The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a 34-28 loss against the division rival Kansas City Chiefs in a dramatic heartbreaking overtime loss at home. The Chargers, unfortunately, drop to 8-6 but in this article, I’m going to reveal my top 5 Chargers performers from Thursday Night Football.
Prayers up for Donald Parham Jr.
1. Offensive Line
I can not speak highly enough of the offensive line performance on Thursday, especially given how low the expectations were. Missing their rookie star left tackle Rashawn Slater, the Chargers still only managed to allow six pressures throughout the game. Corey Linsley and Matt Feiler were once again phenomenal in this game. Feiler made a pivotal block on a successful 4th down attempt late in the game. He was the pulling guard on the run play and made the key block on Daniel Sorensen that led to the first down.
This isn’t just a two-man show as everyone was superb. Storm Norton didn’t allow a pressure for the first time this season. Michael Schofield III was the Chargers’ highest-graded run blocker per PFF.com. And Trey Pipkins only allowed three pressures and NO sacks.
Overall an incredible performance by the Chargers offensive line. Which was an area that Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley heavily invested in during the offseason.
2. Joey Bosa
Joey Bosa once again played spectacular. He finished with a team-high seven pressures and got a huge strip-sack that unfortunately didn’t amount to any points for the Chargers. He was also a force in the run game as he led the Chargers defense in run stops with four. His elite ability to convert speed-power on a pass-rushing down along with his pass rush toolbelt is just a small reason why Joey Bosa is easily one of the best pass rushers in the league.
3. Justin Herbert
If you watched the game (like I did), there is no way that your takeaway from that game can be that Patrick Mahomes outplayed Justin Herbert. This is where stats are definitely misleading in cases. Herbert was let down by multiple dropped touchdowns inside the Chiefs 5 yard line. Execution on fourth downs also let him down. Now Justin Herbert wasn’t perfect in this game. There definitely were some throws that he’d like to have back. Specifically, the Jared Cook throw near the goal-line. While Cook should have made the grab you could argue that Herbert could have laid that one on him a little bit better. Overall I thought Justin Herbert was the better quarterback in this game and just had some unfortunate bad breaks.
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4. Justin Jackson
The efforts of Justin Jackson in this game were absolutely huge. Jackson having a really solid game was important because it allowed the Chargers to not have to use Austin Ekeler as much as they might have. Ekeler was already banged up entering the week due to an ankle injury and was limited in practice leading up to the game.
Justin Jackson was able to be given the bulk of the load in terms of snaps and it allowed Austin Ekeler to be put in during specific spots during the game. Jackson would have 86 rushing yards on 6.6 yards per carry and finished with 99 yards from scrimmage.
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5. Uchenna Nwosu
Just a mere two games after having arguably the best performance of his career against the Cincinnati Bengals, Uchenna Nwosu had another solid effort. He nearly picked off Mahomes earlier on in the game but then he got a huge pick early in the 4th quarter on a very similar play. He also had four QB pressures and a QB Hit. Nwosu has been playing at a much higher level these past several weeks and the Chargers need him to continue his solid performances.
Honorable Mentions:
Derwin James(left early), Keenan Allen
Again, thoughts and prayers to Donald Parham Jr.
The Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Line. Photo Credit: Ty Nowell | LA Chargers