ESPN's Ben Solak points to Chargers tackles Alt, Slater as early problems
The short version
- The Chargers are 0-2 with double-digit losses to Arizona and Las Vegas
- ESPN's Ben Solak called Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater the team's biggest red flags
- Solak said both tackles have not looked fully healthy through two weeks
- The interior line was addressed cheaply and remains a weakness, per Solak
An NFL analyst says the play of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, more than Justin Herbert or the coaching staff, is the biggest concern on Los Angeles' 0-2 offensive line.
The Los Angeles Chargers have opened the NFL season 0-2 with double-digit losses to the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. Much of the criticism has been directed at quarterback Justin Herbert, head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.
ESPN analyst Ben Solak offered a different take on The Golics, saying the team's biggest early issue is the play of offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. He said the plan was for the tackles to anchor the line while protection resources shored up the interior, but both have looked less than fully healthy through two weeks.
Solak said the result has been lost reps in pass protection along with missed calls and miscommunication. He added that the guard-center-guard spots remain as weak as a year ago after the team addressed the interior only with a second-round pick and a one-year deal for Cole Strange.
He described it as one of the worst offensive line situations in the league and said improved tackle play would be the first step toward the Chargers' offense turning things around.