Chargers at Ravens could feature some key injury losses

The Chargers at Ravens contest in the AFC wild card round is one of several rematches from the regular season, and perhaps the most interesting.

It’s definitely a contrast of styles. There are the Chargers who lean on the always-reliable right arm of Philip Rivers to put it in the air for big plays followed by a pass rush that can protect the lead. Then there are the Ravens featuring a run-heavy system built around their mobile QB Lamar Jackson while their top 5 defense keeps the score close until late in the game when the opponent inevitably wears out.

Los Angeles knows that well. It’s what happened to them a few weeks ago the last time they had to play Baltimore. The Ravens defense held them down and they couldn’t stop Jackson and that running game when it mattered. Now people wonder how the second act will go. Will it be more of the same or could the script change? Much of that may depend on the configuration of the depth charts.

Recent injury new could play a big part in the outcome for both teams.

Chargers at Ravens may see both styles excel

It’s rather fascinating that both of those injury notes actually play further into the strengths of each opposing offense. Tavon Young has been a depend corner for Baltimore this year, collecting an interception and four passes defended. His loss eats into their depth on the back end, which could open up some opportunities for Rivers if the Chargers decide to attack through the air.

On the flip side, L.A. already had a hard enough time stopping the Ravens last month with a healthier defense. Now Brown and Mebane, two big contributors to their run defense may be out of the picture. How in the world can they expect to do any better this time, especially on the road in Baltimore? These are the big questions the coaches will have to get answered fast before this do-or-die game kicks off.