3 matchups where Chicago Bears may struggle at LA Chargers, 2 they must dominate

Matchup Advantage 2. The Chicago Bears must dominate the interior trenches

If the Chicago Bears are going to win a matchup, it will be in the trenches. The Chargers starting center Cory Linsley was placed on the IR with a heart injury, and the Chargers are 1-2 since then. They have Will Clapp starting, and the offense has not found a rhythm since. Zion Johnson was solid as a rookie, but they are moving him from right guard to left guard, and he has not been as good this season. The same can be said for Jamaree Salyer, who looked great at left tackle last year but now is adjusting to right guard.

When you add in that Austin Ekeler was hurt, the Chargers run game has not been great. Ekeler is back, and after the Bears struggled with Aaron Jones, his presence in the passing game may be most concerning. That may also be because the Bears defense can shut him down on the ground.

If you can point to any strong suit of the Bears right now, it is their defensive front. Andrew Billings has been great, Justin Jones has his moments, and Gervon Dexter is progressing rapidly, while Zacch Pickens is better against the run.

The reality is that is the Chargers can run the ball, they will score at will. If the Bears can slow this down, the game will be close.