Background on the Backfield Shuffle
The Los Angeles Chargers have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL over the past few seasons, and their backfield has been a key factor in their success. However, with the recent changes to the team's depth chart, it's unclear what this means for their running backs. The story was first reported by nfl.com.
Need to know
- Josh Allen completed 14 of his final 20 passes for 195 yards. — per nfl.com
- The Bills turned the ball over five times in Week 3 versus the Chargers, the most in any regular season start by Josh Allen. — per nfl.com
- The Bills’ first win when committing at least five turnovers since 1997, having lost each of their last 18 such games, and their eight-point victory is tied for the largest by any team to commit at least five turnovers in a game in the last 20 seasons. — per nfl.com
The Chargers have adopted a committee approach in the backfield, with all three running backs playing between 24-42% of snaps. This is a significant change from last season, when Austin Ekeler was the clear lead back. The committee approach is a common strategy in the NFL, but it can be challenging to navigate, especially for fantasy owners.
Early-Down Snap Rate
Omarion Hampton played a dominant 74.3% of snaps on early downs, while Keaton Mitchell saw more time in passing situations. This is a significant change from last week, when Mitchell played 38.6% of the early-down snaps, up from 23.7% over the first two weeks.
Passing Situations
Kimani Vidal mixed in a little more in passing situations, and Hampton's snap rate remained high on early downs. This suggests that the Chargers are trying to create a more balanced backfield, with each running back playing to their strengths.
Mitchell's Rise
Keaton Mitchell played 38.6% of the early-down snaps, up from 23.7% over the first two weeks. He totaled nearly as many rushing yards as Hampton despite receiving roughly half the carries, and he caught a touchdown pass. This is a significant development for Mitchell, who was previously seen as a change-of-pace back.
Implications
While Hampton has the better first-down rate, Mitchell owns the better clip of breaking 5-or-more-yard runs, and Mitchell's number is more than double Hampton's on 10- and 15-yard runs. This suggests that Mitchell is becoming a more prominent part of the Chargers' offense.
Waiver Option
We could see Mitchell's touches continue to improve, making him a solid waiver option. However, it's essential to monitor the situation closely, as the Chargers' backfield is still a work in progress.
Confirmed Facts:
* The Chargers have adopted a committee approach in the backfield, with all three running backs playing between 24-42% of snaps.
* Omarion Hampton played a dominant 74.3% of snaps on early downs.
* Keaton Mitchell played 38.6% of the early-down snaps, up from 23.7% over the first two weeks.
Attributed Facts:
* The Chargers are trying to create a more balanced backfield, with each running back playing to their strengths.
* Mitchell is becoming a more prominent part of the Chargers' offense.
Our Read:
The Chargers' backfield shuffle is a significant change, and it's unclear what this means for their running backs. The committee approach is a common strategy in the NFL, but it can be challenging to navigate, especially for fantasy owners. It's essential to monitor the situation closely, as the Chargers' backfield is still a work in progress.
What to Watch:
Monitor Mitchell's touches and snap rate in the coming weeks. If he continues to see an increase in playing time, he could become a solid waiver option. However, it's essential to keep an eye on the situation, as the Chargers' backfield is still a work in progress.
