Los Angeles Chargers sitting at 2-0 despite perceived strength being biggest weakness

The Los Angeles Chargers have looked like one of the best teams in the league through the first two games of the season, collecting wins over the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders. A win over the Denver Broncos this Sunday would make it three for three, all against the AFC West. 

But the way they are getting it done has been a surprise. 

The Chargers are coached by Jim Harbaugh, a run-first coach if there ever was one. Harbaugh believes in a smashmouth, ground-and-pound offensive attack, but this season, at least so far, that has been absent. 

In two games, the Chargers have 171 yards rushing, which doesn't sound bad, but that has come on 51 rushing attempts. That translates to just 3.3 yards per carry. The numbers look even worse when you just factor in running backs. Justin Herbert has accounted for 63 of those 171 yards. 

Najee Harris, one of the team's top free-agent signings this offseason, has carried the ball nine times for 33 yards. What has been even more concerning is the play of first-round pick Omarion Hampton. The rookie has carried the ball 23 times and gotten just 72 yards on the ground, barely averaging three yards per carry. 

Luckily, Herbert is off to the best start of his career and the defense has played well despite dealing with some injuries. But one would have to think that if this Chargers team is going to play to its full capability, the running game has to get going. 

The Indianapolis Colts gashed the Broncos, who appear to be weak in the middle of their defense, on the ground last week. If there was a week to get the rushing attack going, particularly with Hampton, it might be this one. 

MORE CHARGERS CONTENT

NFL Power Rankings: New rankings show L.A. Chargers to be legit contenders 

Los Angeles Chargers' fans urged to sell playoff odds due to rough luck in the past

Los Angeles Chargers' surging linebacker compared to Michael Jordan for Week 2 performance

NFL Picks, Predictions Week 2: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Chargers undrafted rookie may bring his Cinderella story to 'Monday Night Football'