4 Chargers players who need to step up after bye week

The Chargers are in a great position at the bye week, currently sitting with a 4-2 record, first place in the AFC West, and second in the conference.

Even though Los Angeles has one of the easiest remaining schedules on paper, key players are still going to need to step up their play in order for it all to come to fruition.

With that being said, here are the four guys I most want to see increased quality of play and/or production from when business resumes in Week 8 against the Patriots.

LB Kenneth Murray

Expected to make a leap in Brandon Staley’s defense, which was viewed as a scheme that would cater to his strengths, Murray’s play did not reflect that before getting sent to the injured reserve. Even though he was given more downhill responsibilities, Murray struggled with them. While opportunities were there, his tape was littered with missed tackles, poor instincts, over-pursuing ball carriers, and the inability to shed blocks or work off contact. Likely to be lifted off the IR soon, Murray will need to play more of a physical and disciplined brand of football to aid an abysmal run defense.

DT Jerry Tillery

Like Murray, many anticipated Tillery to make a leap this season. While he has shown promise as a pass-rusher, Tillery has yet to put it together as a run defender. I’ve seen him win with speed, initial quickness off the snap, and quick hands to make an impact at getting after the quarterback. However, far too often Tillery has not been able to push the pocket and take on double teams with strength, which has turned into gaping holes up front. In order to become a complete player at the position and help the run defense, Tillery needs to play tougher and stronger at the point of attack.

OT Storm Norton

The revamped offensive line has fared really well in keeping Justin Herbert clean in the pocket for the most part. However, the right side is arguably the biggest weak link after the injuries to guard Oday Aboushi and tackle Bryan Bulaga. It remains to be seen if or when Bulaga will return, but if the veteran does not, Norton will have to do a better job of protecting the edge. While he has had his highs, Norton has also had plenty of lows. Norton has given up seven quarterback hits, which is tied for the third-most. Part of how he does will fall on him performing more sound all-around, and the other will be…

G Michael Schofield

Playing in place of Aboushi, who is out for the remainder of the season, is Schofield. So far, it’s been a good start for Schofield, who had previously played for the Chargers from 2017 to 2019. Through two games, Schofield has only allowed one pressure and a quarterback hit. In order to lift some of the weight off Norton’s shoulders and maintain efficiency and consistency on the right side, Schofield’s performance will be vital the rest of the way out.