Chargers vs. Jaguars: Why San Diego's Run Defense Must Improve

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Although the passing game has become more prevalent in the NFL over the past decades with the rise of quarterbacks such as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, the ability of a team to rush the football is still the cornerstone of most offensive game plans.

The Chargers, despite having the 12th ranked total defense, have been atrocious against the run (ranked 26th). This has allowed teams to hold leads or stay in games by eating up clock, keeping Philip Rivers and comapny off the field. It seems like the game plan, for most teams facing the Chargers, is to win time of possession and keep a high power Chargers offense (6th in the NFL) from pulling away or coming back in games.

This game against the Jaguars on Monday Night Football will be no easier of a test for the Chargers, who will be facing all-pro Maurice Jones-Drew; a running back that has received the most carries in the NFL.

Although Jacksonville's offense ranks dead last in the NFL, they are effective in the running game, posting 118 yards per game, good for 12th in the NFL.

If the the Chargers are going to win this game, they must prove they can stop MJD. The Jaguars game plan will be to feed MJD the ball (no shocker there) and expose the porous Chargers' run defense.

This will be important test if the Chargers are to have any hopes of staying in the race for the AFC West crown.

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