Tag: Cam Hart

Chargers final injury report: Kristian Fulton doubtful for Week 10 vs. Titans

The Chargers will be without one of their starting cornerbacks. Six players are questionable.

The Chargers had their final practice on Friday in preparation for the Week 10 game against the Titans.

Los Angeles will likely be without cornerback Kristian Fulton for the second consecutive week. Fulton is doubtful with a hamstring injury, which he sustained in the Week 8 win over the Saints.

Edge defender Khalil Mack (groin), guard Trey Pipkins (ankle), linebacker Denzel Perryman (toe), edge defender Joey Bosa (hip), tight end Stone Smartt (ankle) and running back Gus Edwards (ankle) are questionable.

The Chargers designated Edwards for return from injured reserve this past Wednesday. He hasn’t played since before the Chargers’ Week 5 bye.

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Titans stack up before Week 10 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Titans stack up statistically ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Titans are set to square off this upcoming Sunday.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Tennessee stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 10 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Titans
Points per game 19.9 ppg (24th) 17.5 ppg (27th)
Passing offense 200.5 ypg (21st) 170.8 ypg (27th)
Rushing offense 114.5 ypg (20th) 125.6 ypg (12th)
Total offense 315.0 ypg (22nd) 296.4 ypg (27th)
3rd down conversions 39.82% (11th) 32.67% (28th)
Red zone scoring 52.63% (22nd) 52.00% (24th)
Sacks allowed 24 (24th) 21 (18th)
Turnovers 4 (2nd) 17 (31st)

Defense

Category Chargers Titans
Points allowed 12.6 ppg (1st) 26.6 ppg (27th)
Passing defense 195.9 ypg (11th) 155.8 ypg (1st)
Rushing defense 107.9 ypg (8th) 113.4 ypg (11th)
Total defense 303.8 ypg (8th) 269.1 ypg (1st)
3rd down conversions 32.71% (5th) 31.25% (2nd)
Red zone defense 40.00% (2nd) 65.22% (26th)
Sacks 24 (10th) 18 (25th)
Takeaways 13 (11th) 6 (29th)

 

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 9

The Chargers’ passing game makes strides, while the defense continues to be one of the best in the NFL

The Chargers improved to 5-3 after beating the Browns in Week 9.

Los Angeles has found its stride in the passing game, while the defense continues to be one of the best units in the league.

With Week 10 coming up, how do the Bolts compare to the rest of the NFL? Here is where Los Angeles ranks:

Offense

Category Stat Rank
Points per game 19.9 ppg 24th
Passing offense 200.5 ypg 21st
Rushing offense 114.5 ypg 20th
Total offense 315.0 ypg 22nd
3rd down conversions 39.82% 11th
Red zone scoring 52.63% 22nd
Sacks allowed 24 24th
Turnovers 4 2nd

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 12.6 ppg 1st
Passing defense 195.9 ypg 11th
Rushing defense 107.9 ypg 8th
Total defense 303.8 ypg 8th
3rd down conversions 32.71% 5th
Red zone defense 40.00% 2nd
Sacks 24 10th
Takeaways 13 11th

 

Chargers surge in NFL power rankings after Week 9 win over Browns

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 9

The Chargers improved to 5-3 after defeating the Browns last Sunday.

After Week 9, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 17 (Previous: 18)

“As well as they’re generally playing – albeit against a fairly soft schedule – it’s probably premature for this ascending program to delve into the trade market. But at least the NFL thinks enough of the Bolts to trade them into Week 11’s Sunday night slot.”

NFL: 12 (Previous: 15)

“Their offensive line has been a disappointment this season, but boy, the Chargers play competitive, tough and smart football. A few plays really stood out for me in their deliberate dismantling of the Browns in Cleveland. The late block of a field-goal try, preventing the lead from shrinking to two scores, was a sign of how much better-coached this team is now under Jim Harbaugh and his staff. There also was some high football IQ on rookie Tarheeb Still’s brilliant tip to Elijah Molden in the end zone — one of three picks of Jameis Winston. Even the series of laterals on the final play of the first half looked well-executed, despite ultimately failing. In spite of two misses from reliable kicker Cameron Dicker and the shaky pass protection, the Bolts secured an extremely clean road victory and took an important step forward as they sharpen their gaze on claiming a playoff berth down the back stretch.”

ESPN: 13 (Previous: 17)

Most important game remaining: Week 12 vs. the Ravens

This game will be coach Jim Harbaugh’s first chance at revenge since losing to his brother, John, in Super Bowl XLVII with the 49ers. It will also be revenge for many of the Ravens’ castaways who are playing or coaching for Los Angeles. The Ravens are a Super Bowl contender, so the game will be a measuring stick for a Chargers team that has only one win over a team with a winning record, which came in Week 6 against the Broncos

CBS Sports: 10 (Previous: 16)

“They are really doing a lot of good things. The defense is special and few have noticed. It’s time we do.”

Sports Illustrated: 11 (Previous: 13)

“Tarheeb Still is another name that we didn’t know and now we know. The Chargers’ secondary was heavily dependent on rookie 2024 fifth-round draft picks and was the second best defense in the NFL on Sunday against a Browns offense that, the week prior, torched the Ravens. This is the difference between what kind of players Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz were able to bring in that the previous regime struggled to identify.”

Bleacher Report: 13 (Previous: 15)

“Kudos to head coach Jim Harbaugh for turning a once-laughable Chargers defense into a powerhouse. I think we all expected Harbaugh to make strides in the defensive department, but last year’s lack of efficiency and effort made this sort of jump feel unlikely. The Chargers have allowed only 101 points through eight games.

“There’s still room for improvement offensively, but things operate so much differently when wideouts Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey are healthy. The team we saw on Sunday isn’t just capable of making the playoffs. It’s capable of making the AFC’s top contenders nervous.”

Game Balls: 5 standouts from Chargers’ blowout win in Week 9

The Chargers put together yet another impressive performance with a blowout victory over the Browns.

The Chargers dominated the Browns from the first snap on Sunday. The victory moves Los Angeles to 5-3 on the season, and their sights are fully set on making the postseason now.

Once again, it was a total team effort from all three phases of the ball on Sunday. With that, here are five of the Chargers who stood out the most in the 27-10 win.

RB J.K. Dobbins

Dobbins didn’t have a game with over 4.0 yards per carry since Week 2 against the Panthers. A large reason for that was his inability to break longer runs as of recent. That changed on Sunday when he reeled off a 34-yard run, something we haven’t seen since those first few weeks of the season. Dobbins finished with an efficient 85 yards on just 14 carries in addition to two touchdowns on the ground. He added in two catches for 20 yards, and this running back job continues to be his.

WR Quentin Johnston

Johnston returned to action after missing the last two games, and he looked phenomenal. It was arguably the best game of his career, which included a 66-yard touchdown. The second-year product finished with four catches, a career-high 118 yards, and that long touchdown. It was the first 100-yard game of his NFL career, and he’s already doubled his touchdown total from 2023.

CB Tarheeb Still

The fifth-round rookie had the best game of his young career. Still snagged one of the defense’s three interceptions, which was the first one of his career. Additionally, he added three impressive pass deflections. Still was tremendous in coverage throughout the day and may have just earned himself more playing time moving forward.

S Derwin James Sr.

Similar to Still, James was phenomenal in pass coverage on Sunday. The star safety registered two pass deflections on the day as well as seven total tackles. It was one of his better performances in 2024, and the Chargers secondary as a whole was extraordinary in Week 9.

EDGE Tuli Tuipolotu

Make that back-to-back impressive performances for Tuipolotu. As a result, he receives his second consecutive game ball. He was continuously in Cleveland’s backfield on Sunday and finished with a career-high 2.5 sacks in the contest. All 3.5 of his sacks on the season have now come in the last two games. It’s been quite the response from the second-year edge rusher, as he continues to get better each week.

Social media reacts to Chargers’ win over the Browns

Here is how social media reacted to the Chargers’ win, with most praising Jesse Minter for engineering another strong defensive performance.

The Chargers defeated the Browns on Sunday.

The Bolts are now 5-3.

Here’s how social media reacted to the Week 9 win:

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Browns

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 27-10 win over the Browns.

The Chargers beat the Browns on Sunday afternoon, improving to 5-3.

Here’s our recap of the Week 9 win.

It was over when…

The Chargers went up 20-3 right before the half. The offense was rolling, and the defense was stymying Jameis Winston and company. The defensive dominance carried over into the second half.

Notable number

According to NextGen Stats, Justin Herbert has reached 100+ passing yards on passes over ten air yards in three straight games since their Week 5 bye. He totaled just 145 yards on such attempts in Weeks 1-4.

3 stars of the game

  1. QB Justin Herbert: Herbert put together yet another strong performance, completing 18-of-27 passes for 282 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
  2. WR Quentin Johnston: Johnston led the team in receiving with 118 yards on four catches, including a 66-yard TD.
  3. Defense: 6 sacks, 3 interceptions

Quick hits

  • The Chargers defense pitched a near-shutout. Jesse Minter’s unit allowed a field goal before a garbage-time touchdown in the final minute. The Browns managed only 57 yards in the first half. They sacked Jameis Winston six times and picked him off three times.
  • The Chargers had the best scoring defense coming into the game, and they only improved as they gave up just 10 points.
  • Fifth-round pick Tarheeb Still played a vital role in the defense’s solid day. Still had an interception and two passes defended.
  • The interior pass rush hasn’t been effective this season, but they finally got a spark from Morgan Fox, who had two sacks.
  • The run defense was stout, limiting Nick Chubb to just 2.9 yards per carry.
  • Herbert posted his third straight total of over 275 passing yards and second consecutive contest of multiple passing touchdowns. He also didn’t throw an interception, marking his sixth straight game without a pick.
  • J.K. Dobbins had two rushing touchdowns, including a scamper for 34, but he was largely ineffective outside of that carry as he struggled to find running room.
  • The Chargers’ second-half offensive struggles popped up again. They only managed one first down on their first five drives.

What’s next?

The Chargers are back home to face the Titans next Sunday, Nov. 10, at 1:05 pm PT.

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Browns stack up before Week 9 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Browns stack up statistically ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Browns are set to square off this upcoming Sunday.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Cleveland stack up statistically ahead of the Week 9 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Browns
Points per game 18.9 ppg (24th) 17.3 ppg (27th)
Passing offense 194.0 ypg (24th) 179.8 ypg (29th)
Rushing offense 117.1 ypg (20th) 92.5 ypg (27th)
Total offense 311.1 ypg (23rd) 272.3 ypg (31st)
3rd down conversions 40.40% (9th) 27.68% (32nd)
Red zone scoring 43.75% (30th) 61.54% (9th)
Sacks allowed 18 (14th) 37 (32nd)
Turnovers 4 (3rd) 9 (18th)

Defense

Category Chargers Browns
Points allowed 13.0 ppg (1st) 23.3 ppg (18th)
Passing defense 193.4 ypg (9th) 200.6 ypg (12th)
Rushing defense 112.0 ypg (11th) 125.9 ypg (17th)
Total defense 305.4 ypg (8th) 326.5 ypg (14th)
3rd down conversions 32.22% (5th) 31.07% (3rd)
Red zone defense 41.67% (4th) 58.33% (18th)
Sacks 18 (18th) 21 (9th)
Takeaways 10 (14th) 5 (26th)

 

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 8

The Chargers defense continues to be one of the best in the NFL

The Chargers improved to 4-3 after beating the Saints in Week 8.

Los Angeles’ passing offense is starting to come alive, while the defense continues to be one of the best units in the league.

With Week 9 coming up, how do the Bolts compare to the rest of the NFL? Here is where Los Angeles ranks:

Offense

Category Stat Rank
Points per game 18.9 ppg 24th
Passing offense 194.0 ypg 24th
Rushing offense 117.1 ypg 20th
Total offense 311.1 ypg 23rd
3rd down conversions 40.40% 9th
Red zone scoring 43.75% 30th
Sacks allowed 18 14th
Turnovers 4 3rd

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 13.0 ppg 1st
Passing defense 193.4 ypg 9th
Rushing defense 112.0 ypg 11th
Total defense 305.4 ypg 8th
3rd down conversions 32.22% 5th
Red zone defense 41.67% 4th
Sacks 18 18th
Takeaways 10 14th

 

Chargers rise in NFL power rankings after Week 8 win over Saints

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 8

The Chargers got back over .500 after defeating the Saints last Sunday.

After Week 8, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 18 (Previous: 19)

“They’re getting nice returns from their rookie class. Per Next Gen Stats, RT Joe Alt didn’t concede one pressure on 38 pass-blocking plays Sunday, tied for the best showing by a rook in the past three seasons. Meanwhile WR Ladd McConkey’s six-catch, 111-yard, two-TD game might have cemented him as QB Justin Herbert’s primary target for years to come. McConkey’s 100-yard day was the first by a Bolts rookie in 11 years.”

NFL: 15 (Previous: 17)

“The Chargers offense remains a work in progress. It broke an eight-quarter TD-less streak and the wide receivers finally broke out, with Ladd McConkey catching two second-half scoring passes. Oh, and it was their fifth turnover-free game this season. But there were too many pass-protection breakdowns to call it a good day offensively, even while scoring a season-high 26 points. Justin Herbert was sacked three times and hit four more, with every starting lineman other than rookie Joe Alt allowing multiple pressures. Herbert also escaped a few would-be sacks, turning one into a career-best 38-yard scramble, but he needs better protection. The eight points the Chargers’ defense allowed Sunday were their second-fewest on the season, and c’s unit has yet to give up more than 20, so this one fit the theme of previous victories. Right now, keeping Herbert healthy feels like the most overwhelming concern.”

ESPN: 17 (Previous: 18)

Best offseason addition: Running back J.K. Dobbins

“After the Chargers’ win over the Saints, coach Jim Harbaugh used his news conference to campaign for Dobbins as the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. “If I am the first to nominate him, then so be it,” Harbaugh said. After an Achilles tear ended Dobbins’ season in Week 1 last year, he has been one of the league’s best running backs. He is sixth in the NFL in rushing yards per game (76.4) and is tied for sixth in rushes of 10-plus yards (14).”

CBS Sports: 16 (Previous: 20)

“At 4-3, the defense has really come up big for this group. The good thing about the offense is Justin Herbert is starting to throw it around more.”

Sports Illustrated: 13 (Previous: 19)

“The Chargers’ post-Brandon Staley identity was certainly not one I would have predicted. Sans Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, the stars of this team are the drone-like Ladd McConkey and the absolutely horrifying 300-pound fullback, Scott Matlock. Staley knew this team had to be tougher but struggled to find the right fits for these pieces. The Chargers are not perfect but they’re starting to make some sense. This week’s Browns matchup, with the surging Broncos also facing a difficult test, is quietly fascinating.”

Bleacher Report: 15 (Previous: 20)

“The Chargers offense is a different animal when it can actually stretch the field with wide receivers. They were able to do that with a healthy McConkey on Sunday, and I expect to see continued offensive growth once Quentin Johnston (ankle) returns to the lineup. If head coach Jim Harbaugh can marry even an average offense to the league’s top-ranked scoring defense, Los Angeles should be relevant over the second half of the season.”

“However, I still believe L.A. is a year away from being a contender. The closest thing the Chargers have to a quality win has come against the Broncos—and the jury is still very much out on Denver. Still, the Chargers might not need to be great to slip into the postseason. They’ll have a chance to pad their record with upcoming games against the Browns, Titans and Bengals.”