RSS Chargers Team Notes

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Raiders Live Game Recap: AFC West lead up for grabs on Monday Night Football

The Chargers and Raiders are about to kickoff the second half of Monday Night Football’s double-header.

Both teams are 1-0 coming off wins against the Chiefs and Patriots, respectively. Justin Herbert looked like his vintage self in Brazil while Pete Carroll and Geno Smith got their squad off to an ideal start after both joined the franchise earlier this offseason.

One of the top storylines in this one will be the performances of both Omarion Hampton and Ashton Jeanty, both of whom were selected in the first round of this year’s draft. Neither running back could find their stride in Week One, so all eyes will be on them in this primetime matchup.

Are you ready for some primetime football?

Keep it right here as we update this live recap after each quarter!

First Quarter​

The Chargers won the toss and chose to defer. The Bolts defense was up first.

On the first play from scrimmage, Raiders quarterback Geno Smith faked a handoff to Ashton Jeanty and fired a ball up the right seam. Chargers safety Alohi Gilman crashed down and met the receiver at the catch point. The ball ricocheted up and the ball was corralled by linebacker Daiyan Henley who returned it a short distance to the Raiders 25-yard line.

Offensive coordinator Greg Roman called three consecutive pass plays to begin the game and the Chargers unfortunately completed just one for five yards before settling for the chip-in field goal. Less than 90 seconds into the game, the Bolts led 3-0.

Smith and Jeanty got the Raiders going on their second possession with Jeanty gaining 13 on the opening play. Smith then found rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr. for a big gain on a short crosser. The drive looked promising after a Cam Hart defensive PI call gave the Raiders a first down near the red zone, but Khalil Mack shut the drive down with a third-down sack. Daniel Carlson was good from 52 yards to knot the score at 3-3.

When the Chargers got the ball back, they ended up gaining zero positive yards thanks to a Trey Pipkins false start on second-and-10 followed by an incompletion and a Herbert five-yard scramble on third-and-15. Luckily the Chargers defense stood strong on the ensuing Raiders drive, forcing a tackle for loss on Jeanty in the backfield and tight end Brock Bowers being stopped well short of the sticks on third down.

The Chargers took advantage of the stop and used the momentum to march down the field on an eight-play, 72-yard drive aided by several penalties committed by the Raiders, including an unnecessary roughness call on a Las Vegas defender who hit Herbert’s helmet while the latter slid on a scramble. The drive ended in fantastic fashion with Herbert finding Allen in the back of the end zone while running to his right for the game’s first touchdown. Dicker was good on the PAT and the Bolts led 10-3.

herbert to allen hits every time

@espn pic.twitter.com/JsjYUsmkBa

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 16, 2025

Second Quarter​

The Raiders put together another drive of double-digit plays that took 5:26 off the clock and once again ended in a field goal by Carlson. The Las Vegas offense had first-and-10 at the LA 17-yard line, but a muffed snap on third down led to a Jamaree Caldwell sack that forced another kick.

After Las Vegas forced the Chargers into a three-and-out, the Bolts responded by holding the Raiders to six plays before they punted it right back. On the crucial third down, Henley shot through to drop Jeanty in the backfield for huge tackle for loss.

For a guy who was considered questionable with an illness heading into this game, he’s been absolutely balling.

Greg Roman found the secret sauce for Quentin Johnston on the next drive, dialing up a post-corner route up the left sideline before Herbert found him for a massive 60-yard score to push their lead to 11 with a little under two minutes remaining in the half.

HERBERT TO JOHNSTON FOR THE 60-YARD TD pic.twitter.com/39rFeL1wzu

— ESPN (@espn) September 16, 2025

Smith and the Raiders offense tried pushing the ball downfield fast to potentially get some points up on the board before the break but an errant heave down the field was picked off by safety Tony Jefferson at the Chargers’ one-yard line.

The Bolts managed to get a first down behind the legs of Hampton and ultimately decided to let the clock tick down and head into the locker room with their lead.

Third Quarter​

The Chargers began the second half with a huge 12-play drive that took exactly half the quarter at seven minutes and 30 seconds. Harbaugh went for it on a fourth-and-two in Raiders territory and Herbert hit Keenan Allen for a big gain all the way inside the Las Vegas five-yard line. However, despite three consecutive runs, the Chargers were held out of the end zone and had to settle for the field goal that increased their lead to 20-6.

On the other side, the Raiders orchestrated their own drive that actually took the remainder of the third quarter, but when the clock hit zero, they had the ball at the Los Angeles 33-yard line facing a second-and-11.

Fourth Quarter​

• Chargers place LB Denzel Perryman on IR, elevate 2 players for MNF
• Chargers LB Daiyan Henley added to injury report with illness
• Chargers-Raiders Friday Injury Report: Elijah Molden DNP
• 3 Things to Watch for in Chargers-Raiders: Which 1st-round RB will lead their team to victory?
• BFTB Roundtable: Chargers-Raiders game predictions
• Chargers vs. Raiders By The Numbers:

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...st-lead-up-for-grabs-on-monday-night-football

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Best and worst PFF grades from Chargers-Raiders: Alohi Gilman, DBs lead the way

The Chargers defense stood tall for another week while the offense did their thing and finished the game with the ball in their hands. It was another complete win that has given the Chargers possession of first place in the AFC West ahead of next week’s home date with the Broncos.

That said, let’s go ahead and dive into the best and worst grades given to the Chargers from Pro Football Focus this week!

Offense​

Best (min. 20 snaps)

RB Najee Harris – 75.7
WR Keenan Allen – 75.1
WR Ladd McConkey – 74.3
OT Joe Alt – 73.4
QB Justin Herbert – 67.9

With Hampton struggling to get much going early on, the Chargers turned to Harris who secured the ball well while churning out the necessary yardage to close out the game against the Raiders. Once again, Herbert finished among the top five offensive players joined by at least two of his receivers.

Alt was also the team’s top lineman to no one’s surprise. He was solid across the board as he was the only lineman to post a pass block grade above 80.0 and run block grade over 65.0.

Worst

TE Tyler Conklin – 44.2
OG Mekhi Becton – 50.4
FB Scott Matlock – 52.4
TE Will Dissly – 53.9
RB Omarion Hampton – 60.2

Conklin finds himself at the bottom of the Chargers offense after a rough, rough night trying to block Maxx Crosby in the run game. Crosby consistently whipped him off the line and made numerous disruptions in the backfield. The same can be said for Dissly. It was a bad night blocking for the tight ends.

After a great first game protecting Herbert, Becton recorded the team’s worst pass block grade at 45.6. He was one of two linemen to allow multiple pressures.

Defense​

Best

S Alohi Gilman – 82.4
CB Tarheeb Still – 81.4
CB Donte Jackson – 80.5
LB Daiyan Henley – 78.9
S Tony Jefferson – 77.9

Gilman began the game with a massive play, forcing an interception into the arms of Henley on the first snap of the contest. Still was an unbelievable tackler in space, as well. Both are rightfully on top of the defense. As for Jackson, he had a few good sticks as well and took advantage of his own tipped pass in the end zone by corralling an INT off Derwin James’ PBU.

Henley was CRAZY in this game. The captain recorded a sack, two tackles for loss, and an interception all while dealing with a sinus infection and a 101-degree fever.

Worst

EDGE Caleb Murphy – 43.5
EDGE Bud Dupree – 46.1
LB Troy Dye – 55.4
DT Da’Shawn Hand – 64.4
EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 66.7

When Khalil Mack wound up injured early, the Chargers defense needed to rely on both Murphy and Dupree playing an increased number of snaps. Unfortunately both ended up at the bottom of PFF’s defensive grades. Both players missed at least one tackle and Dupree finished the game with zero pressures while earning one of the defense’s three penalties on the night. Murphy was credited with one miss on just one tackle attempt all night.

Don’t let the grades for Hand and Tuipulotu fool here. Overall the defense was so good that even some of the grades in the bottom five are still above average.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...hargers-raiders-alohi-gilman-dbs-lead-the-way

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

4 winners, 2 losers from Chargers-Raiders: Daiyan Henley fights through illness, authors big-time performance vs. LV

Starting the year 2-0 is a great feeling. But starting the year 2-0 with both being wins over divisional opponents has got to be some kind of special.

The Chargers got massive games out of their stars and captains, leading to a dominant defensive win over the Raiders 20-9 on the road in Las Vegas. For the most part, this was all Chargers all night long. There were a few blemishes on the night, but overall the Bolts found their way to a lead and then held onto it from there on out.

With that said, here are four winners and two losers from this week’s big win on the road!

Winners​

LB Daiyan Henley

Something about Chargers players getting sick right before a game apparently means they’re about to pop off.

When Becton came down with flu symptoms ahead of the Chiefs matchup, he went on to have a heck of a game protecting Justin Herbert. This week, Henley woke up with a sinus infection and somehow turned in one of the best games of his career.

He started the game with an interception of Geno Smith, recorded two tackles for loss, and finally a sack that helped close out the game in the final minutes. After playing at a Pro Bowl level a year ago, this may actually be an All-Pro type of campaign for Henley by the end of the year.

WRs Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen

For the second consecutive week, both Johnston and Allen found the end zone.

First, Herbert found Allen in the back of the end zone as the pair enacted a perfect scramble drill. Herbert broke from the pocket, scrambled right, and Allen raised his arm to show he was open just before toe-tapping the sideline.

Then, Johnston brushed off several early incompletions his way to catch a 60-yard touchdown pass from Herbert on an awesome post-corner route up the left sideline. Johnston also became the first Charger since Antonio Gates in 2014 to catch three touchdowns in the team’s first two games.

CB Tarheeb Still

Still was incredible on Monday night.

Not only did he help keep Raiders quarterback Geno Smith completion-less on throws 10 or more yards down the field, but he was also a very sticky tackler when it mattered most. Once he got his hands on you, you weren’t going anywhere.

If Still keeps this up, the Chargers secondary will once again be amongst the best in the NFL for another year under Jesse Minter.

Losers​

Short-yardage run game

The Chargers are still unable to get the hard-earned yards near and around the goal line. Against the Raiders, the Chargers ran the ball three consecutive times inside the five yards line and were shutout over and over again. The interior of Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, and Mekhi Becton were not enough against the defensive line of the Raiders and it didn’t help that the plays called lacked any fragment of imagination.

Greg Roman has done a wonderful job calling plays for the most part through two games. However, the Chargers lose a ton of steam when they’re near the goal line. It’s almost better for them to score from outside the 10-yard line than to ever get the ball inside of it.

End-of-game management

After the Chargers nearly handed the Chiefs enough life for them to comeback in Brazil, you’d think the Chargers would be on their Ps and Qs this week if they managed to have the lead in the waning minutes of regulation. That unfortunately did not happen as the Chargers offense sputtered when faced with their first big drive to try and seal the win over Las Vegas.

On third-and-one with 8:23 remaining on the clock, Herbert dropped back and nearly through an interception right into the hands of linebacker Germaine Pratt. Then, on fourth down, Roman called a zone read where Herbert was to mesh with Derius Davis who was coming on a jet motion from right to left. The play was rushed and the mesh was muddy, leading to a fumble and turnover on downs.

Instead of running it up the middle with Hampton, Harris, or even sneaking it with Herbert, Roman got too cute and almost let things get out of hand yet again. The Chargers coaching staff needs to tighten this area up or else it could cost the later in the year when the games matter the most.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-2-losers-from-chargers-raiders-daiyan-henley

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Khalil Mack to miss several weeks with dislocated elbow

If you’ve been holding your breath and preparing for the worst since Khalil Mack left Monday night’s game against the Raiders, it’s not time to take a collective sigh of relief.

Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Mack is only expected to miss “a few weeks” with a dislocate elbow. Let me repeat that: Mack’s injury is not season-ending and he will be back within the next few weeks.

#Chargers legend Khalil Mack, who left Monday’s win over the #Raiders with a dislocated elbow, is expected to be back in a few weeks, per me and @MikeGarafolo. Not season-ending.

Good news for LAC, as Mack has looked like his usual productive self for this stellar defense. pic.twitter.com/Zdku3gAE8I

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 17, 2025

Mack began the game against the team that drafted him just the way you’d expect. He was stout at the point of attack and even managed to notch his first sack of the season before being sidelined. Without him, the Chargers are going to be in a tough spot in regards to their edge rusher group. In the short-term, Bud Dupree is likely getting the start opposite Tuli Tuipulotu with Caleb Murphy as the third man in. With Mack gone, fourth-round rookie Kyle Kennard could also see his first real game snaps after being inactive during the team’s first two games of the season.

If the Chargers believe they can get by the next month of games without him (vs. Broncos, @ Giants, vs. Commanders, @ Dolphins), then maybe we won’t see them make a bold move to add a veteran currently on another team. Knowing how this staff likes to do it, they’ll likely promote from within and support their guys currently on the roster to make sure they’re going to be up for the challenge.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...k-to-miss-several-weeks-with-dislocated-elbow

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Broncos Wednesday Injury Report: Daiyan Henley, Ladd McConkey DNP to begin Week 3

The Chargers have dropped their first injury report of Week Three and it’s unfortunately the largest report of the young season. After playing in a late game on Monday night, it’s no surprise that some of the team’s starters were kept out to get a bit more rest and recuperation.

In all, seven players made the initial report. Five players were DNP while two others were limited.

The five players who sat out include linebacker Daiyan Henley (illness), wideout Ladd McConkey (biceps), defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe (foot), safety Elijah Molden (hamstring), and tight end Will Dissly (knee). Henley is likely still recovering from the sinus infection he woke up with on Monday that caused him to have a 101-degree fever and made him nearly miss Monday night’s primetime game.

Cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam hart were both limited with a knee/shoulder and hip injury, respectively. Both played excellent games and the Chargers will need both when they take on the Broncos this Sunday.

wednesday's #DENvsLAC injury report pic.twitter.com/ZkmDD9dY09

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 17, 2025

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...iyan-henley-ladd-mcconkey-dnp-to-begin-week-3

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Broncos Thursday Injury Report: Ladd McConkey returns to practice

Chargers fans received some good news on Thursday as wide receiver Ladd McConkey (biceps) returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s session with a biceps injury. With such a quick turnaround, it looks like the team was only being cautious with him following the late game on Monday.

Thursday’s injury report features seven players once again. Three players were tagged as full participants, two were limited, and two were DNP. The full participants were McConkey, cornerback Tarheeb Still (knee/shoulder), and defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe (foot). Limiteds were cornerback Cam Hart (hip) and linebacker Henley (illness), the latter of which was upgraded from DNP. Both players trending towards full with one practice to is a positive sign for two of the defense’s impact players.

Lastly, tight end Will Dissly (knee) and safety Elijah Molden (hamstring) were both DNP for the second consecutive day. If Dissly remains out this week, we could actually see some game snaps for rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden II against the Broncos.

thursday's #DENvsLAC injury report pic.twitter.com/rji9phiFZZ

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 18, 2025

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...jury-report-ladd-mcconkey-returns-to-practice

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Broncos Final Injury Report: TE Will Dissly, S Elijah Molden OUT for Week 3

Seven Chargers graced the injury report over the team’s first two days of practice and it looks like only four will actually carry a designation into Sunday’s game against the Broncos. Of course, that’s barring a late addition for the third consecutive week due to an illness.

Two players have already been ruled out entirely and they are tight end Will Dissly (knee) and safety Elijah Molden (hamstring). This will be the first game missed by Dissly and the second for Molden.

Lastly, linebacker Daiyan Henley was back to a non-participant on Friday and is tagged as questionable after logging a limited session on Thursday. He was also DNP on Wednesday with the same sinus infection he’d been dealing with since Monday morning. Cornerback Cam Hart is also questionable for Sunday with a hip injury that held him to being a limited participant during all three days of practice.

full #DENvsLAC game status pic.twitter.com/jyL0yGNdj3

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 19, 2025

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-injury-report-te-will-dissly-s-elijah-molden

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

3 things to watch for in Chargers-Broncos: Bolts must put a lid on former back J.K. Dobbins

The Chargers head into Sunday with an opportunity to start 3-0 this season while already having three victories over AFC West opponents. However, they’ve got to face a scrappy Broncos team that was this close to being 2-0 themselves if it wasn’t for a last-second field goal from the Colts.

If you haven’t had enough suspense through the team’s first two games, you’re probably about to get exactly what you want in this one. Buckle up! It’s going to be a good one.

1.) Stopping the run and establishing the run could be the key to beating Broncos​

Through two games, the Broncos are averaging over 130 rushing yards per game with their ground game being led by former Chargers starting back J.K. Dobbins. In two games, Dobbins has totaled 139 yards and the only two rushing scores of the year for Denver. Behind him, rookie RJ Harvey has 78 yards on 11 carries.

Surprisingly, quarterback Bo Nix has not been all that active as a scrambler thus far which is a good thing for the Chargers. He has just 38 yards on 11 carries following a rookie campaign that was really spurred on by how much of a dual threat he was week-in and week-out.

The Chargers currently rank eighth in run defense through two weeks, allowing just 83.0 yards per game on the ground. That bodes well as the Broncos will surely try and establish the run due to their passing game being a bit anemic to begin the year (186.0 per game, 25th in NFL).

On the flip-side, the Chargers need to get their ground game going in a bad way. You cannot rely on Justin Herbert to play near-perfect in every game and this week may be a good opportunity to get both Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris going. The Broncos are in the bottom half of league run defenses and allow 119.0 yards per game. Seeing as Denver ranks near the top in defending the pass (184.0 allowed per game), this game could really come down to who can control the clock the most and keep their offense on the field via the run.

2.) Will we see rookie EDGE Kyle Kennard make his NFL debut?​

The Chargers needed to reinforce their pass rush following Joey Bosa’s exodus to the Buffalo Bills as a free agent so when they had the chance to draft the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in the fourth round earlier this year, it was a no-brainer. Kyle Kennard was a consensus All-American and the Bronco Nagurski Award winner following his lone season at South Carolina. He had 11.5 sacks in the SEC, arguably the best overall conference in the country.

Sounds like a player ready to take the NFL by storm, yeah? Especially with a team who had hoped he’d make an impact sooner rather than later, right? Well, that hasn’t been the case through two weeks.

Former UDFA and Division II player Caleb Murphy joined the Chargers last season and worked his butt off to make the final 53-man roster. Now, he’s the one being made active on game day and it’s Kennard — the one with the impressive resume and pedigree — who’s been inactive against the Chiefs and Raiders.

With Khalil Mack now on IR, Kennard would naturally be the team’s fourth edge rusher to be active for games. Tuli Tuipulotu and Bud Dupree are the presumed starting duo with Murphy now as the first man in. Murphy saw snaps as the EDGE4 — albeit very little — but that should mean we get to see Kennard on the field for the first time in the regular season.

Jesse Minter on Khalil Mack’s role while sidelined: “Coach Mack.”

Minter said he’s confident in the Chargers' depth and mentioned it being a great opportunity for fourth-round rookie Kyle Kennard.

— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) September 18, 2025

3.) Can Greg Roman make it a week without a very questionable playcalling sequence?​

Against the Chiefs in Brazil, it was the late, clock-killing drive when Roman called an (incomplete) pass on second down followed by an outside run where rookie Omarion Hampton jogged out of bounds instead of sliding to keep the clock running. Why call a pass at all? Why call an outside run inside of an inside run to make sure your rookie doesn’t have the CHANCE to make that mistake?

Against the Raiders, when facing a third-and-one in a similar situation (Chargers needed to kill the clock), Roman called a quick pass that was nearly picked off. Then on fourth-and-one, he called a jet sweep/zone read play that was rushed, causing the mesh/handoff point to get muddy and it wound up being fumbled causing a turnover on downs.

Twice in as many weeks, Chargers fans were left scratching their head and clawing their eyes out.

This week, I think we would all love to see Roman continue to crush it as a playcaller minus the out-of-left-field calls that almost hand back enough momentum for their opponent to make a comeback.

Sound good? Yeah, I think so.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...lts-must-put-a-lid-on-former-back-j-k-dobbins

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

5 Questions with Mile High Report: Chargers must exploit weak Broncos LB room

This week, we were joined by Ian St. Clair of our Broncos sister site, Mile High Report, to help us preview the matchup between two divisional opponents.

A big shoutout to him for helping us out, now let’s dive right in!

1.) The Broncos are 1-1 with their lone loss coming to a last-second field goal against the Colts. How is the fan base feeling about this team through two weeks? Are there any nice surprises? What about any early letdowns?

At the moment, Broncos fans are fighting the reality of expectations. Denver needed a fast start to the season, and a loss to the Colts was not on the bingo card. On top of that, the Broncos defense getting shredded by the Indy offense has left the fanbase dazzled. This was supposed to be one of the best defenses in the league. Now comes the first real test of the 2025 season, and whether this Denver team will live up to the expectations and hype. One of the nice surprises has been the emergence of Troy Franklin. To have another receiving option for Bo Nix is much needed for this offense. As for letdowns, the showing by the Broncos defense in Indianapolis was a major one.

2.) The Broncos offensive line is allowing a league-low pressure percentage when defenses aren’t blitzing. Is the offensive line meeting or performing beyond expectations early on? is this a sign of their potential or something created through the matchups they have had through the first two games?

It’s a mixed bag in terms of expectations and performance. The offense and offensive line struggled in the opening week of the season against the Tennessee Titans. However, both were much better against the Colts. What we saw against Indy is what the team and fans expect to see from this offense. The Broncos do have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, so it’s more toward the potential. And I have a feeling that as the season progresses, we’ll see the offense and the offensive line get even better. That’s typically what happens with Sean Payton offenses and teams. They tend to have rocky starts to the season.

3.) If you were Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, how are you planning to attack this Broncos defense? Which players/matchups are you going to exploit? Which players should you stay away from?

If he watched what Daniel Jones and the Colts just did, he’ll run the exact same game plan. But if I were Roman, I’d consistently target the horrible Broncos middle linebackers. Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are awful. And that doesn’t begin to do justice to how truly awful both of these guys are as middle linebackers. So attack them play after play after play. And with how successful Jonathan Taylor was running the ball, test the Broncos front seven again. In two of the last three games Denver has played, it has been manhandled defensively at the line of scrimmage.

4.) If you were Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, what is your plan to stop this Broncos offense? Which players do you have circled in red?

As with any defense, you want to make the offense you’re playing one-dimensional. So stop the run and force Nix to beat you through the air. Don’t allow J.K. Dobbins or RJ Harvey to beat you on the ground. As for the passing game, limit the big plays and pressure Nix up the middle. Keep an eye on Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin in the passing game.

5.) Let’s top this off with your predictions for this matchup. Who will leave victorious? How do you see this game shaking out?

This will be a close, physical game. I don’t see either team getting more than a touchdown lead in this one, so it could go either way. I think Justin Herbert and the Chargers offense will make more plays in the passing game by attacking, again, the truly awful Singleton and Strnad. Chargers 24-Broncos 23

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...rt-chargers-must-exploit-weak-broncos-lb-room

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

BFTB Roundtable: Will the Chargers improve to 3-0?

The Chargers are in SoFi Stadium for the first time this season when they host the 1-1 Denver Broncos.

Like all AFC West matchups, it’s going to be exciting and competitive. It won’t be for the faint of heart.

Let’s go ahead and dive in to our staff predictions!

(Side note: Kyle is no longer with us after getting hired into a larger role at SB Nation. Congrats to him and we’ll miss his contributions!)

Michael:

Through two games, the Chargers have looked like a complete football team. The offense is scoring more points than the defense is allowing and the special teams unit isn’t making any critical mistakes. Without having to look like a juggernaut on either one side of the ball, the Bolts are still managing to look like a team that’s inflicting their will on their opponents.

This week is their third consecutive matchup with an AFC West opponent. It’s hard not to assume they’re as motivated as can be to not only start 3-0, but 3-0 in their division as well. At the same time, you just know the Broncos will carry a chip on their shoulder into SoFi Stadium after losing on a last-second field goal to the Colts in Week Two.

That’s why I predict this game to be the closest of these first three divisional games. The Broncos are going to be pesky and if the Chargers don’t come ready to match their energy, it could be a frustrating first game at home.

I came into this thinking I was going to pick the Broncos to win in a close one, but I’ve decided to change my tune. The Bolts will win a very, very close game by once again owning the ball in the final minutes and kneeling out the clock.

Chargers 24, Broncos 23

Jeremy:

The Los Angeles Chargers can complete the trifecta and establish themselves as the threat to win the AFC West with a win against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. The Chargers won in two very different ways in the first two weeks: first with their offensive firepower against the Kansas City Chiefs and second by their defensive prowess against the Las Vegas Raiders. They will need both to compete against the Broncos, another playoff opponent from a year ago. Denver has looked sound over the first two weeks, but a loss last week to the Indianapolis Colts has them hungry for the matchup ahead. The game will be close and I can see it going either way, but I fear the Broncos come in with a slight edge.

Broncos 27, Chargers 24

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...b-roundtable-will-the-chargers-improve-to-3-0

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Broncos Live Game Recap: Bolts strive for 3-0 in first SoFi clash

The 2-0 Chargers are in SoFi Stadium for the first time this season as they host the 1-1 Denver Broncos in what will be Los Angeles’ third consecutive matchup against an AFC West foe to begin the season.

If the Chargers win, they’ll not only be 3-0 on the season but also in the division. That’s one heck of a way to start the season. However, the Broncos will be more than motivated to make sure they don’t start 0-1 in the division while also quieting some of the early hype for the Bolts.

As always, these AFC West matchup are uber-competitive and can be wildly chaotic. Regardless of what happens, it’s sure to be a fun watch.

For an entire live recap of today’s game quarter-by-quarter, keep it right here.

First Quarter​

Second Quarter​

Third Quarter​

Fourth Quarter​

• Chargers vs. Broncos: How to watch, game time, TV schedule, streaming, and more
• Chargers-Broncos Final Injury Report: TE Will Dissly, S Elijah Molden OUT for Week 3
• 3 things to watch for in Chargers-Broncos: Bolts must put a lid on former back J.K. Dobbins
• Chargers-Broncos Thursday Injury Report: Ladd McConkey returns to practice
• Chargers vs. Broncos By The Numbers: Bo Nix to Troy Franklin headlines Denver offense

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...ecap-bolts-strive-for-3-0-in-first-sofi-clash

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers RB Najee Harris suffers major injury vs. Broncos

Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris is in pain after suffering a non-contact Achilles injury in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos.

Harris was seen grabbing his left leg after the snap, which is never a good sign. The concern is that Harris tore his Achilles, which would likely signal the end of his season. He was helped off the field by trainers to the locker room and is being evaluated now.

In four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris never missed a game, but now he has suffered an eye and Achilles injury with the Chargers and his season could be done.

Harris signed a one-year contract with the Chargers this offseason, so it’s possible that we have seen the last of the running back out of Alabama in Los Angeles.

With Harris out, rookie Omarion Hampton should be expected to have a larger role within the offense.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-najee-harris-suffers-major-injury-vs-broncos

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

4 winners, 2 losers from Chargers-Broncos: Justin Herbert is C.L.U.T.C.H.

The Chargers showed the NFL they’re ready for the moment by completing their entire divisional sweep of the AFC West with a 23-20 victory over the Broncos. Numerous players had situations where they rose the occasion, but no one did it better than quarterback Justin Herbert who willed his team to victory despite being abused all game long.

That gutsy performance has obviously earned him a spot on this week’s Winners column, but who else ended up joining him? Who made the Losers section despite the win?

Let’s go ahead and find out!

Winners​

QB Justin Herbert

What a performance. I mean, what a stellar, ballsy, and gritty performance from Herbert in a game where he was getting his a** handed to him all day long.

Despite being knocked around like a rag doll for most of the day, Herbert still threw for 300 yards and the game-tying touchdown to Keenan Allen with a Broncos rusher nearly draped over him. Oh, and that was also after he avoided two would-be sackers to even break out of the pocket in the first place.

You can only say so much about how good of a game Herbert had when everyone around him needed it the most.

At this point, it’s only right that he’s squarely in the early MVP conversation.

Justin Herbert curving the bullet around Nik Bonitto. Simply one of the most impressive throws you’ll ever see. pic.twitter.com/6fJeepNgAC

— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) September 22, 2025

WR Keenan Allen

The Chargers have played three games since re-signing with his former team during training camp and Allen has found the end zone in each one.

The Slayer has been as consistent as they come. In three games this year, Allen has posted stat lines of:

• 7-68-1
• 5-61-1
• 7-65-1

He’s on pace for over 100 receptions, 1,100 yards, and 17 touchdowns. That’s not a bad line for a guy getting further away from 30 by the day.

S Derwin James

James had one of the best games of his career against the Colts by stuffing the stat line via his Dime linebacker/slot defender role that earned him a Second-Team All-Pro nod a year ago.

By the end of Sunday’s win, James had racked up 12 total tackles (next closest Chargers player had five), a whopping four tackles for loss, and one of the team’s two sacks on the day. James was an immense presence in defending the run and the screen game and he may have played the largest role in shutting the down the Broncos offensive in the final quarter on Sunday.

RB Omarion Hampton

The rookie had his best game as a professional against the Broncos and the Chargers needed just about every yard of it. Following Najee Harris’ achilles injury, Hampton was given a large majority of the snaps in the backfield throughout the remainder of the game and he turned it into 129 yards of offense (70 rushing, 59 receiving) while scoring his first professional rushing touchdown.

Hampton had big plays down the stretch, whether it was gaining eight yards on a third-and-short or taking a flat pass for 22 yards on the team’s game-tying touchdown drive.

With Harris lost for the year, Hampton’s role will continue to be large for the offense. As long as he can continue to hit singles and doubles (with the occasional triple or home run), this team’s offensive floor will remain high.

Losers​

Pass protection (especially OT Trey Pipkins)

Herbert was sacked five times and hit 14 times on Sunday. The entire right side of the offensive line (Mekhi Becton, Jamaree Salyer, Trey Pipkins) all posted sub-45.0 pass block grades by PFF and 13 total pressures on Herbert. More specifically, Pipkins allowed NINE by himself. That’s an insane amount and goes to show just how ferocious the Denver pass rush is this year.

The Broncos will certainly be one of the best fronts they’ll face all year but the Chargers MUST find a way to reinforce their protection or else this will come back to be an achilles heel for them at some point down the line. We all saw what the Texans did in the playoff loss in January. That cannot be how the 2025 season ends, as well.

Defensive execution on fourth downs

The Chargers forced the Broncos into a number of punting situations all throughout Sunday’s game. Only twice did the Broncos roll the dice…and they both went very well.

On the first fourth-and-two attempt, they found a streaking Courtland Sutton who essentially sprinted untouched behind the defense for a 52-yard touchdown just before the half. Later on, they faced another fourth-and-short where Nix once again found Sutton on a short crosser that he took for 20+ yards.

It was a horrendous day of execution in that the Chargers allowed the best receiver Denver has to be that open in both situations. That’s a huge hiccup that must be addressed ASAP by Jesse Minter and his unit.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...hargers-broncos-justin-herbert-is-c-l-u-t-c-h

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Best and worst PFF grades from Chargers-Broncos: Welcome to the NFL Oronde Gadsden II!

The Chargers survived the pesky Broncos on Sunday afternoon to move to 3-0 in the season. In a game where the offense and special teams were in shambles for stretches, the defense stepped up and gave them a chance to win all the way until the end. Thankfully, the offense and special teams were “at their best when their best was needed” to quote head coach Jim Harbaugh, and it ended up being exactly that: what they needed to win 23-20 over a divisional foe.

That said, let’s go ahead and dive into the best and worst grades given to the Chargers from Pro Football Focus this week!

Offense​

Best (min. 20 snaps)

TE Oronde Gadsden II – 84.0
OT Joe Alt – 80.0
QB Justin Herbert – 74.1
WR KeenanAllen – 72.1
WR Quentin Johnston – 71.4

Shoutout to Gadsden. In his first professional game, he hauled in more passes (5) than the entire position group COMBINED (4) through the first two games. He looked stellar and the moment was seemingly nothing to him. He should get more snaps going forward if Will Dissly needs more time to recover from the injury that kept him out of Week Three.

Joe Alt was beat for his first sack of the season on Sunday but that wasn’t enough to stop him from being the team’s best blocker against Denver.

The trio of Herbert, Allen, and Johnston unsurprisingly makes the top five as their combined efforts were the difference down the final stretch of the game.

Worst

TE Tyler Conklin – 39.8
OG Mekhi Becton – 42.8
RT Trey Pipkins – 43.0
TE/FB Tucker Fisk – 48.3
RG Jamaree Salyer – 48.4

Conklin continues to start his time in powder blue on a rough streak. He got his butt handed to him by Maxx Crosby a week ago and this week it was a bad case of the drops.

Becton was beat early and often against the Broncos before he left the game with a concussion. His replacement in Salyer did not fare much better. Same goes for Pipkins. Their pass block grades on the day were 36.1, 26.5, and 41.6, respectively.

Defense​

Best

LB Troy Dye – 82.9
CB Benjamin St-Juste – 78.3
DT Teair Tart – 78.0
EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 75.0
S Derwin James – 72.1

Another shoutout to Benjamin St-Juste who put together a strong performance with Cam Hart sidelined due to a hip injury. Same with Troy Dye filling in for Denzel Perryman. Both stood out when they needed to step up for their team.

It’s honestly WILD that James was only the fifth highest-graded player for the Chargers defense. He had 12 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a sack against Denver. He balled out in a big way and he probably deserved a higher grade than this.

Worst

CB Donte Jackson – 29.5
S Alohi Gilman – 29.6
EDGE Caleb Murphy – 36.6
CB Tarheeb Still – 52.2
LB Daiyan Henley – 54.8

This was a weird day for most of these players. Basically everyone but Murphy has played enough games to make this next fact notable, but all of them played either their worst, second-worst, or third-worst game of their careers, per PFF.

Henley’s tackling grade of 34.1 was hit hardest by his missed tackle on J.K. Dobbins near the sideline before the Broncos back tip-toed all the way to the end zone. Otherwise, his day was solid.

In regards to tackling, all four defenders outside Murphy posted one of the team’s five worst grades in that category. Just overall a rough day in consistently bringing people down.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-broncos-welcome-to-the-nfl-oronde-gadsden-ii

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers to face Jaxson Dart after Giants bench Russell Wilson

Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter and the Chargers defense may have just gotten some welcomed news on Tuesday morning as NFL insider Adam Schefter announced that the 0-3 Giants will be benching Russell Wilson and starting rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in Week Four.

Wilson has been on a roller-coaster path through the first three weeks of the season and it looks like Brian Daboll isn’t going to let that be what inevitably controls his fate as the head coach of the G-Men.

For those that haven’t followed the Giants this season all that close, Wilson threw for under 200 yards and had zero touchdowns in both Weeks One and Three. However, he threw for over 450 yards against the Cowboys in Week Two but that still ultimately ended in a loss.

A QB change: Giants are planning to start rookie Jaxson Dart on Sunday vs. the Chargers, sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/PwYApMCoN7

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2025

One would think this means Jesse Minter will be chomping at the bit to harass and abuse a rookie quarterback in his first ever start. Even with the defensive injuries, the Chargers have been as stingy as they come with defensive rankings across the board in the top 10, including being the fourth best in points allowed per game.

With the full week to prepare for the Giants’ new starting quarterback, you can likely expect an evil genius-level defensive game plan from Minter and Co. in with the hopes of making it debut the rookie will surely never forget.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...jaxson-dart-after-giants-bench-russell-wilson

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Victory Monday Open Thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

The Chargers are 3-0 and it’s time to celebrate! Continue the conversation from Sunday’s win in the comments below!

How are you feeling this Monday? What did you love the most from Sunday’s win? Let us know how you’re feeling below!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Five takeaways from Justin Herbert’s performance against the Broncos (Chargers.com)

Here’s how the Chargers defense came up clutch against the Broncos in the fourth quarter (Chargers.com)

Jim Harbaugh provided injury updates after Sunday’s game (Chargers Wire)

Oronde Gadsden balled out in his first NFL game (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

Check out the biggest takeaways and questions coming out of Week Three in the NFL (ESPN)

The Chiefs got their first win of the season by beating the Giants on Sunday Night Football (ESPN)

CBS Sports handed out letter grades for Week Three (CBS Sports)

What we learned from the Week Three slate of games in the NFL (NFL.com)

Beating the Jets was extra personal for Baker Mayfield (Pro Football Talk)

Five things we learned in Week Three in the NFL (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...argers-daily-links-victory-monday-open-thread

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Derwin James named AFC Defensive Player of the Week

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and the Chargers defense had Denver quarterback Bo Nix and the Broncos offense in hell for most of this past Sunday’s game. Outside of two explosive plays, the Broncos were almost unable to gain a first down, nonetheless march down the field.

However, that monstrous performance could not have happened without the elite play of safety Derwin James who may have had his best game in years. By the end of Sunday’s win at home, James had totaled 12 tackles (next closest had five), a whopping four tackles for loss, and a sack. He was nearly a one-man wrecking crew in Week Three and it should come as no surprised that he was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.

be like 3 pic.twitter.com/hTGQgTmdo1

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 24, 2025

Here’s what NFL.com’s Grant Gordon had to say about the Chargers’ defensive captain and his latest performance:

“As has been the case throughout the season so far, James was all over the field and the box score Sunday in the Chargers’ 23-20 win over the Denver Broncos. While the Bolts improved to 3-0, James posted 12 tackles, four tackles for loss and a sack to lead a Chargers defense that allowed a mere 265 yards and nine first downs.“

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was the offensive player of the week in the AFC while Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Viking cornerback Isaiah Rodgers were the NFC’s counterparts.

Browns kicker Andre Szmyt and Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis were the AFC and NFC Special Teams Players of the Week following a game-winning field goal for the former and a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown via the latter.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...-james-named-afc-defensive-player-of-the-week

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers-Giants Wednesday Injury Report: Mekhi Becton, Bradley Bozeman DNP

The Chargers have dropped their first injury report of Week Four and it’s unfortunately the largest report of the young season. In all, 10 Chargers are dinged up heading into this week’s prep for the Giants.

Five of the 10 players were non-participants in the team’s first practice. They were right guard Mekhi becton (concussion), center Bradley Bozeman (back), wide receiver/returner Derius Davis (knee), tight end Will Dissly (knee), and long snapper Rick Lovatao (NIR-Rest).

Of the remaining five players on the list, four were limited and one was full. Your limited participants were defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand (back), cornerback Donte Jackson (ankle), safety Elijah Molden (hamstring), and right tackle Trey Pipkins (knee). Your lone full participant was cornerback Cam Hart who seems to be progressing well with his hip injury.

Wednesday injury report for #Chargers and Giants pic.twitter.com/kqBiIBbgqB

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 24, 2025

As far as notable names on the Giants’ injury report, star wideout Malik Nabers did not practice on Wednesday with a shoulder injury, as well as starting running back Tyrone Tracy who is also dealing with a shoulder ailment.

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...njury-report-mekhi-becton-bradley-bozeman-dnp

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Reacts Survey Week 4

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 4, 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/general/60623/chargers-reacts-survey-week-4

 

[Los Angeles Chargers]

Chargers Daily Links: Chargers-Giants prediction thread

Good morning, Chargers fans!

You know what to do! Go ahead and hop into the comments to tell us how you see this game between the Bolts and Giants shaking out this Sunday!

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:​

Check out the latest injury report for the Chargers (Chargers.com)

Here’s how the Chargers are preparing for Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart (Chargers.com)

Three keys matchups to watch in Chargers-Giants (Chargers Wire)

How long can the Chargers hang on to their undefeated streak? (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:​

What we learned from the Seahawks’ win over the Cardinals on Thursday night (NFL.com)

Ranking all the starting quarterbacks in the NFL (NFL.com)

Buying or selling the six remaining undefeated teams (CBS Sports)

Tua Tagovailoa recently responded to pundits who have criticized his play through the first three games of the season (ESPN)

George Pickens sees a great opportunity to step up in the absence of CeeDee Lamb (Pro Football Talk)

Key matchups throughout the best games in Week Four (Sports Illustrated)

Source: https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/lo...daily-links-chargers-giants-prediction-thread