Bolts From The Blue
The Chargers won their third game in a row by beating the Steelers 25-10 in a Sunday Night Football matchup that featured some ugly play from both teams, but the Bolts defense ended up playing a key role in limiting Aaron Rodgers to one of his worst performances of the season.
If the Chargers and Jesse Minter’s defense can continue to play up to this level the rest of the way, their chances at the postseason will see a huge boost, especially if they can get into their by at 8-3.
With that said, let’s go ahead and see where the Chargers landed this week amongst the media’s various power rankings!
Pro Football Talk – #8
They’re weathering the injuries pretty well.” – Mike Florio
Sports Illustrated – #9
“Jim Harbaugh on Justin Herbert, who appeared to be limping after Sunday’s win over Pittsburgh: “I do have an update on his physical status. He’s still a beast.” – Conor Orr
ESPN – #10
“The Chargers are 5-1 when Mack plays and 2-2 when he’s out. At 34, his presence changes the way this defense performs. Opposing offenses have to account for Mack with chip blocks and double-teams, and he makes this defense one of the league’s best at stopping the run. He has four sacks in his six games, including one for a safety Sunday night.”- Kris Rhim
Bleacher Report – #10
“The talk in Los Angeles this week centered mostly on the Chargers’ issues up front. Joe Alt and fellow tackle Rashawn Slater have been felled by season-ending injuries.”
“Justin Herbert has been pressured as much as any quarterback in the NFL this year, and the Pittsburgh Steelers got home against the Bolts five times on Sunday night.”
“Thanks to an offensive game plan that featured a lot of quick passes, though, the running of Kimani Vidal and another stout defensive effort, the Chargers are 7-3 and just beat a first-place team with relative ease.”
“They have a pair of winnable games sandwiched around an off week up next—it’s not hard to imagine this team being 9-3 and in the mix for the AFC’s No. 1 seed when it hosts the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14.” -Gary Davenport
USA Today – #11
“Los Angeles’ depleted line is eventually going to get Justin Herbert smashed into tiny pieces, but Sunday night’s quick-hit strategy subdued the Steelers with incredible Thursday night vibes. More importantly, an iffy pass rush rose up to make Aaron Rodgers uncomfortable and leave Pittsburgh without a touchdown until garbage time, locking in a reassuring win.” — Christian D’Andrea
Yahoo Sports – #12
“The Chargers’ defense will keep them viable, even if the injured offensive line has a tough time protecting Justin Herbert. The Chargers have allowed 197 yards per game over their last three. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter seems very likely to have a head coaching job next season.” – Frank Schwab
CBS Sports – #12
*“The defense showed up in a big way against the Steelers....
