Tag: Khalil Mack

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Bengals stack up before Week 11 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Bengals stack up statistically ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Bengals are set to square off this upcoming Sunday night.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Cincinnati stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 11 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Bengals
Points per game 20.7 ppg (19th) 27.0 ppg (6th)
Passing offense 196.4 ypg (22nd) 254.8 ypg (4th)
Rushing offense 117.9 ypg (19th) 89.7 ypg (29th)
Total offense 314.3 ypg (22nd) 344.5 ypg (12th)
3rd down conversions 39.84% (13th) 47.29% (3rd)
Red zone scoring 54.17% (18th) 72.41% (2nd)
Sacks allowed 24 (17th) 23 (12th)
Turnovers 4 (T-1st) 10 (8th)

Defense

Category Chargers Bengals
Points allowed 13.1 ppg (1st) 26.2 ppg (26th)
Passing defense 191.6 ypg (9th) 220.2 ypg (23rd)
Rushing defense 110.6 ypg (9th) 127.3 ypg (17th)
Total defense 302.1 ypg (6th) 347.5 ypg (23rd)
3rd down conversions 32.76% (5th) 45.80% (29th)
Red zone defense 38.89% (2nd) 71.88% (31st)
Sacks 31 (T-4th) 17 (28th)
Takeaways 13 (11th) 10 (20th)

 

Chargers crack top 10 in NFL power rankings after Week 10 win over Titans

The Chargers received high praise from NFL analysts after their third-straight win.

The Chargers improved to 6-3 after defeating the Titans last Sunday.

After Week 10, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 13 (Previous: 17)

“The league’s stingiest defense – it hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in a game – is about to get stern tests with the high-powered Bengals and Ravens headed to SoCal the next two weeks for prime-time showcases.”

NFL: 10 (Previous: 12)

“When it comes to wins, the Chargers have a type. They’ve scored between 22 and 27 points in each of their six victories, allowing 17 or fewer in all of them. The Titans scored late to hit 17, but the Chargers really choked them out in the second half with two long, draining touchdown drives and two quality stops on defense. The Bolts’ formula isn’t tricky, but it is effective. Defensively, Jesse Minter remains a prodigy, coordinating a smothering effort with two rookies starting at corner. The Chargers had seven sacks, and that was with Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa playing limited roles. Justin Herbert overcame what looked like a strip sack run back for a score before officials got the replay fix right. He played another composed game and was creative as a scrambler. The return of Gus Edwards also gave this offense a boost. Efficient ball all around, once again. It’s arguable the Chargers haven’t beaten a great team yet, but they have to be a pain to face off against.”

ESPN: 11 (Previous: 13)

Non-QB MVP: Running back J.K. Dobbins

“Dobbins has been the Chargers’ most impactful offseason signing, giving L.A. its best rushing offense since the days of LaDainian Tomlinson. After suffering a season-ending Achilles rupture in Week 1 of last season, Dobbins is having one of the best years of his career. Coach Jim Harbaugh has used postgame news conferences to campaign for Dobbins to be the Comeback Player of the Year. He is up to 670 yards and six touchdowns this season, which both rank in the NFL’s top 10.”

CBS Sports: 9 (Previous: 10)

“They can run it, throw it and play defense. Oh, they also have a great coach. This team will be dangerous come playoff time.”

Sports Illustrated: 9 (Previous: 11)

“As good as Justin Herbert’s day was, there was another score to Will Dissly that nearly happened. I’m not sure how Herbert feels about this, but I wonder if he would trade those outlier Burrow-Jackson duel-under-the-lights games for what he has now: a more conservative approach that allows for some panache but keeps him mostly protected. He has gone from a top-third sacked player in the NFL to a middle-tier sacked player. That has to make a difference.”

Bleacher Report: 10 (Previous: 13)

“Jim Harbaugh was never likely to make the Chargers title contenders in his first season on the job. However, he has quickly forged a squad that, when healthy, has few real weaknesses. The defense is elite, the running game is above average, and quarterback Justin Herbert is thriving as a high-end game-manager.

With both Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey emerging as reliable receivers, the Chargers have become a well-balanced, well-coached team and talented enough that no one should want to see them in January.”

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 10

Jesse Minter’s defense is elite, but where does the offense rank after Week 10?

The Chargers improved to 6-3 after beating the Titans in Week 10.

Justin Herbert showed off his legs. Gus Edwards came back from injury and provide a spark on the ground. The defense, which produced seven sacks on the day, continued to dominate.

With Week 11 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 20.7 ppg 19th
Passing offense 196.4 ypg 22nd
Rushing offense 117.9 ypg 19th
Total offense 314.3 ypg 22nd
3rd down conversions 39.84% 13th
Red zone scoring 54.17% 18th
Sacks allowed 24 12th
Turnovers 4 T-1st

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 13.1 ppg 1st
Passing defense 191.6 ypg 9th
Rushing defense 110.6 ypg 9th
Total defense 302.1 ypg 6th
3rd down conversions 32.76% 5th
Red zone defense 38.89% 2nd
Sacks 31 T-4th
Takeaways 13 11th

 

This stat shows how good Jesse Minter’s defense has been

Jesse Minter has the Chargers’ defense playing at an elite level.

Jesse Minter has the Chargers’ defense playing at an elite level.

Since the start of the season, no team has scored over 20 points on the Bolts. This is the fourth time since 1990 that a defense has limited its opponents to that mark, per NFL Media’s Peter Schrager.

Los Angeles ranks No. 1 in scoring defense, allowing just 13.1 points per game.

Minter’s coaching has the defensive unit firing on all cylinders.

In the trenches, they’ve been stout against the run and the pass rush is finally starting to come alive. The linebackers are rallying to the football. The coverage has been tight, and the scheme has confused opposing quarterbacks.

Minter is just in the first season as the team’s defensive coordinator, but it might be his only stint in this role.

“We’ve gotta enjoy Jesse Minter while we have him because I think he’s gonna be a Head Coach next year,” Jim Harbaugh said in his appearance on the Pat McAfee Show.

Titans’ injury report: L’Jarius Sneed out, Dillon Radunz questionable vs Chargers

The Tennessee Titans released their final injury report for Week 10 and are close to having a complete roster against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Tennessee Titans will travel west to Sofi Stadium to play the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. 

Coming off an overtime victory, the Titans are getting healthier, and multiple starters could return to the sideline against the Chargers. 

Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (quad) continues to be out and will be sidelined again this week. He did not practice at all during the week, and his status moving forward is unknown. 

Starting guard Dillon Radunz (toe) and reserve running back Julius Chestnut (foot) were limited and are questionable. No other player has an injury designation heading into the weekend. 

Tennessee Titans

Out: CB L’Jarius Sneed (quad)

Doubtful: None

Questionable: OG Dillon Radunz (toe), RB Julius Chestnut (foot)

Los Angeles Chargers

Out: None

Doubtful: CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring)

Questionable: OLB Khalil Mack (groin), LB Denzel Perryman (toe), OLB Joe Bosa (hip), RB Gus Edwards (ankle), OT Try Pipkins (ankle),  TE Stone Smartt (ankle)

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Titans stack up before Week 10 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Titans stack up statistically ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Titans are set to square off this upcoming Sunday.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Tennessee stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 10 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Titans
Points per game 19.9 ppg (24th) 17.5 ppg (27th)
Passing offense 200.5 ypg (21st) 170.8 ypg (27th)
Rushing offense 114.5 ypg (20th) 125.6 ypg (12th)
Total offense 315.0 ypg (22nd) 296.4 ypg (27th)
3rd down conversions 39.82% (11th) 32.67% (28th)
Red zone scoring 52.63% (22nd) 52.00% (24th)
Sacks allowed 24 (24th) 21 (18th)
Turnovers 4 (2nd) 17 (31st)

Defense

Category Chargers Titans
Points allowed 12.6 ppg (1st) 26.6 ppg (27th)
Passing defense 195.9 ypg (11th) 155.8 ypg (1st)
Rushing defense 107.9 ypg (8th) 113.4 ypg (11th)
Total defense 303.8 ypg (8th) 269.1 ypg (1st)
3rd down conversions 32.71% (5th) 31.25% (2nd)
Red zone defense 40.00% (2nd) 65.22% (26th)
Sacks 24 (10th) 18 (25th)
Takeaways 13 (11th) 6 (29th)

 

Where the Chargers rank statistically after Week 9

The Chargers’ passing game makes strides, while the defense continues to be one of the best in the NFL

The Chargers improved to 5-3 after beating the Browns in Week 9.

Los Angeles has found its stride in the passing game, while the defense continues to be one of the best units in the league.

With Week 10 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 19.9 ppg 24th
Passing offense 200.5 ypg 21st
Rushing offense 114.5 ypg 20th
Total offense 315.0 ypg 22nd
3rd down conversions 39.82% 11th
Red zone scoring 52.63% 22nd
Sacks allowed 24 24th
Turnovers 4 2nd

Defense

Category Stat Rank
Points allowed 12.6 ppg 1st
Passing defense 195.9 ypg 11th
Rushing defense 107.9 ypg 8th
Total defense 303.8 ypg 8th
3rd down conversions 32.71% 5th
Red zone defense 40.00% 2nd
Sacks 24 10th
Takeaways 13 11th

 

Chargers surge in NFL power rankings after Week 9 win over Browns

Find out where the Chargers stand in the national eye after Week 9

The Chargers improved to 5-3 after defeating the Browns last Sunday.

After Week 9, let’s see where Los Angeles stands in NFL power rankings:

USA Today: 17 (Previous: 18)

“As well as they’re generally playing – albeit against a fairly soft schedule – it’s probably premature for this ascending program to delve into the trade market. But at least the NFL thinks enough of the Bolts to trade them into Week 11’s Sunday night slot.”

NFL: 12 (Previous: 15)

“Their offensive line has been a disappointment this season, but boy, the Chargers play competitive, tough and smart football. A few plays really stood out for me in their deliberate dismantling of the Browns in Cleveland. The late block of a field-goal try, preventing the lead from shrinking to two scores, was a sign of how much better-coached this team is now under Jim Harbaugh and his staff. There also was some high football IQ on rookie Tarheeb Still’s brilliant tip to Elijah Molden in the end zone — one of three picks of Jameis Winston. Even the series of laterals on the final play of the first half looked well-executed, despite ultimately failing. In spite of two misses from reliable kicker Cameron Dicker and the shaky pass protection, the Bolts secured an extremely clean road victory and took an important step forward as they sharpen their gaze on claiming a playoff berth down the back stretch.”

ESPN: 13 (Previous: 17)

Most important game remaining: Week 12 vs. the Ravens

This game will be coach Jim Harbaugh’s first chance at revenge since losing to his brother, John, in Super Bowl XLVII with the 49ers. It will also be revenge for many of the Ravens’ castaways who are playing or coaching for Los Angeles. The Ravens are a Super Bowl contender, so the game will be a measuring stick for a Chargers team that has only one win over a team with a winning record, which came in Week 6 against the Broncos

CBS Sports: 10 (Previous: 16)

“They are really doing a lot of good things. The defense is special and few have noticed. It’s time we do.”

Sports Illustrated: 11 (Previous: 13)

“Tarheeb Still is another name that we didn’t know and now we know. The Chargers’ secondary was heavily dependent on rookie 2024 fifth-round draft picks and was the second best defense in the NFL on Sunday against a Browns offense that, the week prior, torched the Ravens. This is the difference between what kind of players Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz were able to bring in that the previous regime struggled to identify.”

Bleacher Report: 13 (Previous: 15)

“Kudos to head coach Jim Harbaugh for turning a once-laughable Chargers defense into a powerhouse. I think we all expected Harbaugh to make strides in the defensive department, but last year’s lack of efficiency and effort made this sort of jump feel unlikely. The Chargers have allowed only 101 points through eight games.

“There’s still room for improvement offensively, but things operate so much differently when wideouts Quentin Johnston and Ladd McConkey are healthy. The team we saw on Sunday isn’t just capable of making the playoffs. It’s capable of making the AFC’s top contenders nervous.”

3 bold predictions for Chargers in Week 9 vs. Browns

The Chargers travel to Cleveland for a big AFC game that could play a decisive role in the postseason down the road.

If the Chargers want a legitimate shot at the postseason, they will have to start reeling off consecutive victories. There’s no better chance to do so than this weekend against a fellow AFC squad in the Browns.

Despite being on the road in Cleveland, Los Angeles is a 1.5-point favorite in Week 9. Without further ado, here are some bold predictions for this weekend’s matchup.

Ladd McConkey records his second consecutive 100+ yard game

No Charger had a 100+ yard receiving game until Week 8. That is until McConkey racked up a career-high 111 receiving yards against the Saints. The rookie continues to improve each passing week, and he’s established himself as Justin Herbert’s favorite weapon. In Week 9, McConkey should be able to take advantage of the Browns in the slot. Their best cornerback, Denzel Ward, primarily resides on the outside. Without many true threats on the outside, expect the Bolts to continue feeding McConkey a heavy dose of targets.

Chargers win the turnover battle by 2+

The Browns are one of the worst teams in the NFL regarding turnover margin. They are tied for 25th with a -4 turnover differential, albeit most of these numbers did come with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. On the flip side, the Chargers rank fifth with a margin of +6. It’s been a large reason why they have a winning record. Herbert’s ability to protect the football has been the main contributor to the turnover differential, as he has thrown just one interception in 196 pass attempts this season.

Despite appearing in just 99 games in his career, Jameis Winston ranks eighth amongst active quarterbacks in interceptions with 99. His interception rate is the highest among the top-25 in interception leaders. While he remains a better option than Watson, the Chargers defense should be able to take advantage of his aggressive playstyle.

Defense racks up 4+ sacks

No team in the NFL has given up more sacks in 2024 than the Cleveland Browns. They’ve given up six more sacks (37) than the next team in line. Couple that with the fact that Joey Bosa seems likely to play, and this prediction doesn’t even feel all that bold. Khalil Mack has been tremendous this season, so I expect him to get into that action as well.

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Browns stack up before Week 9 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Browns stack up statistically ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Browns are set to square off this upcoming Sunday.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Cleveland stack up statistically ahead of the Week 9 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Browns
Points per game 18.9 ppg (24th) 17.3 ppg (27th)
Passing offense 194.0 ypg (24th) 179.8 ypg (29th)
Rushing offense 117.1 ypg (20th) 92.5 ypg (27th)
Total offense 311.1 ypg (23rd) 272.3 ypg (31st)
3rd down conversions 40.40% (9th) 27.68% (32nd)
Red zone scoring 43.75% (30th) 61.54% (9th)
Sacks allowed 18 (14th) 37 (32nd)
Turnovers 4 (3rd) 9 (18th)

Defense

Category Chargers Browns
Points allowed 13.0 ppg (1st) 23.3 ppg (18th)
Passing defense 193.4 ypg (9th) 200.6 ypg (12th)
Rushing defense 112.0 ypg (11th) 125.9 ypg (17th)
Total defense 305.4 ypg (8th) 326.5 ypg (14th)
3rd down conversions 32.22% (5th) 31.07% (3rd)
Red zone defense 41.67% (4th) 58.33% (18th)
Sacks 18 (18th) 21 (9th)
Takeaways 10 (14th) 5 (26th)