The Marathon Continues.

[Soapy]

Lions Acquire Chargers Safety Nasir Adderley at Trade Deadline
The Los Angeles Chargers have traded veteran safety Nasir Adderley along with a sixth round pick to the Detroit Lions for a second round pick.

Adderley has 56 tackles and three tackles for loss on the season as he is on pace to have yet another impressive season. Outside of an injury riddled season in 2023, Adderley has been one of the league's top and more underrated safeties.

He joins a Detroit Lion team that is attempting to make a run at the playoffs in what is a down year in the NFC North. At 2-5, they are tied for second place in the division despite losing their last three games. They are now just a game behind Green Bay and improve a secondary that needs some much needed help.

The Chargers have offloaded close to $20 million in cap money since the front office change and even with some dead money -- close to $12 million -- carrying over into next season, they have over $100 million of cap space heading into next season with several high profile free agents potentially being available such as Jalen Ramsey and D.K. Metcalf.

The franchise now has two first round picks (LAC and ATL), four second round picks (NYG, MIN, DET and LAC) and their third round pick along with two fifths (IND and LAC). Any previous criticism of them not stockpiling more picks during last April's draft can now be unequivocally dismissed.

The trade also opens a potentially opening to move Samuel Fleming to free safety, a position he played a bit of when Derwin James went down with an injury and Adderley slid to strong safety. Fleming's lack of experience in playing man coverage has sometimes been an issue this season and having him play in space has yielded more favorable results. The team is also high on Ashtyn Davis, who has impressed.

Another indicator of Fleming potentially making the positional switch was them signing practice squad member CB Diamond Hixon to their active roster in replacement of Adderley, as opposed to a safety.

[Soapy]

Week 9 Preview: San Francisco 49ers
Record: 2-5, 4th NFC West

Team Leaders
Passing: Jimmy Garoppolo (65% completion, 1911 yards, 12 TD, 3 INT, 99.5 rating)
Rushing: Kyree Donaldson (47 yards, 0 TD, 3.4 ypc)
Receiving: Deebo Samuel (33 receptions, 409 yards, 4 TD)
Defense: Fred Warner (42 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 14th
Total Defense: 13th
Points Per Game: 23rd
Turnover Differential: T-24th

Injuries
HB JaTarvious Whitlow
HB Dion Pendleton
CB Lavert Hill

At the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Chargers ended up being sellers, trading away safety Nasir Adderley to the Detroit Lions while not acquiring any new pieces.

They do get some help in the form of Amon-Ra St. Brown returning to the lineup as they face off against the San Francisco 49ers, a team that is banged up while their cross-state opponent is getting healthy.

The 49ers are without their top two running backs in JaTarvious Whitlow and Dion Pendleton, giving way to fourth-year veteran Kyree Donaldson who has just three career touchdowns and the longest rush of his carry being seven yards.

With an improving defense, Los Angeles should be able to limit the 49ers offense and force Jimmy G to make throws down the field while bracketing George Kittle at tight end.

[djp73]

yardsale

[Soapy]

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SF (2-6) | 0 | 10 | 3 | 0 || 13
LAC (3-5) | 10 | 14 | 3 | 10 || 37
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Chargers Rush for 269 Yards, Win the Turnover Battle in 37-13 Victory over San Francisco
Don't let the powder blue jerseys fool you. The Los Angeles Chargers are all about grit and grind.

The Chargers rushed for 269 yards, forced two turnovers while committing none and their defense held San Francisco to just one touchdown in their 37-13 win over the 49ers on Sunday.

It was the Chargers most dominant performance of the season with rookie QB Rashaud Wheaton only needing to complete nine passes. It was second year running back Felix Whittaker that did the heavy lifting with 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns, including a 57-yarder in the first quarter that set the tone.

With San Francisco forced to use fullback Kyle Jusczcyk as a running threat due to injuries, the Chargers were able to hold San Francisco to just 66 rushing yards. Their run defense, however, is sure to take a hit with both linebackers Layne Scott and Shaq Quarterman leaving the game with apparent injuries.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[LAC] M. Badgley, 36 Yd FG (4:43)
[LAC] F. Whitaker, 57 Yd run (0:01)

Quarter 2
[SF] T. Clemens, 52 Yd FG (12:40)
[LAC] H. Henry 4 Yd pass from R. Wheaton (10:27)
[LAC] F. Whittaker, 1 Yd run (1:55)
[SF] G. Kittle 13 Yd pass from J. Garoppolo (1:04)

Quarter 3
[LAC] M. Badgley, 47 Yd FG (11:34)
[SF] T. Clemens, 29 Yd FG (4:01)

Quarter 4
[LAC] M. Badgley, 36 Yd FG (14:50)
[LAC] D. Bigby, returned interception 35 Yds (13:05)
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Los Angeles Chargers
Rashaud Wheaton: 9 of 20, 96 yards, touchdown, 5 carries, 50 yards.
Felix Whittaker: 23 carries, 173 yards, 2 touchdowns, fumble.
Hunter Henry: 4 receptions, 37 yards, touchdown.
Justin Jefferson: 3 receptions, 61 yards, drop.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 0 receptions.
Samuel Fleming: 10 tackles.
Ashtyn Davis: 9 tackles, tackle for loss.
Derwin James Jr: 8 tackles, tackle for loss.
Donovan Bigby: 7 tackles, interception.
Vincent Zellner: 5 tackles, sack.
Rashard Keaton: 5 tackles, 2 sacks.
Joey Bosa: 3 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.
Christian Childs: 3 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.

San Francisco 49ers
Jimmy Garoppolo: 30 of 53, 321 yards, touchdown, interception.
Kyree Donaldson: 10 carries, 32 yards.
Kyle Juszczyk: 8 carries, 33 yards, 4 receptions, 11 yards.
Deebo Samuel: 5 receptions, 77 yards.
George Kittle: 5 receptions, 67 yards, touchdown.
Brian King: 4 receptions, 44 yards.
Tyronne Smith: 11 tackles, 3 tackles for loss.
DeForest Buckner: 8 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
Nick Bosa: 6 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.

[Soapy]

Behind the Numbers: Breakdown of Chargers Week Eight Win vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Los Angeles Chargers are not a bad football team. That's what we learned in the team's week eight performance against the San Francisco 49ers when the things they've invested heavily in -- the secondary, the defensive line and a second round running back last season -- all showed out and performed at a high level.

There are still holes on the team, notably the passing game but as a whole, this team is not as far from competing for a playoff spot as their record would suggest and given the division's struggles, it might happen this season.

Offensive Line Grades
LT Colton McKivitz: 62 snaps, 24 dropbacks, 38 rushes, 80.0 PFF grade.
LG Jacoby Harding: 62 snaps, 24 dropbacks, 38 rushes, run stuff allowed, penalty, 67.3 PFF grade.
C Travis Frederick: 62 snaps, 24 dropbacks, 38 rushes, sack allowed, 2 run stuffs allowed, 47.7 PFF grade.
RG Nelson Holiday: 62 snaps, 24 dropbacks, 38 rushes, 2 sacks allowed, 2 QB hurries allowed, 2 run stuffs allowed, 14.2 PFF grade.
RT Tristan Wirfs: 62 snaps, 24 dropbacks, 38 rushes, 2 QB hurries allowed, 63.3 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-50 AVERAGE | 49> BELOW AVERAGE

Defensive Grades
DE Christian Childs: 73 snaps, 3 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, 2 run stuffs, 70.3 PFF grade.
DE Vincent Zellner: 56 snaps, 5 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, run stuff, penalty, 71.4 PFF grade.
NT Cedric Darius: 19 snaps, tackle, 63.3 PFF grade.
OLB Joey Bosa: 73 snaps, 3 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, run stuff, penalty, 58.7 PFF grade.
ILB Shaq Quarterman: 42 snaps, 2 tackles, 2 run stuffs, 2 catches allowed, TD catch allowed, 57.2 PFF grade.
ILB Layne Scott: 33 snaps, 5 tackles, tackle for loss, run stuff, 2 catches allowed, 74.6 PFF grade.
OLB Rashard Keaton: 73 snaps, 5 tackles, 2 sacks, pass breakup, run stuff, 63.9 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: 76 snaps, 9 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 5 catches allowed, 82.3 PFF grade.
CB Donovan Bigby: 75 snaps, 7 tackles, interception, 3 catches allowed, 72.8 PFF grade.
DB Samuel Fleming: 82 snaps, 10 tackles, 3 pass breakup, run stuff, 4 catches allowed, 74.4 PFF grade.
S Ashtyn Davis: 75 snaps, 9 tackles, tackle for loss, pass breakup, 2 run stuffs, catch allowed, 76.5 PFF grade.
S Derwin James Jr: 71 snaps, 8 tackles, tackle for loss, 3 pass breakup, 3 run stuffs, 3 catches allowed, 72.1 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-50 AVERAGE | 49> BELOW AVERAGE

Class of 2026 Report Card
DE Vincent Zellner: 56 snaps, 5 tackles, tackle for loss, sack, run stuff, penalty, 71.4 PFF grade.
DB Samuel Fleming: 82 snaps, 10 tackles, 3 pass breakup, run stuff, 4 catches allowed, 74.4 PFF grade.
NT Cedric Darius: 19 snaps, tackle, 63.3 PFF grade.
LG Jacoby Harding: 62 snaps, 24 dropbacks, 38 rushes, run stuff allowed, penalty, 67.3 PFF grade.
QB Rashaud Wheaton: 62 snaps, 9 of 24, 96 yards, touchdown, 5 carries, 50 yards.
HB Tyron Floyd: 11 snaps, 4 carries, 20 yards.
WR Jaron Medlock: 24 snaps, 1 reception, -1 yard.

Injury Report
WR Deion Daniel: Questionable (chest)
WR Braxton Berrios: Doubtful (toe)
LB Shaq Quarterman: Doubtful (shoulder)
LB Layne Scott: Out (collarbone)
HB Denard Kendricks: Season (back)

[Soapy]

Week 9 NFL Results
TB 35 - CLE 34 :: NYJ 24 - DET 21 :: TOR 24 - NYG 21 :: CIN 28 - IND 14
DAL 26 - PHI 20 :: MIN 23 - CHI 21 :: TEN 21 - HOU 17 :: NE 25 - LV 22
LAC 37 - SF 13 :: ARI 31 - DEN 28 :: KC 24 - BUF 10 :: CAR 26 - PIT 24
GB 31 - ATL 24
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Players of the Week
QB Justin Herbert (TEN): 26 of 34, 379 yards, 3 touchdowns.
QB Jameis Winston (TB): 27 of 33, 406 yards, 4 touchdowns.
DE Carlos Basham (KC): 6 tackles, 3 sacks.
LB Roquan Smith (CHI): 11 tackles, interception.
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Notable Injuries
G David DeCastro (CHI): Season (knee)
C Robbie Bell (DEN): Season (shoulder)
LB Jayvon Harris (DEN): Season (tricep)
CB Greedy Williams (CLE): Season (shoulder)
HB Denard Melvin (KC): Season (pectoral)
S Malik Hooker (IND): Season (pectoral)
DE Dexter Lawrence II (NYG): Season (knee)
HB Evan Walls (DET): Season (knee)
WR Davante Adams (GB): Season (Achilles)
OLB Khalid Kareem (NO): Season (Achilles)
HB Alvin Kamara (NO): Season (Achilles)
QB Shea Patterson (MIN): Season (knee)
DE Jadeveon Clowney (SEA): Season (pectoral)
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Notable Transactions
Bills re-sign CB Joejuan Williams (1yr, $5.07 million)
Lions re-sign CB C.J. Henderson (1yr, $5.77 million)
Lions re-sign S Nasir Adderley (2yr, $8.02 million)

[Soapy]

Chargers LB Scott Heads to Injured Reserve Following Collarbone Injury in 49ers Game
The Los Angeles Chargers have placed linebacker Layne Scott on the Injured Reserve list, effectively ending his season.

The former number four overall pick broke his collarbone in the team's win over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Prior to the injury, Scott had five tackles and was instrumental in shutting down the 49ers rushing attack.

Scott, 23, was in the third year of his career and was on pace to have his best season as a pro. He leads the team in tackles by a wide margin with 71 tackles and second in tackles for loss behind only Joey Bosa. Prior to the injury, he was also leading the team in snaps played and finishes the season with 510 snaps in just eight games.

This marks the second time that his season has been cut short as he only played thirteen games last season.

The Chargers have signed linebacker Christian Jackson, who last played for the Toronto Huskies in 2025.

[Soapy]

Week 10 Preview: Arizona Cardinals
Record: 5-3, 2nd NFC West

Team Leaders
Passing: Kyler Murray (70% completion, 1624 yards, 16 TD, 4 INT, 133.9 rating)
Rushing: Taj McManus (292 yards, 3 TD, 3.6 ypc)
Receiving: Christian Kirk (40 receptions, 597 yards, 10 TD)
Defense: Fred Warner (42 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 21st
Total Defense: 5th
Points Per Game: 10th
Turnover Differential: T-10th

Injuries
HB Kareem Hunt
OLB Haason Reddick
LB Germaine Pratt

Los Angeles' string of luck continues as they face a Cardinals offense that is without it's top running back in Kareem Hunt. Down their top two inside linebackers in Layne Scott and Shaq Quarterman, LA needs all the help it can get from a rush defense perspective as they'll be starting two brand new inside linebackers in Michael Pinckney and Jarrad Davis which could lead to communication and alignment issues.

The game will ultimately be decided on the perimeter as the WR trio of Christian Kirk, Jeury Jeudy and Collin Johnson with Kyler Murray slinging the ball. The Chargers best chance at slowing down the passing attack will be their pass rush, led by Joey Bosa and his 15 sacks. First round pick Vincent Zellner joined in on the party last week, recording his first sack.

[Soapy]

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ARI (6-3) | 3 | 10 | 0 | 13 || 26
SF (3-6) | 7 | 0 | 6 | 0 || 13
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Wheaton Injured in Fourth Quarter as Murray, Cardinals Beat Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are as competitive and as gritty as they come but with a three turnover differential going the wrong way and the inability to get Kyler Murray off the field, they were as good as gone.

The Cardinals dominated time of possession, having the ball for over 40 minutes on Sunday as they beat the Chargers 26-13.

Murray completed 30 of his 36 passes for 299 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 34 yards. Even without their top back in Kenyon Drake, Tyrone Oliver rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown while Taj McManus added in 24 tough yards on thirteen carries.

Chargers rookie QB Rashaud Wheaton left the game with a back injury in the fourth but by then, the game was already decided. He had thrown two interceptions as the team was forced to abandon a rushing attack that was led by Felix Whittaker's 6.5 yards per carry and a long touchdown early in the game.

Wheaton finished the game 10 of 24 for 180 yards. Replacement Kris Buchanan, with the team for roughly a month, went 3 of 7 for 54 yards and an interception.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[ARI] J. Nixon, 34 Yd FG (7:34)
[LAC] F. Whittaker, 36 Yd run (4:42)

Quarter 2
[ARI] J. Jeudy 1 Yd pass from K. Murray (13:39)
[ARI] J. Nixon, 21 Yd FG (5:25)

Quarter 3
[LAC] M. Badgley, 23 Yd FG (11:05)
[LAC] M. Badgley, 23 Yd FG (3:11)

Quarter 4
[ARI] J. Nixon, 41 Yd FG (14:56)
[ARI] T. Oliver, 1 Yd run (9:09)
[ARI] J. Nixon, 42 Yd FG (5:16)
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Los Angeles Chargers
Rashaud Wheaton: 10 of 24, 180 yards, 2 interceptions, 3 carries, 29 yards.
Kris Buchanan: 3 of 7, 54 yards, interception, 2 carries 15 yards.
Felix Whittaker: 14 carries, 91 yards, touchdown, 4 receptions, 22 yards.
Deion Daniel: 3 receptions, 41 yards.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 2 receptions, 74 yards.
Justin Jefferson: 2 receptions, 70 yards.
Michael Pinckney: 16 tackles, tackle for loss.
Donovan Bigby: 12 tackles.
Ashtyn Davis: 10 tackles.
Jarrad Davis: 10 tackles, tackle for loss.
Joey Bosa: 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
Christian Childs: 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.

Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray: 30 of 36, 299 yards, touchdown, 6 carries, 34 yards.
Taj McManus: 13 carries, 24 yards.
Tyrone Oliver: 12 carries, 45 yards, touchdown.
Christian Kirk: 8 receptions, 110 yards.
Kalija Lipscomb: 5 receptions, 75 yards.
Collin Johnson: 5 receptions, 48 yards.
Leighton Vander Esch: 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
Budda Baker: 4 tackles, 2 interceptions.

[Soapy]

Behind the Numbers: Breakdown of Chargers Week Nine Loss vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Chargers have found a few things this season. A potential left tackle in Colton McKivitz, a potential gem in Ashtyn Davis and Felix Whittaker might be a legitimate high caliber running back.

The defense struggled but there might be another find and that's linebacker Michael Pinckney who after getting picked on early in the game, settled down and delivered a pretty good performance stat-wise. Do the analytics agree?

Offensive Line Grades
LT Colton McKivitz: 54 snaps, 33 dropbacks, 21 rushes, 80.0 PFF grade.
LG Jacoby Harding: 54 snaps, 33 dropbacks, 21 rushes, 2 run stuffs allowed, 51.4 PFF grade.
C Travis Frederick: 54 snaps, 33 dropbacks, 21 rushes, run stuff allowed, 65.7 PFF grade.
RG Nelson Holiday: 54 snaps, 33 dropbacks, 21 rushes, run stuff allowed, penalty, 60.2 PFF grade.
RT Tristan Wirfs: 54 snaps, 33 dropbacks, 21 rushes, penalty, 74.4 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-50 AVERAGE | 49> BELOW AVERAGE

Defensive Grades
DE Christian Childs: 69 snaps, 4 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 run stuffs, 78.3 PFF grade.
DE Vincent Zellner: 67 snaps, 4 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 run stuffs, penalty, 67.7 PFF grade.
NT Cedric Darius: 26 snaps, tackle, run stuff, 69.5 PFF grade.
OLB Joey Bosa: 71 snaps, 7 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 run stuffs, catch allowed, 74.6 PFF grade.
ILB Michael Pinckney: 70 snaps, 16 tackles, tackle for loss, pass breakup, 4 run stuffs, catch allowed, 85.6 PFF grade.
ILB Jarrad Davis: 76 snaps, 10 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 run stuffs, 2 catches allowed, 74.5 PFF grade.
OLB Rashard Keaton: 70 snaps, 2 tackles, tackle for loss, run stuff, penalty, 56.0 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: 70 snaps, 9 tackles, 2 run stuffs, 5 catches allowed, TD catch allowed, 56.7 PFF grade.
CB Donovan Bigby: 70 snaps, 12 tackles, pass breakup, 5 catches allowed, 62.8 PFF grade.
DB Samuel Fleming: 84 snaps, 6 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 run stuffs, 1 catch allowed, 76.3 PFF grade.
S Ashtyn Davis: 67 snaps, 10 tackles, 3 run stuffs, 2 catches allowed, 74.0 PFF grade.
S Derwin James Jr: 73 snaps, 6 tackles, 2 run stuffs, 2 catches allowed, 67.3 PFF grade.
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Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-50 AVERAGE | 49> BELOW AVERAGE

Class of 2026 Report Card
DE Vincent Zellner: 67 snaps, 4 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 run stuffs, penalty, 67.7 PFF grade.
DB Samuel Fleming: 84 snaps, 6 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 run stuffs, 1 catch allowed, 76.3 PFF grade.
NT Cedric Darius: 26 snaps, tackle, run stuff, 69.5 PFF grade.
LG Jacoby Harding: 54 snaps, 33 dropbacks, 21 rushes, 2 run stuffs allowed, 51.4 PFF grade.
QB Rashaud Wheaton: 42 snaps, 10 of 24, 180 yards, 2 interceptions.
HB Tyron Floyd: 10 snaps, 6 kick returns, 160 yards.
WR Jaron Medlock: 19 snaps, 1 reception, 15 yards.

Injury Report
QB Rashaud Wheaton: Probable (back)
WR Braxton Berrios: Doubtful (toe)
LB Shaq Quarterman: Doubtful (shoulder)
TE Hunter Henry: Out (abdomen)
LB Layne Scott: Season (collarbone)
HB Denard Kendricks: Season (back)