the Chargers lost left tackle Rayshawn Slater for the season with a torn biceps, which is a major loss as Slater was a dominant run blocker on the season. The Chargers hope to get center Corey Linsley back this week after missing last week due to a knee injury. The team will hope to get right in a great matchup.
Houston has been the worst rushing defense in the league this season, surrendering 202.3 yards per game, 45.3 yards per game more than the next defense. Houston has given up the most volume (36.3 carries per game) but has also been run on for 5.6 yards per carry, the worst performance in the league. Houston has been a turnstile as a tackling unit, missing 27 tackles in the first three weeks of the season. In 2022, there have been six 140-yard rushing performances by running backs, and the Texans have surrendered two of them, allowing 157 to Khalil Herbert in Week 3 and 161 to Jonathan Taylor in Week 1. Safety Jonathan Owens has been the leading run tackler because of their struggles against the run. An already thin linebacking unit lost Kevin Pierre-Louis, who was placed on injured reserve last week. Kamu Grugier-Hill will be needed to step up this week after the veteran has seemingly looked completely lost thus far in run defense.
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