Tag: Joey Bosa

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 6

Here is how the Chargers compare statistically to the rest of the NFL after Week 6

The Chargers improved to 3-2 after downing the Broncos in Denver this past Sunday.

Los Angeles’ defense continued to dominate, while the offense finally started to play to Justin Herbert’s strengths as a passer.

With Week 7 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 18.2 ppg 26th
Passing offense 153.2 ypg 29th
Rushing offense 127.8 ypg 10th
Total offense 281.0 ypg 28th
3rd down conversions 42.47% 10th
Red zone scoring 41.67% 28th
Sacks allowed 12 11th
Turnovers 2 1st

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 13.2 ppg 1st
Passing defense 192.0 ypg 8th
Rushing defense 97.2 ypg 6th
Total defense 289.2 ypg 6th
3rd down conversions 37.31% 18th
Red zone defense 44.44% 2nd
Sacks 13 11th
Takeaways 9 10th

 

Chargers stay steady in NFL power rankings after Week 6 win

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 6

The Chargers are coming off a big divisional win over the Broncos last Sunday.

After Week 6, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 17 (Previous: 18)

“After Sunday’s win in Denver, HC Jim Harbaugh triumphantly declared he’s “2-0 with arrhythmias” after another irregular heartbeat forced him to miss the start of the game. Sorry, Coach, but also not a sustainable formula.”

NFL: 15 (Previous: 19)

“I never lost faith in the Chargers, and the early bye week seemed to give them great energy in building a 23-0 fourth-quarter lead in Denver. The big story was Justin Herbert throwing the ball more than he had all season, racking up 184 first-half pass yards and looking healthy and confident in the process. The Chargers got a little too conservative in the second half, especially without four-minute back Gus Edwards (who hit IR last week), but they held on for the win in a very clean game (three mostly harmless penalties, zero turnovers) to improve to 2-1 on the road and in the division. The defense was strong early, led by big plays from Khalil Mack and Elijah Molden, and the offense received some pleasant-surprise contributions from the likes of Kimani Vidal and Simi Fehoko. Also good to see Jim Harbaugh come back after briefly leaving the game with atrial flutters. I’ve had those, too, and they’re no fun.”

ESPN: 17 (Previous: 18)

Lesson learned: Coordinator Jesse Minter has changed the defense.

“Since the Chargers drafted QB Justin Herbert in 2020, they have had one of the league’s worst defenses. They allowed the fifth-most points (24.9) and the 10th-most yards (353.3) per game over that span. Through five games in 2024, however, the Chargers have one of the league’s best defenses, allowing the fewest points per game in the NFL through six weeks (13.2). The Chargers have allowed fewer than 21 points in each of their first five games of the season for the third time in franchise history.”

CBS Sports: 14 (Previous: 20)

“Coming out of the bye, they dominated the Broncos. The defense really showed up as they’ve overcome a lot of injuries on that side of the ball.”

Sports Illustrated: 15 (Previous: 15)

“I’m finally starting to get it. Ripping off a 20-play drive that just ends with a field goal is such a middle finger to the opposition. And utilizing Justin Herbert as a kind of In Case of Emergency switch is kind of brilliant and back-breaking when you really think about it. Run the ball, then when the defense finally gets you into a third-and-4, allow Herbert to extend the play and whip a ball over the middle to Stone Smartt. What a way to drain the life out of your opponents.”

Bleacher Report: 16 (Previous: 20)

“…While I’m still not fully convinced the Chargers are a legitimate contender, their schedule is favorable. None of L.A.’s next five opponents currently owns more than two wins. Jim Harbaugh’s squad has, thus far, shown an ability to beat the teams it is supposed to beat. If that trend holds, the Chargers will have plenty to play for entering December.”

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Broncos

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 23-16 win over the Broncos.

The Chargers snapped their two-game losing streak after defeating the Broncos on Sunday.

Here’s our recap of the Week 6 win.

It was over when…

The Chargers kept scoring points to go up 23-0. The Broncos attempted to make a comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 unanswered points, but it was a little too late.

Notable number

This win marks the first time the Chargers have defeated the Broncos in Denver since 2018.

3 stars of the game

  1. QB Justin Herbert: Herbert benefited from the bye week, as he didn’t show signs of his ankle hindering him. He threw for a season-high 237 yards and a touchdown.
  2. RB J.K. Dobbins: Dobbins was efficient on the ground, finishing with 96 yards and a score on 25 carries.
  3. RB Kimani Vidal: Vidal’s first NFL touch, a 38-yard wheel route reception, went for six points. He didn’t do much as a rusher, but Vidal flashed in the passing game.

Quick hits

  • The Chargers finally allowed Herbert to let it loose, which benefited the offense. He finished with over 30 passing attempts and 200 yards, the first time he surpassed those marks this season. Herbert was sharp in third-down situations, delivering nice passes and keeping the chains moving.
  • Herbert distributed the wealth as nine different pass-catchers had a reception. Ladd McConkey had the most targets (8) and turned them into four catches for 43 yards. McConkey left the field on at least three occasions, including one to be checked for a concussion, but returned each time and finished the game.
  • Having Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt on the field made a huge difference. The pass protection was solid for most of the game and they created running lanes for Dobbins.
  • Even though the Chargers won, they must keep their foot on the gas for all four quarters on the offensive side of the ball. Their only points in the second half came on a field goal. Los Angeles hasn’t scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter since Week 1.
  • The Chargers won the time of possession battle, 37:23 to 22:37.
  • The defense dominated except for the fourth quarter when the Broncos scored 16 points. Asante Samuel Jr. is on injured reserve and Kristian Fulton came into this game already dealing with an injury. Once Fulton left in the second half, Denver had its way passing the football against a Chargers defense with two rookie cornerbacks on the outside.
  • The Chargers would’ve had more than two sacks, but there were a couple of instances of them not being able to bring down Box Nix, including one by Derwin James on fourth down that ultimately resulted in a touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton on the next play.
  • JK Scott had a good game. Scott didn’t come on the field until the second half, but of his four punts, three of them were within the Broncos’ 20-yard line and two within the 5-yard line.

What’s next?

The Chargers are on the road again to face the Cardinals (2-4) on Monday, Oct. 21, at 6:00 p.m. PT. The game will be televised on ESPN+.

Broncos vs. Chargers: 5 things to watch for in Week 6

The Broncos are set to host the Chargers on Sunday. Here are five storylines to keep an eye on leading up to the game.

The Denver Broncos (3-2) are set to host the Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) in Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday afternoon. Here’s a quick list of five storylines to keep an eye on leading up to the AFC West showdown.

1. The next next man up at right tackle: After losing Mike McGlinchey to a knee injury, the Broncos turned to Alex Palczewski at right tackle and he played very well before suffering an ankle injury. Palczewski is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain, which could make him a candidate for injured reserve. McGlinchey will be eligible to return from IR next week, but Denver will need a one-game fill-in against the Chargers. Matt Peart is the most likely candidate. The Broncos also have Frank Crum on the active roster and veteran Cam Fleming on the practice squad.

2. Devaughn Vele’s potential return at wide receiver: After leading the team with eight catches in Week 1, Vele injured his ribs and has not played since his debut. Vele has not appeared on the injury report in recent weeks so it seems that he has recovered. Josh Reynolds missed the last two days of practice with a hand injury and if Reynolds is not able to play on Sunday, Vele seems likely to return to the lineup.

3. A new center: Palczewski isn’t the only lineman battling an ankle injury this week. Starting center Luke Wattenberg has also been sidelined, which likely means Alex Forsyth is set to make his first NFL start against Los Angeles. Forsyth played with Bo Nix in college, so he already has existing chemistry with the rookie quarterback.

4. Joey Bosa’s uncertain status: The Chargers’ star pass rusher missed the last two days of practice with a hip injury, putting his status in doubt for Week 6. Denver’s banged-up offensive line would benefit from not having to face Bosa, who has 7.5 sacks in 12 career games against the Broncos.

5. Bo Nix against the NFL’s best defense: Putting aside an abnormal rain game against the Jets (67.9) two weeks ago, Nix’s passer rating has otherwise been trending up this season from 47.5 to 55.2 to 85.0 to 117.2. He’s now set to face a huge test when he goes up against an L.A. defense that ranks No. 1 in points allowed this season (12.5 per game). Nix has not had a single turnover during the team’s three-game winning streak and he has done a good job of eluding sacks. If Denver’s going to keep the streak going, Nix will need another strong performance against a tough Chargers squad.

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Chargers Week 6 Thursday injury report: Joey Bosa, Gus Edwards held out again

The Chargers’ injury report on Thursday was more promising.

The Chargers were still without a few key pieces in Thursday’s practice.

Joey Bosa (hip) remained out for the second straight day.

Also out were Gus Edwards (ankle) and Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula).

Justin Herbert (ankle), Deane Leonard (hamstring) and Rashawn Slater (pectoral) were limited participants.

Joe Alt (knee) was among ten players who either didn’t participate or was limited on Wednesday that was a full participant.

Chargers have lengthy injury report ahead of Week 6 game vs. Broncos

The Chargers had seven non-participants at practice on Wednesday.

The Chargers were back on the practice field on Wednesday to prepare for their Week 6 game against the Broncos this Sunday.

Despite having last week to rest and recover during their bye, based on their first injury report, you would assume they played.

Los Angeles had seven non-participants: Joey Bosa (hip), Cameron Dicker (illness), Gus Edwards (ankle), Kristian Fulton (knee), Derwin James (non-injury related), Deane Leonard (hamstring) and Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula).

Joe Alt (knee), Junior Colson (hamstring), Daiyan Henley (shoulder), Justin Herbert (ankle), Hayden Hurst (Achilles), Khalil Mack (non-injury related), Denzel Perryman (shoulder), Asante Samuel Jr. (shoulder) and Rashawn Slater (pectoral) were limited participants.

Nick Niemann (hamstring), who was designated to return from injured reserve last week, was a full participant.

Chargers remain steady in NFL power rankings after bye week

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 5

The Chargers are gearing up to endure 13 straight regular games after having last week off.

After their bye, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 18 (Previous: 17)

“Don’t know how rejuvenated a battered group will be following its bye. We do know Denver has been a house of horrors for the Bolts, who have dropped 10 of 11 in the Mile High City.”

NFL: 19 (Previous: 18)

“Early bye weeks might earn groans from teams when the schedules are released, but this one seemed to fall at an opportune time for the Chargers, given all their injuries. Justin Herbert definitely needed the time off to rest his ankle. The offensive line missed both starting tackles in Week 4. The defense missed Joey Bosa. Even the special teams coverage units were down several contributors. Now the Chargers must go on the road for three of the next four games, with a tough matchup against the Saints tucked in the middle. Two straight losses after the 2-0 start isn’t likely how Jim Harbaugh imagined things going, but everything the Chargers want to accomplish remains ahead of them. This defense has far surpassed what last year’s unit did during any four-game stretch last season, and the Bolts should be a little more effective offensively with some better health.”

ESPN: 18 (Previous: 18)

Fantasy surprise: QB Justin Herbert

“Because of the running focus of coach Jim Harbaugh-led teams, Herbert having less gaudy passing stats was somewhat expected. Still, his numbers are worse than anticipated. He has thrown for 578 yards this season, his fewest in any four-game span in a season in his career. His previous low was 785 yards from Weeks 11 to 14 last season. Some of the struggles could be related to a high right ankle sprain from Week 2, but Herbert is attempting just 22.7 passes per game. Before this season, he averaged 39.1 passes per game.

CBS Sports: 20 (Previous: 20)

“They battled through a bunch of major injuries before their bye, but some of those players are expected back this week against Denver. Quarterback Justin Herbert probably needed the bye as much as anybody to help heal his injured ankle.”

Sports Illustrated: 15 (Previous: 14)

“At the bye, the Chargers are 25th in EPA per play and 22nd in rushing EPA per play. Justin Herbert is 26th in EPA and completion percentage over expectation composite. While everyone will assume this is a negative, I’m trying to illustrate how much growth there still can be from this team over the back end of its season. If the team holds up injury-wise, there is no reason to believe they won’t be in a good spot by Thanksgiving. Up until that point, L.A.’s schedule breaks more fortuitously than almost any other team in the NFL.”

Bleacher Report: 20 (Previous: 19)

“…The Chargers still have some issues—the offense struggled last week with Justin Herbert nursing a high ankle sprain. But the team’s bye week came at the perfect time for the team’s injured signal-caller. And while a healthy Chargers team may not be a serious threat to the Chiefs in the AFC West, the Chargers have at least shown the potential to be a tough out for opponents.”

Chargers defender named ‘hidden gem’

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named every team’s hidden gem at the quarter mark of the season.

The Chargers have a few players who have made their presence felt up to this point of the season.

All the while, some have played well, yet they’ve still gone under the radar.

One is edge defender Bud Dupree, who Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recognized as Los Angeles’ biggest hidden gem.

While Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa remain the stars of L.A.’s pass rush when healthy—Bosa missed Week 4 with a hip injury—Dupree has flashed as a rotational sack artist. He recorded a pair of quarterback takedowns in Week 4, has logged three quarterback pressures and has made two tackles for loss. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Dupree get more opportunities moving forward after playing just 56 percent of the defensive snaps over the first month.

Dupree had a big game right before the bye week, as he notched two sacks against the Chiefs. The veteran has taken advantage of his extensive playing time while Joey Bosa has been sidelined with a hip injury.

Through four games, Dupree has eight quarterback pressures, five run stops and four hurries.

If Bosa continues to be hindered by his injury, it will only lead to more playing time for the 31-year-old Dupree.

Chargers PFF grades: Top 5 offensive, defensive performers through first 4 games

Looking at Pro Football Focus’ top five Chargers players on both sides of the ball at the bye week.

Which Chargers players have impressed the most so far this season?

That said, here are the best performers on both sides of the ball, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who have played at least 40% of the snaps on offense (228) and defense (234).

Top 5 Offense

OT Rashawn Slater — 81.7

WR Ladd McConkey — 80.2

OT Joe Alt — 77.0

OL Zion Johnson — 70.6

TE Will Dissly — 69.2

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Khalil Mack — 89.8

CB Kristian Fulton — 82.5

S Elijah Molden — 82.4

DL Poona Ford — 73.1

CB Ja’Sir Taylor — 72.9

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 4

Here is how the Chargers compare statistically to the rest of the NFL after Week 4

The Chargers fell to 2-2 after losing to the Chiefs this past Sunday.

Los Angeles had the opportunity to pull off the upset, but a lackluster offensive performance and penalties held them back.

With Week 4 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 17.0 ppg 26th
Passing offense 136.5 ypg 31st
Rushing offense 127.8 ypg 11th
Total offense 264.3 ypg 28th
3rd down conversions 36.36% 20th
Red zone scoring 44.44% 25th
Sacks allowed 9 14th
Turnovers 2 2nd

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 12.5 ppg 1st
Passing defense 188.5 ypg 12th
Rushing defense 94.0 ypg 5th
Total defense 282.5 ypg 7th
3rd down conversions 39.29% 20th
Red zone defense 28.57% 2nd
Sacks 11 15th
Takeaways 7 6th