The Chargers came away with a win in Week 2, defeating the Panthers, 26-3.
After picking up the victory, let’s see what national analysts think of Los Angeles:
USA Today: 14 (Previous: 18)
“The schedule’s been Charmin soft yet conducive to launching redemption tours for RB J.K. Dobbins, WR Quentin Johnston and OLB Joey Bosa. The Bolts are half the equation to a .500 start from the Harbaugh brothers in 2024.”
NFL: 7 (Previous: 12)
“Among the signs that things are different under Jim Harbaugh: The team has allowed 13 points through two games and has run the ball three times for every two passes attempted. On the first part, playing the Raiders and Panthers has a little something to do with that, but there’s no question the defense is playing a different brand of ball than it has in some time. To the second point, recent iterations of the Chargers’ offense had it at an inverse pass-run ratio, often putting way too much on Justin Herbert’s plate and not taking advantage of the team’s strength on the offensive line. This squad might not be special in many ways, but it’s absolutely maximizing its strengths and minimizing its likely weaknesses. That’s been a big part of the 2-0 start. Now, with the unbeaten Steelers and Chiefs on deck, we’ll find out how good this Bolts team really is.”
ESPN: 8 (Previous: 17)
Most important backup/role player: LB Tuli Tuipulotu
“Tuipulotu had an impactful 2023 season, finishing seventh among rookies in sacks (4.5). The second-round pick is behind one of the league’s best edge rusher pairings in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, but both players are aging and Bosa hasn’t played an entire season since 2021. The Chargers already rotate Tuipulotu significantly; he had the third-most snaps at edge (27) in Sunday’s win over the Panthers. He ensures there’s little drop-off when Bosa or Mack aren’t on the field, and he’s essential to a defense trying to rebound from being among the worst in the NFL last season.”
CBS Sports: 9 (Previous: 11)
“At 2-0, Jim Harbaugh has this team playing a physical brand of football. They better keep it that way with a trip to face the Steelers this week.”
Sports Illustrated: 12 (Previous: 15)
“Pittsburgh and Kansas City are next, two teams that should help us answer the major question attached to this team: who are these guys? J.K. Dobbins has been the heartwarming story of this season, but so has the fact that the Chargers are carving teams up with one of the lowest run block win rates in the NFL (and, much to the chagrin of previous Chargers regimes, the best run stop win rate in the NFL).”
Bleacher Report: 13 (Previous: 19)
“…Jim Harbaugh is doing it again. The man simply knows how to coach. The Chargers are off to a 2-0 start despite a lingering foot injury to Herbert and questions about the squad’s roster makeup. Certain surprises on offense are allowing the Chargers to be explosive despite major question marks at the skill positions entering the season. Let’s not forget: The Chargers moved on from Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. Dobbins leads the NFL in rushing with 266 yards at a staggering 9.9 yards per carry. Also, Johnston showed signs of real progress Sunday with two touchdown grabs against the Panthers.”