Chargers News: Star Pass Rusher Khalil Mack Refuses to Answer Questions About Team's Struggles

When asked about your Bolts' recent struggles, former Defensive Player of the Year and edge rusher Khalil Mack had this to say, per Elliott Teaford of the OC Register: 

“I’m not saying nothing,” he said, prompting laughter from a group of reporters. “Do me a favor and look at the film from the first two games and the last three games and you’ll be able to tell the difference. But I’m not saying nothing. I’m not saying nothing. I’m not saying nothing.”

This is an interesting comment from Mack, who chose to keep reporters in the dark with his opaque remarks. Suggesting that the "film from the first two games" and "[film from] the last three games" are starkly different implies that it may be a trend we can see through box scores, so let's dive into that. 

Offensively, the Chargers have been a lot worse since Week 2. While QB Justin Herbert was incredible in Week 3's win against the Vikings, the rushing attack collapsed, with Joshua Kelley averaging fewer yards per carry (1) than the amount of injured Chargers starters that are out indefinitely (2). 

This created a lot of instability in the win and ultimately forced the Chargers to rely on their inconsistent defense to save the day (which, miraculously, they did). 

Weeks 4 and 5 were really unimpressive and could easily be what Mack is referring to when pointing to the "film." 

The Bolts put up 24 first-half points in a 24-17 Week 4 win against the Raiders, which tells you all you need to know. The offense completely shut down in the second half, and similarly to the Vikings game, relied on their defense to bail them out. Unbelievably, they did (again). 

Week 5 was arguably the worst offensive showing in the Staley era, as the Bolts had just 17 points, and running back Austin Ekeler averaged merely as many yards per carry (2) as Chargers starters who are out indefinitely (2). While that's two times more than Kelley in Week 3, that's still less than you'd hope for in a productive offensive outing.

QB Justin Herbert missed several throws and, frankly, just looked lost out there at times, which was extremely surprising for a QB who is typically so good when called upon. 

Mack's comments can generate some uncertainty amongst Chargers' fans about any internal issues on the team. Still, it seems as though he's probably referring to the offense, the offensive line, or the run game, as none have been good since Week 2 (the run game wasn't good that week either; Kelley rushed for 39 yards on 13 carries). 

As the defense has been fairly impressive outside of the Titans and Dolphins games, Mack does have a right to call the offense or a specific aspect of the offense out. 

With offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's capability paired with Justin Herbert's talent, we should see a strong offensive rebound in a must-win game in Arrowhead this Sunday, and, from there, hope for a week where both the offense and the defense come to play, a scenario you don't see often as a Chargers fan. 

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