We’ve just released Episode 163 of the Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast
Our synopsis is below:
#BoltUp! An absolute nightmare at SoFi Stadium followed by one of the most shocking trade deadlines in recent franchise history. Hours before the deadline, Joe Hortiz sent young leader and linebacker Daiyan Henley to the rival Denver Broncos—marking the first trade between the two teams in nearly 40 years. While some fans are furious at parting ways with a fan favorite in a contract year, others are asking if it’s a cold, calculated masterclass in asset management. Meanwhile, the team fell to 0-8 after a dismal 44-22 blowout loss to the Houston Texans. Today on Thunder Down Under Chargers, we break down the disaster on the field, debate the Henley trade from every angle, and look at what is left of this lost season.
What we cover today:
💥 Texans Blowout Recap: Dissecting the 44-22 defeat, 8 sacks allowed, a stagnant Offense stuck in an historic touchdown drought, and where the blame lies as the team hits 0-8.
🚨 The Daiyan Henley Trade Shocker: Debating Joe Hortiz’s decision to ship Henley to Denver for draft capital after extension talks broke down—was it a betrayal or savvy business?
🤔 Rest of Season Outlook: Honest evaluations and report grades for both sides of the ball as the Chargers search for answers during a brutal campaign.
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Alister (@TDU_Alister)
Long time team fan, podcaster (with Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast), husband to a beautiful wife, friend to all fellow Chargers fanatics, and father-to-be!
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Ideas for future pods:
“What would the Chargers record be if?”
Deep dives into relevant Chargers issues:
Listened to the pod on a beautiful fall morning round of golf. A few points:
Henley trade: I think I am ambivalent. The Chargers need to see what they have in Wax and Colson. I also think that Charger fans have an inflated view of how good a player Henley is. His 2026 PFF grade is 50.2, which is 67th of 79 LBs. From PFF:
Wax’s PFF grade is 89.4 in limited (42) snaps. The dude has earned snaps. In a lost season, the Chargers need to see if Marlow is part of the solution. I also think I agree with Buck that Henley could thrive in Joseph’s defense.
Offense:
Improved: Vidal, Davis, Taylor
Worse: Hampton, Johnson, Harris, Herbert
Same: KLS, McConkey, Gadsden, Alt, Matlock
Defense:
Improved: Eboigbe, Tart, Tuipulotu, Jefferson, Mickens, Wax
Worse: D Jackson, Molden, Phillips, Dupree
Same: Hart, Still, Dye, Mack, Williamson
Fire Harbaugh? It’s pretty clear that this year is a complete fail and the worst coaching performance of Jim’s career. I am shocked at how un-prepared they are to play offensive football. Who’s to blame?
I think the issue is 50% McDaniel not producing a coherent plan to play offense in the NFL, 30% Harbaugh not supervising Mike and chewing his ass when an ass-chewing is clearly needed and 20% Hortiz not obtaining players that can play guard in the NFL. Watching Strange get knocked on his ass one play, then completely wiffing on the next (the downward dog analogy was perfect) – criminal that NFL coaches thought he was the answer. Fucking terrible.
With all due respect, genius my ass. It’s smells like another Nwosu situation. Trade a young, ascending player for picks that aren’t likely to deliver a better talent. Perhaps Jack is right and he ruffled feathers. Maybe striking a deal on an extension wasn’t likely and made trading him an easier decision. But trading him to a division opponent??
Sure….genius. 🙄
Yeah the Episode Title is to attract some clicks, Buck. Sorry! You need to play the game sometimes in the podcasting biz.
Here are my thoughts on it.
I think from Denver’s perspetive this move makes sense. Henley’s best trait is man coverage (recall the wheel route he carried deep a few weeks back after initially green dog blitzing). I think the Vance Joseph Defense will suit him. Initially he may play behind Singleton and Strnad, but long-term I see him being a good starter for them on deep playoff runs.
From a Charger perpsective, I see both sides of the argument. This draft class is reportedly deep at backer. Henley would’ve cost $15m+ to extend. The team has a chance now to get some more playing time into Wax and, who knows, perhaps they elevate Colson. They also essentially get a 2028 comp pick right now and an additional 2027 pick. The 2028 pick gives them a licence to approach FA differently this offseason if they want to. Forget about comp picks and use this cycle to attack some higher quality skill position players in a year where they may be bigger cash spenders than usual. (Historically, every 3-4 years the Spanii spend more cash to keep up with league minimum requirements; remember All-In).
Do I think a Henley extension would’ve been good for the Chargers? Potentially. Daiyan is a vocal leader and a solid starting LB. For my sins I watch the All-22 every week and my perception is most fans have a slightly inflated view of how good Henley is. I think his feel in zone coverage, blitzing and run defense are all average for a starting NFL LB. I think his man coverage is very good.
All up? I’m neither disappointed with this trade nor ‘pleased’. I get why the Chargers did it and don’t think it’s some unforgivable move. They’re an 0-8 team with a war chest of draft picks and LB is arguably the most replaceable position in the NFL.
If this move sets the team back meaningfully next year and beyond, there are deeper problems…
(That said, I wish Daiyain all the best!)
And he’s back. Thank goodness for not losing the locker room. Henley went from last to first and back to last in 24-hours.
Written prior to trade falling through.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7772286/2026/11/11/chargers-2026-nfl-trade-deadline/?source=dailyemail&campaign=601983&userId=12566676&source=dailyemail
And I get the extension side of it. It just seems an odd trade move for a team that needs what good pieces it has….and I do think Henley is a fair piece to build around. I think I was mostly pissed it was Denver. Moot point now, at least until free agency.
IMO, Henley’s play hasn’t matched the 2024 tape. He will probably command a decent dollar in FA, so we can forget him as a future Charger anyway. We are 0-8, who cares where he was sent off to, but he’s back so the whole thing is a moot point.
I don’t like the idea of trading with a division opponent.