How do you keep a stud quarterback off the field? With a steady running game and the ability to convert on 3rd down. A year ago, the Chargers made that task too easy for opponents. Their defense finished 28th in rushing yards per attempt, 30th in rushing yards per game, and dead last in 3rd-down conversion %. That made enough of a difference to keep Justin Herbert (already one of the best quarterbacks in the game) and the Chargers’ 5th-ranked scoring offense out of the playoffs.