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[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Wednesday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Five things to know about Chargers QB Trey Lance (Chargers.com)

Take a look at all the possible matchups the Chargers could face in the wild card round (Chargers.com)

Drew Brees was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 (Chargers Wire)

Could the Vikings try and snatch Justin Herbert away from LA? (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Who made the cut for Ben Solak’s 2025 All-Rookie team? (ESPN)

What are the biggest flaws for each of this year’s playoff teams? (ESPN)

Trevon Diggs was waived by the Cowboys (CBS Sports)

Mike Tomlin is committed to making sure Steelers-Ravens is not Aaron Rodgers’ final game (NFL.com)

This Sunday night will be the 40th matchup between Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh (Pro Football Talk)

Jonathan Taylor did not mince words when discussing the Colts’ disaster to end the 2025 season (Sport Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...06/chargers-daily-links-wednesday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Tuesday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Five takeaways from Monday’s media availability for the Chargers (Chargers.com)

Five things to know about the Chargers ahead of Week 18 (Chargers.com)

Check out the best photos from Saturday’s game against the Texans (Chargers Wire)

Resting Justin Herbert in the season finale was the obvious call (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Matthew Stafford threw three interceptions in the team’s loss to the Falcons (Sports Illustrated)

Northwestern is hiring former Raiders OC Chip Kelly to the same position (ESPN)

The Ravens are still TBD on Lamar Jackson’s status for the season finale (ESPN)

Check out Week 18’s schedule recently released by the NFL (CBS Sports)

What’s the updated 2026 draft order look like after Week 17? (NFL.com)

Bijan Robinson set the record for most yards from scrimmage before the age of 24 (Pro Football Talk)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...2276/chargers-daily-links-tuesday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Broncos Game Preview: Allen has his sights set on incentives

The Chargers will rest a number of their starters this week with the playoffs clinched, and that includes Justin Herbert and a number of their defensive leaders.

One veteran play who will certainly take the field this weekend is wide receiver Keenan Allen who is aiming for upwards of $1 million in incentives he’s closing in on with one more game to go in the regular season.

Other players who could be in line for some extra cash are cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (needs one interception) and linebacker Troy Dye (one sack) to activate a $125,000 boost for them both.

NFL Contract Incentives pic.twitter.com/OCGeu1985I

— Toad Sports (@ToadSports) December 30, 2025

Aside from that, this game is going to be a fun watch for those who want to see the Chargers backups in action against one of the best teams in the NFL this year. Yes, it may not be fun by traditional measures, but seeing new faces on the field and letting yourself invite the unknown can be an enjoyable experience, even if you know the score may end up fairly lopsided in the worst way.

With that said, here are the final three things of the 2025 regular season that I’ll be watching for when these two teams take the field on Sunday.

1.) How will the offensive game plan differ for Trey Lance from Justin Herbert?​

Although Lance has been at every Chargers practice this year behind Herbert, it doesn’t necessarily mean the offense will remain the exact same

Lance hasn’t logged many snaps as a starter and his control of the offense is at a much lower level. He’s also been a much more avid scrambler and runner. To keep Lance safe from throwing more than he has to against a very good Denver secondary, I can see Roman truly leaning into the quarterback’s legs which would also help shorten the game. That may be something the Chargers want to do to limit the tread on his player’s tires just before the postseason.

I expect a much quicker passing attack and an amped up amount of RPOs, as well. While Herbert may not be playing in this one, I can still see it being a fun contest to take in given the unknowns about the players who will be taking the field.

2.) Which backups will standout against the Broncos starters?​

This week will be the best opportunity to see the Chargers backups in action since the 2025 preseason. Except this time it’ll be after months of additional NFL experience under their belt while also facing one of the league’s best team.

In this game, I’m looking to see how the coaching staff utilizes players like seldom-used wideout KeAndre Lambert-Smith or 2025 fourth-round edger rusher Kyle Kennard. Will KLS manage to get a WR1’s workload or will that be fellow rookie Tre’ Harris? Will Kennard get the start this week next to Tuli? Bud Dupree?

Another name I’m excited to watch is former Raiders starting center Andre James who has seemingly been the team’s starting center in practice this week. Will he look like a marked improvement over Bozeman, despite playing with other backup offensive lineman?

This game is essentially being seen as a wash, but man I’m excited to see what some of these backups can do. I can’t wait to see if any show the coaches that they should be considered heavily in the team’s future plans.

3.) Will Keenan Allen achieve his incentives?​

This week, contract incentives have become one of the bigger focuses of Week 18. With one game left in the regular season, a lot of money is on the line for players who are oh-so close to hitting certain milestones. One of those players for the Charges is veteran wideout Keenan Allen who stands to gain $1 million dollars in incentives if he has a strong game against the Broncos.

According to Allen’s contract, he needs just nine more receiving yards to hit 750 on the year which would trigger $250,000 bump in his pay. If he Allen records at least six receptions and reaches 80 total on the year, he’d receive another $750,ooo. Allen told the media that he is most certainly going to play with the intent of striving for those marks.

Now the nine receiving yards sounds easy enough, but the six catches may be tough unless they manufacture easy touches (much like his pop pass to become the Chargers’ all-time receptions leader earlier this year). Allen has only recorded six or more receptions in three games this season and the last time came in October when he caught 11 against the Colts. Otherwise, he’s coming off nine consecutive outings of five or less.

Knowing this team and how they feel about Allen, I could see them go out of their way to make sure Allen hits his marks. If he doesn’t, that’s a very tough break for the veteran who is playing on a much cheaper deal than he’d personally like at this point in his career.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...review-allen-has-his-sights-set-on-incentives

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Poll: Will the Chargers finish the regular season strong?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Chargers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Heading into Week 18, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...the-chargers-finish-the-regular-season-strong

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Chargers-Broncos prediction thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Check out photos from the Chargers prep for Week 18 (Chargers.com)

Are media members picking the Chargers or Broncos this weekend? (Chargers.com)

ESPN says this is the biggest weakness for the Chargers (Chargers Wire)

This new mocked draft prospect to the Chargers would be a head-scratcher (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Lamar Jackson says he’s playing this week and that he’s “not quitting” on the Ravens (ESPN)

Pete Prisco picks games from this week’s slate in the NFL (CBS Sports)

The Packers added recently-released cornerback Trevon Diggs (NFL.c0m)

The Dolphins are hiring Troy Aikman to help out in their search for a new general manager (NFL.com)

Justin Jefferson wants to show people that J.J. McCarthy is the No. 1 guy (Pro Football Talk)

There are some hot names out there who could be on the rise to the next NFL general manager (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...aily-links-chargers-broncos-prediction-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers vs. Broncos: How to watch, game time, TV schedule, streaming, and more

Welcome to game day, everyone!

It’s the regular season finale for the Chargers as they are in Denver today to face the Broncos. Justin Herbert and a host of starters will not be playing as they prep for their wild card matchup a week from now. In his place, Trey Lance will get the start while many other backups will also see an opportunity to show that they should be a part of the team’s future plans in 2026 and beyond.

There’s unfortunately nothing on the line this week aside from bragging rights and the chance at sweeping the division, but the Chargers’ plans shows they don’t care to try for the latter. Unfortunate, but it’s the smart thing to do.

For all the information you need to watch today’s game, check it out below.

Date: Sunday, January 4th
Kickoff: 1:25 p.m. PST
Location: Empower Field at Mile High (Denver, Colorado)
Watch it live: NFL Network
Broadcast Team: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson
Radio: Chargers radio can be heard on KFI AM-640 called by Matt “Money” Smith, analyst Daniel Jeremiah and sideline reporter Shannon Farren. Chargers radio in Spanish can be heard on Que Buena FM 105.5/94.3, called by Adrian Garcia-Marquez and analyzed by Francisco Pinto, here, and also on UniRadio San Diego. The game will also be aired nationally on Sports USA with Larry Kahn and Ron Rivera on the call.
SB Nation Affiliate: Mile High Report

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...atch-game-time-tv-schedule-streaming-and-more

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Broncos Game Recap: Lance, Bolts fall 19-3 in Denver

The regular season finale for the Chargers unfortunately came and went with little to highlight in their 19-3 loss to the Broncos. With the Bills beating the Jets on top of their loss, the Bolts are now set as the AFC’s No. 7 seed and will now face the Patriots on the road in the wild card round.

Now, if there was one impressive takeaway from this throwaway game it’s that defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is still on the ball when it comes to preparing his defense on a week-to-week basis.

With most of the unit’s impact players standing on the sideline, the Chargers defense held the Broncos to zero offensive touchdowns and four field goals, most of which came after a Los Angeles turnover. If Minter wasn’t already a hot head-coaching candidate for this year’s cycle, this likely put him right back near the top of some team’s lists.

In the meantime, the Chargers will now set their sights on the postseason where they’ll look to win their first playoff game since the 2018 season.

For a complete recap of today’s game, keep it right here.

First Quarter​

The Chargers won the toss and chose to receive the ball so the offense was up first.

Lance’s first completion went to Keenan Allen for a gain of six on second-and-10. Allen needed six receptions coming in to Sunday for a $750,000 incentive to cash and Greg Roman seemingly knows it as he was targeted twice in the team’s first three plays.

The Broncos churned out a long 15-play, 81-yard drive that ended in a short field goal by Will Lutz to take a early 3-0 lead.

On the third play of the next Chargers drive, Lance’s pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith ricocheted off the rookie’s hands into the arms of cornerback Ja’Quan McMillan who returned it 45 yards for a touchdown.

Second Quarter​

The second quarter was mostly uneventful as both teams struggled to move the ball for final 15 minutes before halftime. Los Angeles’ defense stiffened up after the opening Denver drive and Lance and Co. continued to find any consistency.

Just before the break, Lance got the Chargers in field goal range and Cameron Dicker was good to bring the score to 10-3 at the break.

Third Quarter​

The Broncos offense found a groove on offense to begin the second half with a seven-play, 52-yard trek on their second drive that once again ended in a short Lutz field goal. At this point the Chargers defense continued to do their job as they’ve allowed just six points up to this point in the game.

With a little over eight minutes left in the quarter, Lance found Allen for his sixth reception of the game to cash in his $750,000 incentive. The catch also moved the chains for the Chargers as they looked to respond with points after the latest Broncos field goal. Unfortunately the offense stuttered and Lance was sacked on third down to force a punt.

Fourth Quarter​

On the first Chargers drive of the first quarter, the Bolts had the ball for one play before edge rusher Nik Bonitto stripped Lance in the pocket after beating Austin Deculus and the Broncos recovered deep in Chargers territory. But once again, the Chargers held tough in the red zone and held Denver to another field goal which increased their lead back to 13 points.

The Broncos tacked on one more field goal after another 10-play drive to make it 19-3 with 2:23 remaining in regulation.

Unfortunately, Los Angeles waited just a little too long to have one of their best drives of the game as they put together a string of 16 plays, but they came away with zero points after Lance was pressured out of the pocket which led to a throwaway on fourth down.

The Broncos knelt the ball just once to ice their win after that.

The Chargers have locked down the No. 7 seed and will face the Patriots on the road in the wild card round.

• LA Chargers vs. Denver Broncos Week 18 game discussion
• Chargers playoff picture: What Week 18 loss to Broncos means for AFC standings
• Chargers vs. Broncos: How to watch, game time, TV schedule, streaming, and more
• Chargers-Broncos Injury Report: Omarion Hampton won’t play in Denver
• Chargers-Broncos Game Preview: Allen has his sights set on incentives
• Chargers-Broncos Game Preview: Trey Lance will face Denver’s elite DEF

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...s-broncos-live-game-recap-its-trey-lance-time

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Monday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

The Chargers will face the Patriots on Sunday Night Football in the wild card round (Chargers.com)

Five takeaways from the Chargers’ regular season finale (Chargers.com)

Check out all the information you need to tune in to this weekend’s playoff game (Chargers.com)

History will not remember Kenneth Murray well after year with Cowboys (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

The Browns fired Kevin Stefanski as head coach (ESPN)

The Falcons have moved on from both Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot (ESPN)

Five candidates for the Falcons after firing Raheem Morris (CBS Sports)

Ranking all 14 playoff teams by their contention for a Super Bowl win (NFL.com)

Travis Kelce noted he’ll either be quick about it or take time to decide on retirement (Pro Football Talk)

Why the Ravens would miss John Harbaugh if he were fired (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...62408/chargers-daily-links-monday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

PFF grades from Chargers-Broncos: The backup Bolts looked like backups

The Chargers trotted out a bunch of backups against the Broncos starters and the game went about as good as you’d expect. Los Angeles lost 19-3 and barely managed to put up a fight outside of a few drives where they managed to cross the 50-yard line.

Understandably, there wasn’t a ton to write home about here. If you’re still interested in how some of the team’s second and third-stringers performed, you can check it all out below.

Offense​

Best (min. 20 snaps)

OL Trevor Penning – 81.9
WR Keenan Allen – 65.9
TE Oronde Gadsden II – 65.0
RB Jaret Patterson – 60.6
OT Bobby Hart – 57.4

Penning had his best game as a Charger and it came while starting in this throwaway game. He was stellar in run blocking (87.2) while also being fairly good in pass protection (65.5).

Allen caught enough passes to cash in $1 million in incentives. He was unsurprisingly Trey Lance’s top target.

Patterson was strong in pass protection at 74.1, second best on the team.

Worst

OT Austin Deculus – 33.9
OG Branson Taylor – 34.3
QB Trey Lance – 36.4
C Andre James – 46.8
TE Tyler Conklin – 48.6

Deculus allowed six pressures and three sacks against the Broncos pass rush. Nik Bonitto unfortunately ate him up all game long. Taylor allowed four pressures in his first NFL start which was third most on the team.

Lance barely could hang in the pocket for long behind his offensive line and it showed in his final stats. It was a rough outing for him if he wanted to show other teams that he could be a worthy quarterback in 2026.

Defense​

Best

EDGE Odafe Oweh – 80.5
CB Tarheeb Still – 72.2
S Tony Jefferson – 70.6
LB Marlowe Wax – 69.1
DT Da’Shawn Hand – 68.5

Oweh recorded four pressures and notched his eighth sack of the season. He was the best defender on the Chargers by a good bit.

Jefferson had the team’s best pass rush grade at 70.3 and the second-best mark in coverage at 74.6.

Worst

EDGE Kyle Kennard – 40.8
S Marcus Maye – 49.7
LB Troy Dye – 50.8
DT Teair Tart – 53.3
LB Del’Shawn Phillips – 54.9

Kennard’s grade was sunk by a 28.9 in coverage and a 21.9 in tackling, both of which were the worst on the team. His 51.4 in pass rushing was also third worst.

Maye had a strong 82.2 in tackling but a 51.1 in coverage knocked him hard.

Phillips’ 34.6 in coverage was second worst on the team and his 35.8 in tackling was also amongst the worst marks for the Chargers.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-broncos-the-backup-bolts-looked-like-backups

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Power Rankings Roundup: Bolts remain steady entering playoffs

The Chargers ended the regular season with a wash of a game where their backups did their best against the Broncos starters. They fell 19-3 and their sights are now set squarely on their wild card matchup against the Patriots.

Let’s go ahead and see where they landed amongst the final regular season power rankings.

CBS Sports – #11

They have a defense that can win in the postseason and a quarterback who can make plays. But the offensive-line injuries might be too much to overcome. – Pete Prisco

Pro Football Talk – #11

They need more pieces to climb much higher. – Mike Florio

Yahoo Sports – #11

The Chargers going 11-6 with their injury issues, especially on the offensive line, is a testament to Jim Harbaugh. If the Chargers can somehow get defensive coordinator Jesse Minter back and also get their offensive tackles healthy, this team will be a popular Super Bowl pick next season. As is, the Chargers are a very good No. 7 seed and not an easy matchup for the Patriots in the first round. It also helps that the Chargers got some key players a week of rest. – Frank Schwab

NFL.com – #11

The Chargers seemed to be fine with the idea of going to Foxborough prior to Week 18, sitting Justin Herbert to give him a 14-day rest period as a runway to the game. Given the beating he’s taken this season, that might have been the most prudent route. Rest for the likes of Khalil Mack, Derwin James and some offensive linemen probably helped, too. Los Angeles is good enough to beat New England if Herbert has time to operate, but outside of a dominant performance at Dallas, the Bolts haven’t played great on the road down the stretch. Without a complete offensive line, it’s hard to imagine this team making a Super Bowl run. But with a capable defense and a miracle-working QB, winning a game or two wouldn’t be stunning. – Eric Edholm

The Athletic – #11

The Herbert Hive took a beating last year when the Chargers quarterback was awful — again — in the postseason. He was 14 of 32 for 242 yards, a touchdown and four interceptions, and he has only completed 52 percent of his passes in two career playoff games. Now he gets another chance, this time against a Patriots defense that is 11th in the league in passing defense based on EPA. – Josh Kendall

Sporting News – #12

The Chargers have been crumbling up front with their offensive line injuries and issues, making the pressure pile on Justin Herbert, even more so than his shaky past playoff performances. The running game isn’t always there and the defense, despite a lot of playmakers, tends to be inconsistent. Jim Harbaugh’s chances of a deep run are once again slim, still stuck as a wild card in a tough AFC field. – Vinnie Iyer

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...roundup-bolts-remain-steady-entering-playoffs

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers re-sign WR Luke Grimm to practice squad

On Tuesday afternoon, the Chargers announced the signing if wide receiver Luke Grimm to the practice squad. Grimm re-joins the Chargers as a former member of the team’s initial 2025 free agent haul this past offseason. In a corresponding move, the Chargers released tight end Tanner McLachlan.

we've signed WR luke grimm to the practice squad + released TE tanner mclachlan from the practice squad pic.twitter.com/3lYisJGk1M

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 6, 2026

Grimm played collegiately at the University of Kansas and has been both a wideout and return man for the Chargers. During the 2025 preseason, Grimm caught three passes for 43 yards and one touchdown. On special teams, he made one of the plays of the preseason when he returned a punt 66 yards for a touchdown.

The UDFA has been on and off the practice squad for most of the year and I believe this move is to get the practice ready for when the team starts to hand out reserve/future contracts following the end of their season. Grimm showed promise back in August and he deserves a chance to stick around for it.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...rgers-re-sign-wr-luke-grimm-to-practice-squad

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers make major upgrade with sizable OL prospect in new 2026 mock

The Chargers tried to get bigger up front on the offensive line by signing former Eagles offensive guard Mekhi Becton. That decision floundered and the 2025 campaign has been the worst season of Becton’s career.

Per Pro Football Focus, Becton ranks 79th among 81 qualifying offensive guards after the regular season. His overall grade of 35.3 is almost 20 full grade points lower than his previous career low (53.2).

In a new mock draft from ESPN’s Jordan Reid, the Bolts try again to reinforce the offensive line with a different 6’7 blocker. With the 22nd-overall pick, the Chargers selected Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor who many in scouting circles believe will be best at offensive guard in the NFL.

Here’s what Reid had to say about this pairing:

“I’ve talked with multiple scouts about Proctor in recent weeks, and opinions on the 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman remain all over the place. Many believe he’ll be picked in the top 25 because of his size and flashes of improved play, and several referred to Proctor’s upside as a guard. That’s where he would play with the Chargers, who should have bookend tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt healthy and ready to go next season. Proctor fits the Chargers’ mentality as a tough, physical blocker who could help the interior protection of quarterback Justin Herbert.”

One of the things that stands out the most with Proctor is 1.) His size and 2.) The way he moves with said size. They don’t make them like this every year and he has the chance to really settle in on the inside where his best qualities can shine. If his biggest knocks are on his ability to change direction and spatial awareness, then the best course of action certainly sounds like minimizing the space he has to work within and letting his strength and explosiveness take center stage when moving interior defenders.

Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor:

+ Massive frame at 6’7”, 366 lbs
+ Rare explosiveness for his size
+ Sturdy anchor in pass pro
+ Heavy hands, grip strength
+ Good strike placement
– Pad level, playing under control
– Change of direction
– Spatial awareness pic.twitter.com/MWUkWOejJ9

— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) December 4, 2025

The Chargers will likely look to improve the center position at some point in the draft — or even find a veteran amongst the free agent group this year — but finding a way to reinforce the interior after Mekhi Becton was beyond replaceable this season and that looks to likely be the position of choice in this year’s first round.

It all obviously depends on how the board falls, but Proctor’s lack of direct translation to an NFL tackle likely means he sees a dip in his drat position. With the Chargers picking at 19 or later, Proctor seeming looks to be in play.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ade-with-sizable-ol-prospect-in-new-2026-mock

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Patriots Game Preview: Bolts face elite, balanced NE squad

While the Patriots may have been one of the more ideal matchups for the Chargers in the wild card round due to a lack of an elite pass rush, they’re still arguably the most balanced team in all of the NFL.

Mike Vrabel has his squad as a top 10 team both total offense and defense. Quarterback Drake Maye is having a MVP-caliber season and either side of the ball features up-and-coming young talent.

If the Chargers want to have a shot at winning this one, the elite defense will have to come to play along with the pass protection not throwing away one of their best matchup in recent weeks.

With all that said, let’s go ahead and jump into the numbers for this matchup.

Chargers Offense​

Total yards per game: 333.8 (12th)
Points per game: 21.6 (20th)
Passing yards per game: 212.2 (18th)
Rushing yards per game: 121.6 (12th)

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Top Performers

Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 3,727 passing yards, 26 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Kimani Vidal – 631
Rushing touchdowns: RB Omarion Hampton – 4
Receiving yards: WR Ladd McConkey – 789
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen – 81
Receiving touchdowns: WR Quentin Johnston – 8

Chargers Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 285.2 (5th)
Points allowed per game: 20.0 (9th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 179.9 (5th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 105.4 (8th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 103
Tackles for loss: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 20
Sacks: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 13
Passes Defended: CB Donte Jackson – 12
Interceptions: CB Donte Jackson, S Tony Jefferson – 4
Forced fumbles: EDGE Khalil Mack – 4
Fumble recoveries: 4 players tied w/ 1

Patriots Offense​

Total yards per game: 379.4 (8th)
Points per game: 18.8 (4th)
Passing yards per game: 193,5 (9th)
Rushing yards per game: 128.9 (6th)

Join the conversation!​

Sign up for a user account and get:

• Fewer ads
• Create community posts
• Comment on articles, community posts
• Rec comments, community posts
• New, improved notifications system!

Top Performers

Passing: QB Drake Maye – passing yards, touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB TreyVeon Henderson – 911
Rushing touchdowns: RB TeyVeon Henderson – 9
Receiving yards: WR Stefon Diggs – 1,013
Receptions: WR Stefon Diggs – 85
Receiving touchdowns: TE Hunter Henry – 7

Patriots Defense​

Total yards allowed per game: 295.3 (8th)
Points allowed per game: 18.8 (4th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 193.5 (9th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 101.7 (6th)

Top Performers

Tackles: LB Robert Spillane – 97
Tackles for loss: EDGE Harold Landry, EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson – 10
Sacks: EDGE Harold Landry – 8.5
Passes Defended: CB Marcus Jones – 11
Interceptions: S Jaylinn Hawkins – 4
Forced fumbles: EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson – 2
Fumble recoveries: CB Marcus Jones – 3

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...me-preview-bolts-face-elite-balanced-ne-squad

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Thursday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Check out the Chargers’ injury report from Wednesday (Chargers.com)

Three matchups to watch in this weekend’s wild card game against the Patriots (Chargers Wire)

Jim Harbaugh recently spoke on his brother’s firing from the Ravens (Chargers Wire)

Could this vulnerability of the Chargers end up sinking them against New England? (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Bill Barnwell predicts which teams will make it all the way to Super Bowl LX (ESPN)

Jim Harbaugh jokingly hopes his brother lands in the NFC (ESPN)

The Chiefs are aware of the allegations put out by Rashee Rice’s ex-girlfriend (CBS Sports)

Weighing fifth-year options for players from the 2023 NFL draft class (NFL.com)

The Raiders are set to interview Kevin Stefanski for their head coach position (Pro Football Talk)

How Peanut Tillman revolutionized the NFL with his “Peanut Punch” (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...536/chargers-daily-links-thursday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Patriots Injury Report: RB Omarion DNP on Thursday

Thursday Update: The Chargers got back to work on Thursday and the biggest name that still remained sidelined was running back Omarion Hampton. With one practice left before the team travels, their starting running back has not logged a practice in any form outside of working to the side with trainers.

Bud Dupree, the team’s fourth pass rusher, was also DNP with his hamstring injury.

One prominent name that did progress in a positive direction was offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer who is slated to start at left tackle if he’s available. He was limited on Wednesday with a hamstring injury but was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday.

Special teams standout Del’Shawn Phillips also saw his status progress from a DNP to a limited participant. The special teams unit will need him against the Patriots, so this is great to see.

thursday's #LACvsNE injury report pic.twitter.com/qnLnXluzby

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 8, 2026

---

The Chargers kicked off their week of prep for the Patriots by posting their first injury report that unfortunately includes quite a few DNPs.

In all, eight different players posted a DNP tag although two of them came from Keenan Allen and Khalil Mack receiving veteran rest days. The other six who were held out of Wednesday’s practice were running back Omarion Hampton (ankle), offensive tackle Austin Decullus (oblique), edge rusher Bud Dupree (hamstring), wideout KeAndre Lambert-Smith (hamstring), linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (hamstring), and safety Kendall Williamson (ankle).

Three players logged limited session on Wednesday. They were offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer (hamstring), safety Elijah Molden (hamstring), and cornerback Donte Jackson (ankle).

Quarterback Justin Herbert (left hand) and tight end/fullback Tucker Fisk (ankle) were both listed on the report as full participants.

Wednesday injury report for #Chargers and Patriots pic.twitter.com/LEHBY4HpOX

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) January 8, 2026

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...iots-injury-report-rb-omarion-dnp-on-thursday

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Wednesday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

How Justin Herbert’s toughness willed the Chargers to the playoffs (Chargers.com)

Five Chargers-Patriots stats to know before this weekend’s wild card matchup (Chargers.com)

What are the Chargers’ current odds to win this year’s Super Bowl? (Chargers Wire)

Jesse Minter’s exit from LA seems inevitable after John Harbaugh is fired from the Ravens (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Answering questions following the Ravens’ decision to fire John Harbaugh (ESPN)

The Commanders moved on from both of their coordinators (ESPN)

Ohio State WR Carnell Tate has declared for the NFL Draft (CBS Sports)

Ranking all seven of the open NFL head coaching positions (NFL.com)

Kevin Stefanski had dinner with the Giants on Tuesday (Pro Football Talk)

The Raiders need to rebuild, not search for a quick turnaround (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...35/chargers-daily-links-wednesday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Poll: Are the Chargers getting better heading into the postseason?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Chargers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Heading into the playoffs, we want to know how you’re feeling after watching the team so far this year. Every week of the season we will ask fans if they are confident the team is headed in the right direction and more of the most pressing questions facing the coming game. Let us know what you think!

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...rs-getting-better-heading-into-the-postseason

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers S Derwin James, LB Del’Shawn Phillips earn 2nd-Team All-Pro honors

On Saturday morning, the Associated Press announced their 2025 NFL All-Pro teams and the Los Angeles Chargers landed a pair of players on the second team in safety Derwin James and linebacker/special-teamer Del’Shawn Phillips.

Chargers safety Derwin James and LB Del’Shawn Philips were named second-team AP All Pros.

Second straight All-Pro selection for James at slot corner and fourth selection in his career.

First All-Pro for Phillips, who was selected as a special teamer.

Pic via @Chargers pic.twitter.com/1L85au6hP4

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) January 10, 2026

James was named to the All-Pro team as a slot cornerback, his second consecutive honor at that position. He ended the 2025 regular season with 94 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, three interceptions (tied career high), seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He’s been integral to the success of the Chargers defense under Jesse Minter and his impact has once again been recognized by the voters for another year.

Phillips was recognized as one of the league’s best special-teams contributors after leading the Chargers in special teams snaps (352) and finishing with 24 coverage tackles, the second most in the NFL this season. His final stats of the regular season included 37 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...elshawn-phillips-earn-2nd-team-all-pro-honors

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

3 things to watch for in Chargers-Patriots: Can the Offensive line play above themselves for one week?

The Chargers have worked all season to get to this point. They’re back in the playoffs once again with Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh leading the way. But can they find a way to finally get past the first round?

Surrounding circumstances tell us it’s going to be a tall task, but those same circumstances seemingly should have sank this season in LA, but it did not. Herbert and the Harbaugh effect have kept this team afloat through some massive hits and obstacles over the past 18 weeks and it truly makes you believe they could have at least one more gutsy victory up their sleeve.

It’s time to leave it all out on the field one more time.

Here are the three things I’ll be watching for when these teams take the field on Sunday.

1.) Can the Chargers offensive line find it within themselves to play one of their cleanest games of the season?​

This season has been incredibly unfair to Justin Herbert.

He’s put his body and health on the line each and every week and he’s been rewarded with being the quarterback that’s had to play behind the most unique offensive line combinations in the NFL this year. The Bolts have had 32 different groups, two more than the Browns in second place. Yet somehow, they’re still in the postseason with 11 wins.

Justin Herbert stat https://t.co/241ZJgCtJ3

— Steven Ruiz (@theStevenRuiz) January 7, 2026

The Patriots were deemed an ideal matchup — if there is one — in the wild card round due to their lack of an elite pass rush. They have no defenders with double-digit sacks and are tied for the seventh-least sacks by a team during the regular season with 35.

If there is any way this Chargers team is going to find a way past the wild card round for the first time in Justin Herbert’s career, it’s going to be with a herculean effort by the front five to keep Herbert on his feet and give him ample time to make plays against the league’s ninth-ranked pass defense.

And when I say this, I mean not an effort where he’s sacked zero times, but even somewhere around around 2-3 would be seen as a vast improvement compared to recent weeks. If any of these guys want to be with the Chargers next year and avoid the inevitable revamping of the offensive line room, they’ll need to leave it all out on the field.

2.) Will Omarion Hampton be healthy enough to make an impact?​

The Chargers rookie back was a non-participant in practice this week for the team’s first two sessions. Then, on Friday, he was given a questionable tag for Sunday night after participating in a limited fashion to end the week.

Failing to log a full practice the week before the team’s first playoff game is not a great sign, but knowing this coaching staff it could have been out of an abundance of caution or to squeeze as much rehabilitation time into the week.

Hampton told reporters on Friday that the plan is for him to play, but we won’t know exactly how much he’ll play until Sunday arrives. Kimani Vidal is returning from a neck injury and that will also create another line of questions for the health and state of the backfield.

The Chargers absolutely need a great day from the it ground attack against the Patriots to help shorten the game against against a very balanced an efficient offense. In the same way teams would previously want to keep the ball out of Herbert’s hands, the Bolts need to do everything they can to do the same for Maye.

This hope will be aided by the Patriots already ruling out defensive tackle Khyris Tonga, one of their best run defenders, on Friday. Anything helps and per Patriots fans, this is a big aid.

3.) How will Jesse Minter attack the Patriots offense?​

The Patriots come into this game with three offensive lineman who have allowed 26 or more pressures on the season. Right tackle Morgan Moses leads them with 29 while rookie guard Jared Wilson has 28 and first-round left tackle Will Campbell has 26. Campbell also leads the team in sacks allowed with five. Wilson is right behind him with four.

The tackles will be where the Chargers can create the most pressure and it’s also where they could draw some free yards due to penalties. Moses leads the team with eight flags while Campbell has seven. As we’ve seen in numerous big-time games around the NFL and college football world, some of these games can be decided by ill-timed penalties in crucial moments. This is an area where Minter can try and create free yardage for his offense.

Being able to push the Patriots backwards leads to improved field position for the offense. It’s obviously easier said than done, but Minter has done a phenomenal job with his unit since the bye week and if he wants to help his case for running a franchise next year, this will be an excellent buff to his resume.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...nsive-line-play-above-themselves-for-one-week

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers vs. Patriots: How to watch, game time, TV schedule, streaming, and more

Welcome to game day, everyone!

The Chargers are in Foxborough tonight to face the No. 2 seed Patriots on the road. It’s the Bolts’ second consecutive playoff appearance under Jim Harbaugh and it’s another opportunity for likes of Justin Herbert and Khalil Mack to record their first career postseason victories. It’s going to be nothing short of a tall task, but that’s what they play the game for. They want to experience these big moments and be the ones who fought harder and longer to leave the field victorious.

If you’re anxious and itching to get this game underway, you’re unfortunately going to have to wait until tonight when these teams take the field under the lights in primetime. But would you rather have it any other way?

I sure wouldn’t.

For all the information you need to watch today’s game, check it out below.

Date: Sunday, January 11th
Kickoff: 1:25 p.m. PST
Location: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)
Watch it live: NBC, Peacock
Broadcast Team: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark
Radio: Chargers radio can be heard on KFI AM-640 called by Matt “Money” Smith, analyst Daniel Jeremiah and sideline reporter Shannon Farren. Chargers radio in Spanish can be heard on Que Buena FM 105.5/94.3, called by Adrian Garcia-Marquez and analyzed by Francisco Pinto, here, and also on UniRadio San Diego. The game will also be aired nationally on Sports USA with Larry Kahn and Ron Rivera on the call.
SB Nation Affiliate: Pats Pulpit

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...atch-game-time-tv-schedule-streaming-and-more