Tag: Joey Bosa

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

 

Chargers continue to fall in NFL power rankings after loss to Chiefs

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 4

The Chargers lost to the Chiefs in Week 4, 17-10.

After coming up short, let’s see what national analysts think of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 17 (Previous: 16)

“No player wants a Week 5 bye, but the Bolts might also wind up reaping the benefits given their rampant injuries. And better rest up with only one home game between now and Nov. 10.”

NFL: 18 (Previous: 14)

“To what degree should we hold a close loss against this team? Despite not having Joey Bosa, Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt or Derwin James, and with Justin Herbert hobbled, the Chargers were in a position to seize control late against the Chiefs. As for the negatives, the Bolts were neutered offensively after the opening drive, failing to finish off their only two promising possessions of the second half by missing a long field-goal try and turning it over on downs at the Kansas City 3-yard line. Herbert struggled after a hot start. The offensive line was overwhelmed much of the day, erasing the run game. And the receivers only made a few plays of note. So L.A. still fell, even with Jesse Minter’s defense turning in a whale of a performance. The Chargers can rally from this after a well-timed Week 5 bye, but they’re noticeably lacking in big-play pop right now.”

ESPN: 18 (Previous: 15)

Biggest issue on defense: Absent stars

“The Chargers have been one of the NFL’s best defenses, allowing the fewest points per game through four weeks (12.5). Still, this defense has been without two of its best players. Outside linebacker Joey Bosa (hip) has played just 16 snaps since Week 1 and missed Week 4. The NFL suspended safety Derwin James Jr. against the Chiefs after he was flagged for unnecessary roughness for a helmet-to-helmet hit in Week 3. With these players back, the Chargers’ defense would be an even more formidable unit.”

CBS Sports: 20 (Previous: 14)

“They blew a 10-point lead in losing to the Chiefs to fall to 2-2. Justin Herbert and the passing game just don’t look crisp.”

Sports Illustrated: 14 (Previous: 15)

“Jim Harbaugh is testing the limits of his tough-guy offensive game plan strategy and, for the second straight week, J.K. Dobbins was unable to run through a defense. The Steelers and the Chiefs are not the Sun Belt and Harbaugh is gathering information as he goes. There’s no doubt this is a team that can finish the season with a winning record but the question becomes: what does it look like?”

Bleacher Report: 19 (Previous: 14)

“…Jim Harbaugh’s physical brand of football doesn’t work when injuries upend the starting lineup,” he said. “This past weekend, the Chargers didn’t have either of their starting offensive tackles. On the other side of the ball, Joey Bosa wasn’t available, either. Los Angeles battled the Kansas City Chiefs, but what became brutally obvious as the game progressed was that the Chargers don’t have the depth or overall talent to compete when obstacles are in their path. Once healthy, the Chargers will be better. But they can’t set the tone when key pieces are missing.”

4 crazy stats for Chargers after 4 weeks of regular season

The Chargers have been superb on the defensive side of the ball, while the passing offense has been poor.

The Chargers enter the bye week with a 2-2 record.

There have been a lot of good things on both sides of the ball, but one thing has hindered them up to this point in the season.

Here are four notable numbers after four weeks of the regular season:

136.5

When Greg Roman was hired as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, everyone knew that Justin Herbert and the passing game would likely take a backseat while the running game would become more of a priority. However, we weren’t expecting that department to be as inefficient as it is. The Bolts are averaging 136.5 passing yards per game, which ranks 31st in the NFL. He’s had four consecutive games with fewer than 200 passing yards. It doesn’t help that Herbert has been dealing with his high ankle sprain and the team was without Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt in Week 4, but it’s concerning that they haven’t been playing to their best player’s strengths.

7

Even though there isn’t a lot to write home about the Chargers’ passing offense, Ladd McConkey’s rookie season has been very encouraging. According to CBS Sports’ Jacob Gibbs, McConkey is seventh among 102 qualified players in targets per route run. He is averaging more PPR points per route (0.53) than Marvin Harrison Jr. (0.52). A.J. Brown averaged 0.54 through his first four games as a rookie. McConkey had his most productive performance in the season in Week 4, finishing with five catches on seven targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. Don’t be surprised if he continues to grow as Herbert’s primary target moving forward. He has proven himself to be a slick separator with reliable hands.

6.1

Ahead of the season, J.K. Dobbins said he was ready to remove the “injury-prone” label and return to his old ways. Dobbins has stuck to his word, as he’s been one of the most productive running backs thus far. He is averaging 6.1 yards per carry, the most among backs with at least 30 rushes.

12.5

Jesse Minter’s defense is playing at a high level. They have only allowed 12.5 points per game, which ranks No. 1 in the league. Minter’s pressure packages have had a positive impact. Up front, they have been stout against the run, only allowing 94 yards per game (5th). The players in the middle and on the back end have done a great job of rallying to the football and making plays in the open field.

Social media reacts to Chargers’ loss to Chiefs

Here is how the general population reacted to the Chargers’ loss to the Chiefs.

The Chargers lost to the Chiefs in a low-scoring affair.

The Bolts are now 2-2.

Here’s how social media reacted to the Week 4 game:

Everything to know from Chargers’ loss to Chiefs

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 17-10 loss to the Chiefs.

The Chargers fell to .500 after losing to the Chiefs, 17-10.

Here’s our recap of the Week 4 loss.

It was over when…

Samaje Perine found the end zone with six minutes left in the fourth quarter to grasp the lead. The Chargers had the opportunity to tie the game but were unable to.

3 stars of the game

  1. WR Ladd McConkey: McConkey and Justin Herbert’s chemistry continues to blossom. The rookie was targeted seven times and turned them into five catches and a touchdown.
  2. EDGE Bud Dupree: The veteran edge rusher stepped up big while Joey Bosa was sidelined with a hip injury this game. Dupree finished with two sacks.
  3. CB Kristian Fulton: Fulton has had himself a good season, and that continued on Sunday. He had an interception and a pass deflection, showing off solid coverage skills.

Quick hits

  • Against the Chiefs, the best defense is offense and 10 points isn’t going to cut it. The Chargers got those points off Kansas City’s two giveaways and were unable to have any success from that point on.
  • The Chargers were without Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Trey Pipkins started at right tackle. Jamaree Salyer started at left tackle. Practice squad lineman Sam Mustipher started at right guard.
  • The offensive line was decimated by penalties and they struggled to get movement up front to aid the running game. It put the Chargers in unfavorable downs and distances. Herbert was also pressured consistently. Chris Jones had two sacks, getting the best of Mustipher on both of them. He came up limping after taking a few hits throughout the game.
  • Los Angeles only managed to produce 224 total yards. They averaged 2.4 yards per carry. They were 4-of-13 on third downs.
  • Jesse Minter’s defense did a good job of putting pressure on Patrick Mahomes and keeping nearly everything in front. However, there were a couple of costly loose plays, including Xavier Worthy’s 54-yard touchdown in the second quarter and Noah Gray’s 29-yard reception in the fourth quarter that ultimately led to the game-sealing touchdown.

What’s next?

The Chargers have their bye week, which they will use to get their key players back to full strength. Their next game is on the road against the Broncos on Oct. 13 at 1:05 p.m. PT.

Chargers rule out three players for Week 4 vs. Chiefs, including Rashawn Slater

The Chargers will be without key players on both sides of the ball when they host the Chiefs this Sunday.

The Chargers held one last practice on Friday in preparation for their Week 4 game against the Chiefs.

Afterward, three players were ruled out ahead of the matchup.

Los Angeles has ruled out offensive tackle Rashawn Slater (pectoral), edge defender Joey Bosa (hip) and linebacker Junior Colson (hamstring) for Sunday’s game.

Additionally, quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle), tackle Joe Alt (knee), wide receiver Derius Davis (hamstring), and cornerbacks Kristian Fulton (knee), Deane Leonard (hamstring) and Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula) are questionable.

With Slater sidelined, the Chargers could start Jamaree Salyer or Foster Sarell at left tackle. If Alt can’t go, Trey Pipkins could move from right guard to right tackle.

Regarding Herbert, who was a limited participant in practice all week, Harbaugh said he felt better today than he did last Friday.

Herbert was able to do 7-on-7 and participate in team drills. Harbaugh added that he was able to do more in practice this week than last week.

“Listed as questionable, we’ll see,” he said.

Chargers fall to middle of the pack in NFL power rankings after loss to Steelers

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 3

The Chargers lost to the Steelers in Week 3, 20-10.

After coming up short, let’s see what national analysts think of Los Angeles:

USA Today: 16 (Previous: 14)

“Bad week for Team Harbaugh. With QB Justin Herbert and both starting offensive tackles injured and S Derwin James now suspended, can the Bolts just opt for a two-week bye rather than host K.C. – to whom they’ve lost five in a row – this Sunday?”

NFL: 14 (Previous: 7)

“When the Chargers intercepted Justin Fields midway through the third quarter, it put them in position to take control of the game, similar to how they leaned on the Raiders late in the Week 1 victory. But the Bolts went three-and-out, with Justin Herbert leaving the game due to injury, and it was all Steelers after that. They scored 10 points on their next two drives and bled out the final five minutes of clock to seal it. Los Angeles obviously can’t afford to lose Herbert for an extended period of time, so it was good news that his ankle ailment turned out to be about as positive as it probably could have been. The problem is that three other key Chargers left the game with injuries: edge menace Joey Bosa and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Taylor Heinicke was sacked three times in five dropbacks, which obviously isn’t a sustainable rate if he needs to step into the starting lineup for Herbert. It’s a bit of a scary time for the Chargers heading into a matchup with the Chiefs, but the early bye in Week 5 might end up being a blessing, allowing the Bolts to get their health in order.”

ESPN: 15 (Previous: 8)

Biggest issue on offense: Injuries to stars

Quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (MCL sprain) all left Sunday’s loss to the Steelers because of injuries. Those are perhaps the Chargers’ three most important offensive players, and without them, L.A. will have trouble running an effective offense. Herbert left in a walking boot, and receivers Joshua Palmer(elbow/calf) and DJ Chark Jr. (hip) are also nursing injuries that kept them out of Sunday’s loss. Now five Chargers offensive starters have lingering injuries heading into Week 4.

CBS Sports: 14 (Previous: 9)

“Losing Justin Herbert ended their chances against the Steelers. If he misses time with that ankle injury, they have major problems that their power offense can’t fix.”

Sports Illustrated: 15 (Previous: 12)

“I have no idea where to slot this team but it was instructive to see what happens to this iteration of a Jim Harbaugh team when they’re pushed back and unable to run the ball. Just 2.9 yards per carry for J.K. Dobbins meant that some of the buffer previously afforded to Justin Herbert evaporated. Without Herbert, this team quickly becomes extremely one-dimensional. Joe Alt was also knocked out in this one and will miss next week’s game against the Chiefs. I have a feeling that, during this eventual settling period, we will see Los Angeles find its home between Nos. 16 and 19 on this list with regularity.”

Bleacher Report: 14 (Previous: 13)

“…Jim Harbaugh has certainly put his stamp on this year’s Chargers team. While L.A. fell to 2-1 on Sunday, it continues to show that it’s going to play a tough, physical brand on both sides of the ball. It’s a formula that can make the Chargers competitive, regardless of the opponent or venue. However, injuries—which seem like a perennial issue in L.A.—are already a potential problem. Justin Herbert, Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and Joey Bosa all left with injuries against Pittsburgh, and if any of them miss significant time, the Chargers will be in trouble.”

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 3

Here is how the Chargers compare statistically to the rest of the NFL after Week 3.

The Chargers fell to 2-1 after losing to the Steelers this past Sunday.

It was an underwhelming performance for Los Angeles that lost a few key starters along the way.

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 19.3 ppg 17th
Passing offense 125.7 ypg 31st
Rushing offense 152.0 ypg 7th
Total offense 277.7 ypg 25th
3rd down conversions 38.10% 16th
Red zone scoring 42.86% 24th
Sacks allowed 7 14th
Turnovers 2 7th

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 11.0 ppg 3rd
Passing defense 175.3 ypg 10th
Rushing defense 91.7 ypg 6th
Total defense 267.0 ypg 6th
3rd down conversions 32.50% 12th
Red zone defense 20.00% 2nd
Sacks 8 16th
Takeaways 5 6th

 

Social media reacts to Chargers’ loss to Steelers

Here is how the general population reacted to the Chargers’ loss to the Steelers.

The Chargers lost to the Steelers in a game that saw them lose a few key players to injuries.

The Bolts are now 2-1.

Here’s how social media reacted to the Week 3 game:

Everything to know from Chargers’ loss to Steelers

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 20-10 loss to the Steelers.

The Chargers suffered their first loss of the season, falling short to the Steelers, 20-10.

Here’s our recap of the Week 3 loss.

It was over when…

Justin Fields connected with Calvin Austin for a 55-yard touchdown to extend their lead to 10.

3 stars of the game

  1. WR Quentin Johnston: Johnston picked up his third touchdown of the season.
  2. QB Justin Herbert: Before Herbert got hurt and left the game with his ankle injury, he was playing well.
  3. S Derwin James: James was flying around the field. He made some jarring hits and had a sack.

Quick hits

  • It’s difficult to overcome injuries to key players, and the Chargers couldn’t do that after losing Herbert and Rashawn Slater. Once Slater left the game with a pectoral injury, the pass protection was nonexistent as T.J. Watt and company had their way. Taylor Heinicke was sacked three times, which came on the final two possessions.
  • Joe Alt struggled against Watt before he went out of the game with an ankle injury.
  • The Chargers had no success running the football against the stout Steelers front. J.K. Dobbins averaged just 2.9 yards per carry on 15 rushes.
  • Johnston picked up where he left off last weekend, finding the end zone for the second consecutive week. He surpassed the number of touchdowns he had in his rookie season.
  • After allowing only 112 yards in the first half and picking off Justin Fields halfway through the third quarter, the defense crumbled afterward. They were gassed by how long they had been on the field. The backbreaker was Fields’ 55-yard touchdown pass to Austin in the fourth quarter.

What’s next?

The Chargers are back home to take on the Chiefs (2-0) next Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1:25 p.m. PT.