Bolts From The Blue
The Chargers moved to 6-3 with a 27-20 win over the Titans in Week Nine. Ahead of their bye in Week 12, they have a primetime game against the Steelers (Sunday Night Football) and dates with the Jaguars and Raiders.
Let’s go ahead and see where the Chargers landed this week amongst the media’s various power rankings!
ESPN – #12
“It’s been 12 years since the Chargers swept the Chiefs. In one of the league’s most competitive divisions, this game could mean the difference in a playoff spot. But beyond that, sweeping the proverbial big brother of the AFC West would give the Chargers more confidence as they look to contend for the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. In their opening game of the season, the Bolts beat the Chiefs in Brazil, which Harbaugh called “monumental.” – Kris Rhim
Pro Football Talk – #12
“Losing Joe Alt for the season is going to be a problem.“ – Mike Florio
Bleacher Report – #12
“The Los Angeles Chargers also escaped with a tough road victory in a week when other top teams, including the Packers, Lions and Colts, suffered setbacks.”
“The Chargers didn’t run the ball particularly well and gave up defensive and special teams touchdowns, but they still got a win to keep pace in the AFC West.”
“Unfortunately, those Week 9 issues aren’t as alarming as the ankle injury that led to Joe Alt being carted off the field.”
“Los Angeles has shown perseverance in the face of injury adversity this season, but losing Alt for any extended period would be a massive blow.” – Kris Knox
CBS Sports – #12
“Losing Joe Alt again is a big hit for this team’s offense. They are winning games, but how good are they?” – Pete Prisco
Yahoo Sports – #13
“We’ve seen the Chargers’ o-line without Joe Alt this season and it’s not pretty. His season-ending injury is a big problem for L.A. And there’s usually not many decent offensive linemen available on the trade market.“ – Frank Schwab
The Athletic – #14
“The Joe Alt injury could change their outlook, especially with Rashawn Slater already out. But if there’s a head coach who can get the most out of his offensive line, it’s Jim Harbaugh.” – Josh Kendall
Sporting News – #14
The Chargers got sloppy again in Tennessee until Justin Herbert got into his gunslinging groove. The results are still there but the process can get better, starting with the Steelers in Week 10.” – Vinnie Iyer
USA Today – #20
Sadly, the Joe Alt-less Bolts are a much different team than the the Joe Alt-ed version. Better luck next year, big man.“ – Nate Davis
