Tag: Cam Hart

Chargers crack top 10 in NFL power rankings after Week 10 win over Titans

The Chargers received high praise from NFL analysts after their third-straight win.

The Chargers improved to 6-3 after defeating the Titans last Sunday.

After Week 10, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 13 (Previous: 17)

“The league’s stingiest defense – it hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in a game – is about to get stern tests with the high-powered Bengals and Ravens headed to SoCal the next two weeks for prime-time showcases.”

NFL: 10 (Previous: 12)

“When it comes to wins, the Chargers have a type. They’ve scored between 22 and 27 points in each of their six victories, allowing 17 or fewer in all of them. The Titans scored late to hit 17, but the Chargers really choked them out in the second half with two long, draining touchdown drives and two quality stops on defense. The Bolts’ formula isn’t tricky, but it is effective. Defensively, Jesse Minter remains a prodigy, coordinating a smothering effort with two rookies starting at corner. The Chargers had seven sacks, and that was with Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa playing limited roles. Justin Herbert overcame what looked like a strip sack run back for a score before officials got the replay fix right. He played another composed game and was creative as a scrambler. The return of Gus Edwards also gave this offense a boost. Efficient ball all around, once again. It’s arguable the Chargers haven’t beaten a great team yet, but they have to be a pain to face off against.”

ESPN: 11 (Previous: 13)

Non-QB MVP: Running back J.K. Dobbins

“Dobbins has been the Chargers’ most impactful offseason signing, giving L.A. its best rushing offense since the days of LaDainian Tomlinson. After suffering a season-ending Achilles rupture in Week 1 of last season, Dobbins is having one of the best years of his career. Coach Jim Harbaugh has used postgame news conferences to campaign for Dobbins to be the Comeback Player of the Year. He is up to 670 yards and six touchdowns this season, which both rank in the NFL’s top 10.”

CBS Sports: 9 (Previous: 10)

“They can run it, throw it and play defense. Oh, they also have a great coach. This team will be dangerous come playoff time.”

Sports Illustrated: 9 (Previous: 11)

“As good as Justin Herbert’s day was, there was another score to Will Dissly that nearly happened. I’m not sure how Herbert feels about this, but I wonder if he would trade those outlier Burrow-Jackson duel-under-the-lights games for what he has now: a more conservative approach that allows for some panache but keeps him mostly protected. He has gone from a top-third sacked player in the NFL to a middle-tier sacked player. That has to make a difference.”

Bleacher Report: 10 (Previous: 13)

“Jim Harbaugh was never likely to make the Chargers title contenders in his first season on the job. However, he has quickly forged a squad that, when healthy, has few real weaknesses. The defense is elite, the running game is above average, and quarterback Justin Herbert is thriving as a high-end game-manager.

With both Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey emerging as reliable receivers, the Chargers have become a well-balanced, well-coached team and talented enough that no one should want to see them in January.”

Chargers acknowledge Jesse Minter might not be in Los Angeles for long

Jesse Minter has transformed the Chargers’ defense into being one of the best units in the NFL in 2024.

The Chargers have undergone a complete identity change in 2024. It starts with head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has always been known to have physical football teams.

Los Angeles has prioritized winning in the trenches, which was evident when they selected Joe Alt fifth overall over an elite wide receiver talent. Beyond Harbaugh, though, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has also played a large role in the team’s identity change.

The defense has looked much better in 2024 under Minter, who is in his first year in the NFL. Harbaugh acknowledged Minter may not be with the team for long.

“We’re probably gonna have to just enjoy Jesse Minter while we have him because I have a feeling he’s gonna be a head coach next year. We’re gonna be competing against him,” Harbaugh said on The Pat McAfee Show.

If things continue as they are, Minter will undoubtedly be a prime coaching candidate this upcoming offseason. A few obvious spots around the league will have an opening, and the young DC will likely get a few interviews, at minimum.

In 2024, the Chargers are the league’s lowest-scoring defense. In fact, they have allowed 28 fewer points than the next-best defense, the Steelers. Minter’s unit ranks in the top 10 in both run defense (9th) and pass defense (9th).

“He’s just intuitive. He knows offensive football almost as well as defensive football. He knows how an offense is going to try to attack. There’s some playcallers that just have ‘it’ too, he has it,” Harbaugh said of Minter.

Suddenly, the Chargers seem to have one of the best coaching staffs in the league. That’s not something we could have said in past seasons, and it has completely transformed this team.

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 10

Jesse Minter’s defense is elite, but where does the offense rank after Week 10?

The Chargers improved to 6-3 after beating the Titans in Week 10.

Justin Herbert showed off his legs. Gus Edwards came back from injury and provide a spark on the ground. The defense, which produced seven sacks on the day, continued to dominate.

With Week 11 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 20.7 ppg 19th
Passing offense 196.4 ypg 22nd
Rushing offense 117.9 ypg 19th
Total offense 314.3 ypg 22nd
3rd down conversions 39.84% 13th
Red zone scoring 54.17% 18th
Sacks allowed 24 12th
Turnovers 4 T-1st

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 13.1 ppg 1st
Passing defense 191.6 ypg 9th
Rushing defense 110.6 ypg 9th
Total defense 302.1 ypg 6th
3rd down conversions 32.76% 5th
Red zone defense 38.89% 2nd
Sacks 31 T-4th
Takeaways 13 11th

 

This stat shows how good Jesse Minter’s defense has been

Jesse Minter has the Chargers’ defense playing at an elite level.

Jesse Minter has the Chargers’ defense playing at an elite level.

Since the start of the season, no team has scored over 20 points on the Bolts. This is the fourth time since 1990 that a defense has limited its opponents to that mark, per NFL Media’s Peter Schrager.

Los Angeles ranks No. 1 in scoring defense, allowing just 13.1 points per game.

Minter’s coaching has the defensive unit firing on all cylinders.

In the trenches, they’ve been stout against the run and the pass rush is finally starting to come alive. The linebackers are rallying to the football. The coverage has been tight, and the scheme has confused opposing quarterbacks.

Minter is just in the first season as the team’s defensive coordinator, but it might be his only stint in this role.

“We’ve gotta enjoy Jesse Minter while we have him because I think he’s gonna be a Head Coach next year,” Jim Harbaugh said in his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Titans

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 27-17 win over the Titans.

The Chargers beat the Titans on Sunday afternoon, improving to 6-3.

Here’s our recap of the Week 10 win.

It was over when…

The Chargers scored their third touchdown in the fourth quarter to go up by 17 points.

Notable number

Of the Chargers’ six wins, five have come by double digits.

3 stars of the game

  1. QB Justin Herbert: Herbert only passed for 164 yards but still looked sharp in that department, finishing 14 of 18, with two going for over 30 yards and no turnovers. He also did an excellent job of using his legs when needed to pick up yards.
  2. RB Gus Edwards: Edwards returned to the field and was efficient on the ground after missing the last five games with an injury. He had 55 yards on ten carries.
  3. Defense: 7 sacks

Quick hits

  • Herbert failed to surpass 200 passing yards for the first time since Week 4. But he was still effective by navigating the pocket well, avoiding sacks, making crisp throws to his receivers, and continuing to take care of the football.
  • Herbert was also impressive as a runner, juking multiple Titans defenders, including former Chargers Kenneth Murray and Sebastian Joseph-Day.
  • The ground game came alive after taking a backseat the past few weeks, and Edwards provided the jolt as he averaged 5.5 yards per carry on ten attempts. J.K. Dobbins had 15 yards on 50 rushes.
  • Jesse Minter’s unit lived in the backfield and compiled seven sacks. Credit goes to Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Bud Dupree for stepping up with Khalil Mack on the sideline for nearly the entire game.
  • Daiyan Henley led the way with 14 tackles.
  • Speaking of tackles, the Chargers struggled with missed tackles, which has been a slight issue on the defensive side of the ball this season. The Titans averaged 6.3 yards per carry.
  • Derius Davis provided the special teams spark with a 56-yard kickoff return.

What’s next?

The Chargers host the Bengals next Sunday night, Nov. 11, at 5:20 pm PT.

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.