Top Five Los Angeles Chargers Performers From Week 17

Roberts
Top Shots: Bolts Bust Broncos in Week 17

Top Five Los Angeles Chargers Performers From Week 17

The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a 34-13 victory against the division rival Denver Broncos in a must-win game at home to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Chargers, improve to 9-7 and in this article, I’m going to reveal my top 5 Chargers performers from their huge win against their division rival. 

1. Rashawn Slater

Another sensational performance for the rookie. This game was Slater’s 5th game this season where he has not allowed a single pressure. He also had a phenomenal day from a run blocking perspective. He was the highest-graded run blocker on the offensive line for the Chargers per PFF. Hopefully, he can continue the spectacular performance this Sunday in a win & in-game against the Raiders. As he will likely be matching up against Maxx Crosby who has had a spectacular season.

2. Derwin James

James’ impact on this Los Angeles Chargers squad can’t be described in this excerpt. Quite frankly it can not be described in any particular article dedicated to him. His leadership is something that has been raved about by his teammates and coaches. In this game, he only allowed 2 catches for 1 yard on 24 coverage snaps. He also was 2nd in Run Stops in this game only to Kyzir White. James has been badly missed in his roughly 2 game absence due to injury. Specifically the Chargers’ heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in which superstar tight end Travis Kelce had an incredible game. The Chargers will desperately need James’s services especially if Raiders tight end Darren Waller plays.

3. Andre Roberts

For so long it seems that the Chargers have desperately needed a guy like Roberts. A guy who could give your team a huge momentum swing, or give your offense better field position. When the Chargers acquired Roberts mid-season, us fans had high hopes for Roberts and what he could do for a struggling Chargers special teams unit. However, I’m not sure many Chargers fans could have expected this. In Robert’s past 3 kick returns, he has an average of 74.3 yards per return including a kick return touchdown in the win on Sunday against the Broncos. This is why there must be a statue made in honor of Andre Roberts. Just kidding, well unless he gets a TD in a playoff game.

4. Joey Bosa

I’m not going to say that Bosa is the Defensive Player of the Year. However, Joey Bosa might have the most value and importance out of the league’s best edge rushers in the NFL.  His energy and constant pursuit are infectious and it’s incredible when you think about all of the injuries and the fact that he gets double teamed if not triple-teamed at times by opposing teams. After a one-game absence, Bosa returned with another multiple-pressure performance. He’s only had 3 such games this season where he’s had 1 pressure or less. The Chargers will need a big performance from him on Sunday.

5. Justin Herbert

This wasn’t Herbert’s best game of the season. The Chargers didn’t need it to be either. Herbert was precise with his throws in this game and finished with 237 yards and 2 TD passes. One of them was to Mike Williams on a beautiful deep ball; which broke the Philip Rivers team single-season touchdown record. So far the Chargers are undefeated this season when Herbert does not throw an interception with a record of 6-0. This includes the Chargers’ week four matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Who the Chargers will match up against on Sunday night with a spot at the playoffs on the line.

Roberts

Top Shots: Bolts Bust Broncos in Week 17 – Mike Nowak