**Smith's aggressiveness backfired against the Chargers' zone defense**
The Chargers are a zone-based coverage unit with the defenders adhering to a "vision-and-break" philosophy that encourages linebackers and defensive backs to keep their eyes on the quarterback. Moreover, the Chargers aim to test quarterbacks' patience and discipline by eliminating deep ball opportunities and forcing them to drive the length of the field through a series of short and intermediate passes.
By forcing Smith into a "dink-and-dunk" game, the Chargers were counting on the veteran to make mistakes on a handful of "hero" throws into tight windows. After watching the All-22 coaches' footage, Smith played into the Chargers' hands with an aggressive approach that led to three interceptions on tipped or overthrown passes tossed into congested areas with multiple defenders around the targeted pass catcher.
While those tight window throws are a part of the NFL experience, Smith ascended to elite ranks by becoming efficient with downfield throws. Over the past three years, he has compiled a 109.2 passer rating on throws for 10-plus air yards, per ESPN Research. The veteran's effective downfield passing was neutralized by the Chargers' soft zone coverage, which took away the deep throws and dared Smith to take checkdown after checkdown.
Looking back at each of Smith's interceptions, the veteran opted for the high-risk, high-reward throw instead of settling for a shorter pass with a higher efficiency rate. On his first interception, Smith attempted to deliver a dart to Tre Tucker on a seam route following a play-action fake. Chargers safety Alohi Gilman read Smith's eyes and executed a perfect break on the ball, leading to a carom that landed in the hands of Daiyan Henley.
Smith's second interception was the result of a failed "hero" throw at the end of a scramble. The veteran attempted a heave down the field to Dont'e Thornton Jr. Tony Jefferson and Cam Hart sandwiched the rookie, before the 11-year pro snagged the interception on a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch.
On Smith's third interception, the veteran tried to squeeze the ball between multiple defenders to Jakobi Meyers for a potential touchdown. The errant toss bounced off Derwin James' hands and into the arms of Donte Jackson at the back of the end zone.
Overall, Smith's turnover spree was the result of the veteran attempting to do too much for his squad. Instead of sticking with the patient, disciplined approach that has served him well over the past few years, Smith attempted to play "hero" ball against the division rival and the decision resulted in poor performance from the veteran.