Look Out for the Chargers
I have been bullish on the Los Angeles Chargers since the preseason and for good reason. Jim Harbaugh brings a strong culture and mentality of toughness to an organization that has needed it for a long time. Back in August, I wrote that “a good defense and run game can carry a team a long way” and it has done just that.
The Chargers remaining opponents combine for a losing record (.494) including games against the Titans and Bengals in the next 2 weeks. There are a few measuring stick games mixed in against the Chiefs, Falcons, and Ravens, but they close out the season against the Raiders and Patriots, who will both be selecting in the top 5 of next year’s draft.
Chargers Remaining Schedule
| Week 10 | Titans 2-6 |
| Week 11 | Bengals 4-5 |
| Week 12 | Ravens 6-3 |
| Week 13 | Falcons 6-3 |
| Week 14 | Chiefs 8-0 |
| Week 15 | Buccaneers 4-5 |
| Week 16 | Broncos 5-4 |
| Week 17 | Patriots 2-7 |
| Week 18 | Raiders 2-7 |
The defense has been smothering, allowing the least points scored this season. Paired with a strong run game, they will be in every game they play. Most teams these days that rely on a strong run game and great defense are just hiding the fact that they have no QB.
Not the Chargers
This is Harbaugh’s recipe for success that has worked everywhere he’s gone. Justin Herbert delivers when he needs to and he does not turn the ball over. He’s been picked off just once this season and has the best interception percentage in the NFL at 0.4 per pass attempt.
The Chargers are just getting started. They will be in the playoff race and teams should be on notice if they make it. A championship defense, a strong run game, and a young QB who hasn’t sniffed his potential will be a scary thing come January.
Detroit Lions are Better than Everyone
Not ground breaking news here, but the Lions are the best team in the NFL. I know the Chiefs are undefeated and the two-time defending Super Bowl Champions, but the Lions are just better than them right now.
It could be a case of a team peaking too early, but there isn’t a weakness in their game right now. They have the best offensive line in football, a plethora of weapons to defend, and a really good defense that got better today when they added Za’Darius Smith via trade.
A few years ago, they were one of the perennial laughing stocks of the league. Now it is Super Bowl or bust for the Detroit Lions
Derrick Henry is an All-Time Free Agent Signing
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta (apple) has quickly become one of the best GM’s in the NFL after taking over for Hall of Famer Ozzie Newsome (tree). The Ravens are traditionally one of the more talented teams in the NFL, no matter how they acquire their talent.
The offseason signing of Derrick Henry to a 2-year, 16 million-dollar deal was an absolute no-brainer. Should a “no-brainer” even qualify as a great signing? Lets ask Jerry Jones what he thinks..
Well, the Cowboys are 3-5 and traded for a 4th-round pick for a wide receiver who can’t crack the 2-7 Panthers’ starting lineup. Maybe Jerry Jones isn’t qualified to speak on this topic.
Henry leads the league in rushing yards and TDs and would be in the MVP conversation if it wasn’t for the QB bias in voters. At this point, he’s a shoe in for Offensive Player of the Year as he is on pace for almost 2000 yards rushing and 20 TDs.
Reggie White, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Deion Sanders are among some of the greatest free agency signings of all time. The significance of those signings? They all resulted in Super Bowl victories. For Derrick Henry to crack that list, the Ravens will need to be the last team standing. I would argue that they are well on their way.
Leave a Reply