Bumpus: Why Diggs is so important for Seahawks vs Herbert, Chargers

The Seahawks will look to get back over .500 for the first time since Week 1 when they take on the Los Angeles Chargers, who are 4-2 and tied for first place in the AFC West.

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A big reason for the Chargers’ success this year? The play of quarterback Justin Herbert, who leads the NFL in completions and attempts and has been sacked just seven times this season.

Given Herbert’s ability and the style in which he and Los Angeles play offensively, former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus thinks Pro Bowl free safety Quandre Diggs needs to have his best game of the year when the Seahawks and Chargers face off.

“He has to do this because Justin Herbert loves to attack the deep middle of the football field,” Bumpus said during Wednesday’s Bump and Stacy on Seattle Sports 710 AM. “Justin Herbert has the most pass attempts per game. He’s the most accurate in the middle of field in the league. He has 170 completions. They’re gonna throw the football. He’s averaging about 42 passes per game. The same reason why (cornerback) Tariq Woolen needs to have a good game … is the same reason why Quandre needs having a game. They’re gonna throw the football.”

Additionally, it’s looking like the Chargers will get star receiver Keenan Allen back in the mix on Sunday for the first time since Week 1. Allen is one of the best route runners in football, and even though he’s coming off an injury, Bumpus said the veteran receiver is very dangerous.

“So you’ve got Keenan Allen and you have Mike Williams as well (at receiver), and then they’ve got a young receiver (Joshua) Palmer who’s been doing this thing, and (former Seahawks tight end) Gerald Everett,” Bumpus said. “I think last week (against the Cardinals) it was about stopping the run. The Chargers don’t run the ball efficiently. They’re only averaging about 90-something yards per game, but they have (Austin Ekeler), a guy back there who can do it all. But they’re going to toss the football.”

Bumpus thinks “it’s time” for Diggs to have a big game and moment.

“He’s been close a couple of times where he’s got his hands on the football didn’t come down with the pick,” he said. “But they are going to throw that thing up for grabs. So it’s possible that Tariq goes five games in a row with the interception, but you’re gonna need the middle of the field to be held down. That goes to Mr. Quandre.”

Listen to the second hour of Wednesday’s Bump and Stacy at this link or in the player below.

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