Tag: Joshua Palmer

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

 

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+.

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

 

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.

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

 

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.

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 2

Here is how the Chargers compare statistically to the rest of the NFL after Week 2.

After defeating the Panthers in Week 2, the Chargers will face the Steelers this Sunday and look to improve to 3-0 for the first time since 2002.

Los Angeles’ success has come from its dominant defense and rushing attack. The passing game has taken a backseat since the team has had no problem running all over its opponents the past two weeks.

With Week 3 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 24.0 ppg 11th
Passing offense 135.0 ypg 28th
Rushing offense 197.5 ypg 2nd
Total offense 332.5 ypg 12th
3rd down conversions 41.94% 10th
Red zone scoring 50.00% 10th
Sacks allowed 2 T-1st
Turnovers 2 13th

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 6.5 ppg 1st
Passing defense 147.0 ypg 6th
Rushing defense 80.5 ypg 6th
Total defense 227.5 ypg 2nd
3rd down conversions 23.08% 2nd
Red zone defense — 1st
Sacks 6 10th
Takeaways 4 6th

 

Everything to know from Chargers’ win over Panthers

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ 26-3 win over the Panthers.

The Chargers improved to 2-0 after defeating the Panthers, 26-3.

Here’s our recap of the Bolts’ victory in Week 2.

It was over when…

The Chargers scored a touchdown on their opening drive. They held the lead from that point on.

Highlight of the game

Quentin Johnston’s first of two touchdowns. Johnston did an excellent job working back to the football with Jaycee Horn in coverage.

https://twitter.com/chargers/status/1835367117459243489?s=46

Notable number

The Chargers start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2012.

3 stars of the game

  1. RB J.K. Dobbins: Dobbins rushed for over 100 yards and posted a touchdown for the second consecutive week.
  2. WR Quentin Johnston: The Chargers didn’t prioritize the pass, but Johnston still took advantage of his opportunities. He had five catches for 51 yards and a pair of scores on six targets.
  3. CB Elijah Molden: Molden started at safety while Alohi Gilman was sidelined with an injury. He picked off Bryce Young in the second quarter and had seven tackles.

Quick hits

  • Bully ball is alive and well in Los Angeles. The Chargers finished the game with 219 yards rushing, which was engineered by Dobbins, who was the most efficient runner again. Gus Edwards had one more carry than Dobbins (18), but he only managed 3.3 yards per carry.
  • Justin Herbert finished the game 14 of 20 passing for 130 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Herbert’s 130 yards passing were his fewest ever in a victory. He did use his legs, running for a 13-yard pickup. It’s clear that the Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman offense has had an impact on Herbert’s passing output.
  • Even though the passing offense was nearly nonexistent, Johnston still had himself a great game. He had a 29-yard touchdown and found himself wide open in the end zone for his second score of the day.
  • Los Angeles was 9-of-14 on third down and had 21 first downs.
  • The Chargers continued to dominate defensively. The Panthers only totaled 159 yards of offense (84 yards passing), converted just once out of 12 attempts on third down. Los Angeles had two sacks and a takeaway.

What’s next?

The Chargers are on the road again to take on the Steelers (1-0) next Sunday, Sept. 22, at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Alohi Gilman doubtful for Chargers’ Week 2 matchup with Panthers

The Chargers are likely going to be without one of their starting safeties this Sunday.

Chargers safety Alohi Gilman is doubtful for Los Angeles’ Week 2 matchup with the Panthers.

Gilman did not practice the entire week while dealing with a knee injury.

With Gilman out, Elijah Molden is likely to start alongside Derwin James.

“I think so,” Jim Harbaugh said when asked if Molden is ready to step up this weekend.

Harbaugh said that “it’s possible” Tony Jefferson could be elevated to the active roster from the practice squad.

Also listed on the injury report are edge defender Joey Bosa (back), running back Hassan Haskins (toe), wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee) and Ja’Sir Taylor (fibula). They are all questionable.

Bosa worked off to the side on Friday.

A knee injury is what limited Palmer in 2023.

Taylor participated in individual drills for the first time this week when practice was open to the media.

3 best prop bets for Chargers in Week 2 vs. Panthers

The Chargers head into Week 2 as 5.5-point favorites over the Panthers. There are a few player props that are too good to pass up.

The Chargers head into their Week 2 matchup against the Panthers as 5.5-point favorites. While the game will be played on the road in Carolina, the Panthers are coming off a 37-point loss in the season opener.

Last week, I went 0/3 on these picks, so let’s hope for a little bit better success this time around. Without further ado, here are some prop bets that make sense from the Chargers’ side of things.

All odds courtesy of BetMGM.

Chargers -5.5 (-110)

Let’s get this one out of the way first. Again, it is a road game, but the Panthers will be fighting for the worst record in football once again this season. Albeit a small sample size, the Chargers showed an ability to dominate the line of scrimmage in Week 1. Nothing should change in that department this weekend, especially with Panthers star defensive lineman Derrick Brown out for the year. This bet makes too much sense, even if the Chargers offense isn’t as high-powered as it has been in the past.

J.K. Dobbins longest rush O14.5 yards (-125)

In his breakout Week 1 performance, Dobbins averaged 13.5 yards per carry across 10 tries. Now, a lot of that work was done across two big plays, but nonetheless, he showed that he still has the big play ability. In the second half, he had runs of 46 and 61 yards against the Raiders defense. The Panthers allowed 180 rushing yards to the Saints in Week 1, which included several runs of 10+ yards. This bet feels like an easy one, especially as Dobbins gains more control of Los Angeles’ backfield.

Joshua Palmer longest catch O19.5 (-120)

After a disappointing opener, look for Palmer to get more involved in this one. The only concern for this would be if Panthers star cornerback Jaycee Horn guards him for a majority of the game. Still, Palmer has shown his big play ability several times in his career. In 2023, he averaged a career-high 15.3 yards per catch, which ranked 17th in the NFL.

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