How Lions Plan to Limit Chargers' Offense

Keenan Allen presents a tough challenge.

The Detroit Lions have a tough task ahead of them Sunday in slowing down the Los Angeles Chargers' offense. 

With quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Austin Ekeler and wide receiver Keenan Allen, the Chargers have plenty of talent that presents a hefty challenge for Detroit's defense. 

Herbert has thrown for 2,026 yards through eight games, tossing 13 touchdowns against four interceptions. His two top weapons, Ekeler and Allen, both have been dynamic. 

Despite dealing with an injury to the middle finger on his non-throwing hand, Herbert continues to be productive. 

"It's the quarterback, he makes it go. He's everything. As we know, he's a very talented player, he's a very good athlete," Dan Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket Wednesday. "He's an accurate passer and he's able to just stand in there and rip it. And he's tough, God he's tough. He will take shot after shot after shot. He reminds me of Goff in that regard. He will stay in that pocket and he'll take it right in the face and deliver a throw and he won't be affected the next time. It all starts with him. To that point, we have to keep him in the pocket and make him make those tough throws over and over again. Certainly can't let him escape. It's not something that he does a lot of, but there's enough where it's frustrating and he can get you."

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The veteran Allen, who is in his 11th NFL season, has already posted 720 receiving yards through eight games. At age 31, he has been enjoying a solid season as Herbert's top target. 

He has had to take an even bigger role within the offense after Mike Williams suffered a season-ending torn ACL. Campbell views stopping Allen as the key to slowing Herbert and the Chargers' potent passing attack.

Monday night's win over the New York Jets was a perfect example of Allen's impact. Herbert threw for just 136 yards on 16-of-30 passing. Allen caught eight of those passes for 77 yards. 

Cornerbacks Cam Sutton and Jerry Jacobs will be tasked with keeping the California product in check. 

"(Allen) is the guy. He's the guy who's gonna get the ball, they're gonna find a way to get it to him (on) base downs, certainly third down," Campbell stated. "When you talk about trying to squeeze the pocket on the quarterback and then shut down 13 here, that's how you take care of this offense. Or at least how you limit this offense."