Good morning StormCloud!
The Chargers face off against the Carolina Panthers for their Week 2 matchup. The Panthers have been a struggling franchise as of late. Their quarterback carousel has been dizzying, their owner has tossed drinks on fans, and they may have blown their franchise-saving opportunity by selecting Bryce Young over CJ Stroud. It’s been a rough go in Charlotte.
The Panthers may be one of the easier matchups on the Chargers’ schedule, but the importance of this win can’t be overstated. The Bolts are staying on the east coast to cut down on travel time in preparation of their Week 3 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. We’ve seen extended road trips like this galvanize teams, and starting the trip off on the emotional high of a win would be an excellent way for the boys to continue buying-in to Jim Harbaugh’s vision.
To get you pumped up for the game, look at this post from Tony Jefferson this morning.
Alohi Gilman was announced OUT yesterday, with Tony Jefferson getting the practice squad activation. Harbaugh indicated that Jefferson is the “next man up” in place of Alohi. The fact that TJ is posting a old Seau picture has me PUMPED to see how physical he plans on being today!
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BOLT UP STORMCLOUD!
I remain ecstatic with this team. Love that they keep doing something that works until the opponent stops it. Love that they can do the two things this team has not done for some time, run effectively and play solid team defense.
I not worried about the passing game. Herbert is a proven commodity, QJ is gaining confidence which I love to see, McConkey is already playing well. Palmer has not looked great as a #1 but that is not who he is, and I think he is a bit banged up. And Chark is not playing yet. The passing game was always going to take time to gel but if they can run the ball like this, teams are going to start to flood the box to stop the run and some downfield opportunities will come as they did on the single coverage TD to QJ. Patience – the downfield passing attack will come.
I think this team is built – finally – to win when it counts in December and January. I love what I have seen so far.
Love waking up Monday morning with the Bolts up 2-0. Don’t care Herbie only got 135 yards on 20 attempts. D is playing inspired, physical ball. Fulton and Molden are like found gold.
Still concerned the passing game is not quite sync’ed in. At some point, Herbie is going to have to throw the ball 30-40 times, maybe Sunday. But so happy for QJ. That first TD was against one of the most talented CBs (though often injured) in the league.
You can’t be 3-0 without being 2-0! Let’s go!!!
@unclejammsarmy
I really don’t see it as the passing game is struggling. These last two weeks the game plan didn’t require Herbo to sling it. And they’re gonna be many more games just like these. With the improvement of QJ & as McConkey slowly becomes a more & more dependable security blanket this passing offense will eat when needed.
This offensive unit is gonna be multi-dimensional if they continue putting on tape this successful running attack. It’s fun to see.
Pittsburgh has a very stout run D, middle of the pack pass D. Let’s see if the game plan adjusts for a different sort of opponent.
@blue-beersuck-melanoma I think you will see some adjustment but I expect a balanced run pass split like the Raiders game versus the Panther heavy run split. Even if the Steelers stack the box to shut down the run, the Chargers will still run early and often. I know I am preaching to the choir here but Harbaugh is intent on establishing an identity for this team early. Unless they are down multiple scores they are going to pound the rock even with multiple three and outs through the fourth quarter with the occasional deep shot feathered in.
this will change if they are down two scores in the second half but a one score game will look like the Raiders game IMO.
An up tempo pass first game will be reserved for teams like the Chiefs if they get down by too much. Otherwise they are run first regardless of opponent until teams start selling out to stop the run as the Raiders did in the second half.
I’d like to see a bit more outta the passing game and think we’re gonna need it against stronger opponents….but who the hell complains about 2-0!?! Not me!!!
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5769748/2024/09/15/chargers-panthers-blowout-jim-harbaugh-running-game/?source=pulsenewsletter&campaign=10992626&userId=12566676
Feels pretty good:
I said yesterday post-game that I’d give QJ a game ball. He got one.
He may never be a true #1 or entirely live up to his draft position. But I see a guy out their working to get better and being utilized more appropriately this year. That’s gonna build confidence and, IMO, pay off positively.
I’ll criticize when it’s earned but not giving up on QJ.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chargers/2024/09/15/quentin-johnston-jim-harbaugh-chargers/75242182007/