Bolts From The Blue
The Chargers really took a hit to their standing in various power rankings during their two-game skid to the Giants and Commanders. They managed to right the ship (in some capacity) by surviving the Dolphins with a last-second field goal on Sunday to improve to 4-2.
Unfortunately, the win over Miami did not do them enough of a service to help combat what their consecutive losses did to harsh their early vibes. The Chargers were a bonafide top-five team at 3-0. At 4-2, they’re barely inside the top 16.
The good news is a win overt the 5-1 Colts would put them back squarely into the upper tier of the league, even with their litany of injuries. A win in Week Seven could also be much more plausible if the likes of Joe Alt and Khalil Mack returned from their respective injuries. Alt was not placed on IR and has missed 3 1/2 games. Mack has missed the minimum four to return from IR. There’s no promises, but this team could get a huge boost out of nowhere if the stars align.
Anyhow, let’s take a look at where the Chargers settled after their latest win.
Sporting News – #11
“The Chargers needed to rev up Justin Herbert to Ladd McConkey without key stars Omarion Hampton and Quentin Johnston in Miami and also found plenty of running game to avoid a tough upset and end a two-game skid. That was big for Jim Harbaugh to keep his team in control of the AFC West.” – Vinnie Iyer
Sports Illustrated – #12
“One of my favorite parts of the Chargers’ victory was Jim Harbaugh pulling yet another sentimental running back name from my past. Nyheim Hines returning this kickoff, appearing in a game for the first time in like three seasons, was totally awesome.” – Conor Orr
The Athletic – #13
‘‘Vidal (the great nephew of Hank Aaron) was a fantasy afterthought entering the season. Heck, he was an afterthought two weeks ago. But Najee Harris (Achilles) was lost for the season, and now Omarion Hampton will miss extended time due to an ankle injury. Vidal stepped in Sunday and had 124 yards on 18 carries and three catches that included a touchdown. His fantasy performance (22.8 points) was one of the 25 best of the week and sent managers scrambling to check his availability.” – Josh Kendall
ESPN – #13
“Roman resigned as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator after the 2022 season amid criticism from players and fans about the team’s unimaginative passing offense. Three seasons later, he leads one of the league’s best passing offenses. The Chargers’ run game has fluctuated, with injuries to the offensive line and backfield. Their strongest position on offense is at receiver, so Roman has leaned on his pass catchers and quarterback Justin Herbert to make plays. Herbert is eighth in the NFL in passing yards (1,493) this season.” – Kris Rhim
CBS Sports – #13
*“They found a way against Miami, even with a banged-up...
