Bolts From The Blue
The Chargers (5-3) are in the midst of their mini bye between last Thursday’s win over the Vikings and this week’s game against the lowly Titans (1-7). They’re coming off their most complete game in weeks to help right the ship following the lopsided loss to the Colts and a game against Tennessee is just what the doctor ordered to help keep that positive momentum going.
A win this week would push the Chargers to 6-3 before they host the Steelers in primetime in Week 10. If they can pull off a win there, they’re 7-3 and have games against the Jaguars and Raiders.
A record of 9-3 before the final five-game stretch of the season — one that includes dates with the Eagles, Chiefs, and Broncos, would give the Chargers a lot of room for error.
Here’s to hoping they handle business the next four games!
With that said, here’s a quick screenshot of how these two teams fare on paper after the first eight weeks of the season.
Let’s dive in!
Total yards per game: 378.5 (4th)
Points per game: 23.5 160th)
Passing yards per game: 255.4 (4th)
Rushing yards per game: 123.1 (12th)
Top Performers
Passing: QB Justin Herbert – 2,140 passing yards, 16 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Omarion Hampton – 314
Rushing touchdowns: RB Omarion Hampton – 2
Receiving yards: WR Keenan Allen – 479
Receptions: WR Keenan Allen – 48
Receiving touchdowns: WR Quentin Johnston – 5
Total yards allowed per game: 296.9 (7th)
Points allowed per game: 21.6 (12th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 184.53 (6th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 112.4 (17th)
Top Performers
Tackles: LB Daiyan Henley – 52
Tackles for loss: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 9
Sacks: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 6
Passes Defended: CB Tarheeb Still – 6
Interceptions: S Tony Jefferson – 2
Forced fumbles: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu, DT Teair Tart – 1
Fumble recoveries: DT Teair Tart – 1
Total yards per game: 248.8 (32nd)
Points per game: 13.8 (32nd)
Passing yards per game: 168.4 (31st)
Rushing yards per game: 80.4 (32nd)
Top Performers
Passing: QB Cam Ward – 1,615 passing yards, 5 touchdowns
Rushing yards: RB Tony Pollard – 424
Rushing touchdowns: RB Tony Pollard – 2
Receiving yards: WR Calvin Ridley – 290
Receptions: TE Chig Okonkwo – 27
Receiving Touchdowns: WR Elic Ayomanor – 2
Total yards allowed per game: 358.4 (26th)
Points allowed per game: 28.8 (29th)
Passing yards allowed per game: 215.8 (17th)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 142.6 (26th)
Top Performers
Tackles: LB Cedric Gray – 76
Tackles for loss: DT Jeffery Simmons – 8
Sacks: DT Jeffery Simmons – 4.5
Passes Defended: S Amani Hooker – 6
Interceptions: LB Cody Barton – 2
Forced fumbles: DT Jeffery Simmons – 1
Fumble recoveries: 3 players tied w/ 1
