When the Chargers take on the Jaguars, the attention will be on whoever’s under center for Los Angeles, whether that be a recovering-from-injury Justin Herbert or veteran Chase Daniel.
However, another thing on the field that should draw eyes is the matchup between cornerback Bryce Callahan and wide receiver Christian Kirk.
Not named Khalil Mack, Callahan has been the Bolt’s best off-season addition up to this point in the season.
Callahan has allowed three catches for 21 yards and a 6.3 passer rating on 65 coverage snaps in two weeks. He has also amassed one interception to go along with that.
Now, Callahan is getting ready to face his toughest test yet in Kirk, who’s also proving to be his team’s most valuable acquisition.
Kirk, who signed a monstrous contract after playing with the Cardinals, has 12 receptions, the 10th-most, 195 receiving yards (4th), and two touchdowns.
While Kirk has played outside and in the slot throughout his career, most of his snaps with the Jaguars have come inside (82%).
Kirk is a good wideout because of his quickness to beat fast corners and ability to run away from coverage and make significant gains out of short receptions.
Kirk has 2.79 yards per route run (7th), 85 yards after the catch: 85 (7th), and five explosive receptions (t-4th).
Meanwhile, Callahan has only allowed 50+ yards once since Week 8 of 2020.
It all starts up front in the trenches, where getting pressure on quarterback Trevor Lawrence to give him little time to throw is imperative.
Still, Lawrence should have his opportunities to throw to his top target, and it’ll be crucial for Callahan to have tight coverage on him.
Not named Khalil Mack, Bryce Callahan has been the Chargers' best offseason addition.
3 catches allowed for just 21 yards on 69 coverage snaps vs. Las Vegas and Kansas City. pic.twitter.com/QoVKEHso6L
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) September 22, 2022