COSTA MESA — Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa waited for the adjustments to come while New England Patriots right tackle Mike Onwenu and his extra help double-teamed Bosa at the line of scrimmage.
Bosa had a tough time getting to Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones throughout the 27-24 loss last week because New England chipped at him for the majority of the game with running backs and tight ends.
Bosa said he and the coaching staff expected the double-teams and the backup plan was for Bosa to move to the interior of the defensive line to face the Patriots’ guards.
But the adjustments never arrived and Bosa failed to get to Jones with a quiet stat line of two tackles and no quarterback hits. Bosa, however, did have an assist on Jerry Tillery’s sack by providing pocket pressure on Jones.
Chargers coach Brandon Staley said he decided against moving Bosa because the Patriots were rarely in third-and-long situations and it made it more difficult because the score was close for most of the game.
“What you need to do is get the offense in a disadvantaged position, in terms of the score,” Staley said about moving edge rushers inside. “That will help multiply your chances of pass rush. When it’s an even game, or you’re behind, it affects your ability to rush the passer at a high level. If you study great pass rushers and where they’ve been, most of the time, the high-volume guys have been a part of teams that are ahead, that have double-digit leads – the crowd is into it, it’s loud, you can’t hear.
“But if it’s a straight-up game, where it’s even-money or you’re behind, it’s just going to be hard to get all of those opportunities to truly get into rhythm and impact the game like you want to.”
Bosa wanted to see snaps on the inside, but he said he saw opportunities on the edge that could have led to impact plays. Bosa is used to seeing a certain number of double-teams on a weekly basis, but it was a rare off game for him against the Patriots.
“Overall, I think that we rushed pretty well, but we have to do a better job of getting off of those chips and taking advantage of the few opportunities that we have,” Bosa said.
The Chargers will likely need more production from edge rushers Kyler Fackrell, Uchenna Nwosu and rookie Chris Rumph II for Bosa to see less chipping and double-teams this season.
For Bosa’s first five seasons, he had former Pro Bowl edge rusher Melvin Ingram helping on the defensive line. Ingram joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason before being traded to the Kansas City Chiefs this week.
But Bosa and Staley said they’re pleased with the production from the other edge rushers this season.
“I feel confident that we have the guys to win their one-on-ones if I’m getting double-teamed,” Bosa said. “They were max protecting a bunch yesterday, so it was tough.”
Staley added: “There were plenty of chances that (Bosa) had yesterday. We’re going to continue to do a good job of scheming, which I felt like we have all season long. Those rush opportunities will come the better that we play as a team.”
Bosa, who has 3½ sacks and eight quarterback hits this season, will face the Philadelphia Eagles and mobile quarterback Jalen Hurts on the road Sunday.
HERBERT LIMITED; INJURY UPDATES
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was a limited participant at Wednesday’s practice because of a right hand injury.
Herbert hit his throwing hand on a Patriot player’s helmet during the final drive last weekend.
Cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. missed practice because he’s in the concussion protocol, according to Staley. Samuel sustained a concussion against the Patriots.
Cornerback Michael Davis (hamstring), running back Justin Jackson (quadriceps) and safety Alohi Gilman (ankle) also didn’t participate in practice.
Linebacker Kenneth Murray participated in his first practice since injuring his ankle last month. The Chargers have 21 days to decide whether to place Murray on the active roster or leave him on injured reserve.
“K9 (Murray) is going to work back into practice,” Staley said. “His status for the game (against the Eagles) is still day-to-day, up in the air. He’s going to work back into practice this week in individuals. I’m excited to see him out there today.”