When the Chargers hired Jim Harbaugh back in January, it became clear that there would be a bit of an identity change to the team. Harbaugh, coming off an undefeated National Championship campaign with Michigan, is known to value an old-school style of football. The Wolverines prided themselves on dominating things at the line of scrimmage throughout Harbaugh’s era there.
Harbaugh’s imprint became abundantly clear at the NFL draft when the front office opted for offensive tackle Joe Alt over a blue-chip wide receiver prospect. Fast forward to Week 1, and this team’s identity change has already been reflected on the field. The Chargers were able to dominate the Raiders in the trenches, which was the main reason for the 22-10 victory in the season opener.
“It shows that we’re a physical team. We’re a connected team… We don’t care what your mindset or mentality is as a team, we’re going to show you what ours is every time we’re out there,” Daiyan Henley said after the game.
The running game was the telling factor, as the Chargers outgained the Raiders 176 to 71 on the ground. The first rounder, Alt, enjoyed a solid debut, as he helped slow down star edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
On the other side of Alt, Rashawn Slater was his usual self. Those two could end up forming one of the better offensive tackle duos in all of football. Slater echoed Henley’s comments in regards to the team’s physicality throughout the contest.
“Couldn’t have said it any better. That’s exactly what happened. We know there’s a lot to improve on, and we will. But to finish it like that is special. It means a lot to us,” Slater said.
In Week 1, the Chargers had the fifth-most rushing yards across the NFL, led in large part by J.K. Dobbins’ impressive performance. Perhaps more importantly, they allowed the third-fewest rushing yards on the opening weekend. Week 2 poses a favorable matchup for the Chargers to continue this trend.
The Panthers allowed the third-most rushing yards in Week 1 to the Saints. Their 58 yards on the ground was by far the lowest tally on the week as well, so the Chargers shouldn’t have much of an issue picking up where they left off in the season opener.