Handing out Chargers-specific awards at nearly the quarter mark of the 2021 season.
Yes, there are 17 games in the regular season now as opposed to 16, but we are accustomed to this normally being the quarter-point of the NFL season.
With two division wins over the Chiefs and Raiders, the Chargers sit at 3-1 and top of the AFC West.
Without further ado, with (almost) 25% of the regular season in the books, here are my selections for Los Angeles’ award winners up to this point.
MVP: Justin Herbert
Herbert has continued to take the league by storm following his Rookie of the Year campaign despite all the talks of a sophomore slump. After a slow start to the year in which he threw just two touchdown passes to three interceptions in his first two games, he went off for seven touchdowns and a 2-0 record over his last two — including a win over Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes on the road. In each of those four games, Herbert put the team in the most optimal positions to succeed with an array of great throws, especially in crucial situations. The sky is the limit with Herbert under center.
Top Offensive Player: Mike Williams
It might have taken a few years to see Williams play like a first rounder, but he has finally lived up to that billing and more. Williams has made a significant impact in his new role as the ‘X’ receiver in offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system. He has posted 23 catches, 306 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. Williams has excelled with an expanded route tree, and he has been an integral piece of the offense’s run-pass option (RPO) game. It’s clear that he is Herbert’s top target, and if Williams continues to perform like this every week, it’ll be difficult for the front office not to consider extending him.
Top Defensive Player: Joey Bosa
As the saying goes, “No pressure, diamonds.” The pass defense currently ranks fifth in the NFL and while a lot of credit goes to head coach Brandon Staley’s scheme, Bosa has played an enormous role in ensuring that opposing quarterbacks have had very little time to throw. Week in and week out, he has lived in opposing backfields. Bosa has posted 23 quarterback pressures, 17 hurries, seven run stops, and three sacks through four games. After his sack against the Raiders, Bosa is the fastest Chargers player to reach 50 sacks, passing Leslie O’Neil.
Most Improved: Nasir Adderley
Several players have benefited from Staley’s scheme, but one of the most notables is Adderley, the third-year player. After having his rookie season hampered by an injury and experiencing highs and lows in his play in Gus Bradley’s defense last year, Adderley has flashed play-making abilities since Week 1. Utilized as a deep safety, in the slot, and in the box, Adderley has not only made eye-popping plays in coverage, but he has shown drastic improvement as a tackler in the run department, the majority of which have been punishing hits.
Most Disappointing: Kenneth Murray
This is not a positive award, but it’s still worth addressing. It was expected that Murray would benefit from Staley’s defense after a pretty solid rookie season, but that has not been the case. Even though he’s been given more downhill responsibilities, Murray has struggled with them. While opportunities have been there, Murray’s tape has been littered with missed tackles, poor instincts, over-pursuing ball carriers, and the inability to shed blocks or work off contact. Now on the injured reserve with an ankle injury, it might be challenging to carve up a role when he comes back, given how well Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill have been playing.
Top Rookie: Rashawn Slater
It’s safe to the Chargers struck gold with the No. 13 overall pick in this year’s draft. Playing the left tackle position in the NFL is not an easy task by any means, but when you are performing at a Pro Bowl-caliber in your rookie season, then you know the player is special. Slater has only allowed six quarterback pressures and one hit. Most notably, all of this came against Chase Young, Montez Sweat, Micah Parsons, Yannick Ngakoue, and Maxx Crosby. I said it before and I’ll say it again, Slater is the league’s best rookie and he’s quickly establishing himself as one of the top tackles in the league, too.
Most Hopeful: Jerry Tillery
Coming from someone who was really high on him coming out of the draft, there’s no denying the talent and traits. He has shown promise as a pass-rusher, currently sitting with nine pressures, five hurries and two sacks. However, he must be better as a run defender to be a complete player at the position, especially when the run defense is still an area of concern. Tillery did contribute last Monday against the Raiders when the defense only allowed 48 rushing yards. But now he must do it on a consistent basis, which means playing with more physicality.
