It’s hard to believe we are already over a quarter of the way through the 2024 NFL season. Just like that, the Chargers are 2-2 and have already had their bye week.
The start to the season has come with mixed results, which has included some pleasant surprises and unfortunate disappointments. Through four games, here are some of the team’s studs and duds in 2024 so far.
Stud: Khalil Mack
Just a few years ago, some pondered if Mack’s best days were already behind him. Well, he responded with a career-high 17 sacks in 2023, his second year with the Chargers. Four games into the 2024 season, and he’s been elite once again. The 33-year-old has 2.5 sacks, four quarterback hits, two pass deflections, and a fumble recovery. He’s been elite in defending the run and seems to be well on his way to his ninth career Pro Bowl appearance.
Dud: Bradley Bozeman
Center was a major area of need this past offseason. The team decided to sign veteran Bradley Bozeman, who had 77 career starts under his belt entering 2024. Unfortunately, he’s been one of the worst centers in football so far. Bozeman has been particularly bad in pass blocking, and it may be sooner rather than later before the Chargers try someone else at the position.
Stud: Kristian Fulton
We’ve talked endlessly about Fulton on his site, so it’s only right that he finds his way with the studs of the 2024 season. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the fifth-best cornerback in the NFL so far this season. Fulton signed a one-year deal worth just over $3 million and it looks to be one of the best value deals of the offseason. If he can keep this up, look for him to get a nice contract next offseason.
Dud: Gus Edwards
Edwards tallied a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns in 2023, which was tied-for-fifth in the NFL. He’s yet to reach the endzone as a Charger and in turn, he’s seemingly lost the job to J.K. Dobbins. After splitting duties with Dobbins in the first two weeks, Edwards has registered a total of just nine carries over the last two games. The veteran has averaged 3.0 yards per carry and hasn’t added anything in the pass game either.
Stud: Rashawn Slater
Rookie Joe Alt has gotten a lot of attention, and rightfully so. With that being said, Slater continues to be prove himself as one of the best tackles in all of football. He’s been elite throughout his four-year career, and the Chargers have a phenomenal foundation along the offensive line between Slater, Alt, and Zion Johnson. Slater did miss the team’s Week 4 game against the Chiefs, but he was great in each of the first three weeks. The former Northwestern product should make it to his second career Pro Bowl if he continues to play at this level.
Dud: Hayden Hurst
I wrote about the lack of production from the tight end position just over a week ago. Hayden Hurst has registered six catches for 59 yards while his counterpart Will Dissly has looked noticeably better. Perhaps more importantly, Hurst has not been awfully poor as a run blocker. With the way things are trending at the moment, tight end will be a major area of need for the Chargers next offseason.