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San Diego offense vs. Detroit defense

Despite coming away with a hard-fought 21-14 victory last week, the Chargers can hardly feel good about the state of their offense. Starting QB Jim Harbaugh went down early last week and backup Eric Kramer, despite some poor statistics (8-for-20, 72 yards, 1 INT), stepped in and orchestrated the 21-point comeback with two crucial touchdown passes. Head coach Mike Riley must now make a decision. If he sticks with Harbaugh, who is hampered by a sore elbow and ribs, look for the Lions to play close to the line and cheat up on short and intermediate routes, as Harbaugh's injuries hinder his arm strength. Conversely, Kramer is healthy but lacks practice reps and timing with the first unit. If Kramer goes against his former team, look for the Lions to opt for a more blitz-heavy defensive package in order to disrupt the continuity and flow of the offense. Regardless of who lines up under center, the Chargers must find a way to get their wide receivers into the mix. The only pass completed to a Chargers WR last week was Chris Penn's game-winning score. The Chargers will continue using TE Freddie Jones and their backfield rotation in the passing game but players like Mikhael Ricks and Jeff Graham must get involved. Without the services of Charlie Jones, this group lacks a player who can stretch the defense. Instead, look for San Diego to run Ricks on slants and hooks in order to utilize his size, especially if LDC Bryant Westbrook (hamstring) doesn't return.

Due to the dilemma at quarterback, the Chargers will look to pound away at the right side of the Lions' defensive line, where converted DT Travis Kirshke is struggling and Tracy Scroggins lacks the strength to stack against the run. RB Natrone Means is averaging just 2.7 yards per carry behind a line that has been stung by injuries. If LOT John Jackson's back gives him problems on Sunday, as it did last week, the Chargers will be forced to move ROG Raleigh Roundtree to tackle and insert an inexperienced DeMingo Graham in his place. The Chargers will continue to have problems running between the tackles as long as OC Roman Fortin has trouble preventing inside penetration. Look for the Lions' DT duo of James Jones and Luther Ellis to do plenty of stunts and twists inside, which should free up MLB Stephen Boyd to shoot the inside gaps and blow up plays in the backfield.

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