The Marathon Continues.

[Soapy]

Behind the Numbers: Breakdown of Chargers Week One Loss vs. Pittsburgh
The Los Angeles Chargers certainly started their new era of football in the Stephon White-Brian Flores era with some exciting football but it was ultimately a whimper.

A lot of the problems that the team had last season -- the inability to run the football, shoddy tackling and a lack of a consistent pass rush outside of #97 -- followed them into this year's campaign with some areas, particularly Hal Sams accuracy, worsening.

Offensive Line Grades
LT Colton McKivitz: 73 snaps, 49 dropbacks, 24 rushes, 80.0 PFF grade.
LG Darryl Williams: 73 snaps, 49 dropbacks, 24 rushes, 2 sacks allowed, 5 run stuffs allowed, 1.2 PFF grade.
C Travis Frederick: 73 snaps, 49 dropbacks, 24 rushes, 2 sacks allowed, 2 run stuffs allowed, 38.7 PFF grade.
RG Nelson Holiday: 73 snaps, 49 dropbacks, 24 rushes, 1 sack allowed, 3 run stuffs allowed, 34.3 PFF grade.
RT Tristan Wirfs: 73 snaps, 49 dropbacks, 24 rushes, 1 run stuff allowed, 67.5 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: 66 snaps, 5 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 80.7 PFF grade.
DE Vincent Zellner: 68 snaps, 4 tackles, 66.8 PFF grade.
NT Danny Shelton: 16 snaps, 43.5 PFF grade.
OLB Joey Bosa: 68 snaps, 8 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 83.8 PFF grade.
ILB Shaq Quarterman: 53 snaps, 5 tackles, pass breakup, 1 TD allowed in coverage, 63.2 PFF grade.
ILB Layne Scottt: 77 snaps, 12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, QB hurry, 82.1 PFF grade.
OLB Rashard Keaton: 63 snaps, 4 tackles, 57.2 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: 68 snaps, 10 tackles, tackle for loss, 2 pass breakups, 6 catches allowed, 1 TD allowed in coverage, 52.0 PFF grade.
CB Donovan Bigby: 68 snaps, 7 tackles, interception, 3 pass breakups, 3 penalties (2 DPI, facemask), 4 catches allowed, 59.0 PFF grade.
CB Samuel Fleming: 63 snaps, 6 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 3 catches allowed, 68.9 PFF grade.
S Nasir Adderley: 70 snaps, 5 tackles, 2 catches allowed, 69.9 PFF grade.
S Derwin James Jr.: 70 snaps, 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 pass breakups, 1 catch allowed, 77.5 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: 68 snaps, 4 tackles.
CB Samuel Fleming: 63 snaps, 6 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 3 catches allowed.
DT Cedric Darius: 18 snaps, 1 tackle.
OT Jacoby Harding: Did not play.
QB Rashaud Wheaton: Did not play.
HB Tyron Floyd: 9 snaps, 3 carries, 11 yards, touchdown, 4 kick returns, 94 yards.
WR Jaron Medlock: 11 snaps, 1 reception, 9 yards.

Injury Report
HB Tyron Floyd: 5 weeks (shoulder)
HB Duke Johnson Jr: Questionable (ankle)

[Soapy]

Week 1 NFL Results
BAL 24 - HOU 21 :: NYJ 28 - LV 17 :: NE 28 - DEN 23 :: PIT 37 - LAC 28
ATL 31 - CHI 14 :: MIN 35 - GB 17 :: TB 27 - DET 14 :: JAX 22 - TEN 21
LAR 28 - ARI 24 :: PHI 31 - SEA 28 :: CLE 35 - CAR 33 :: IND 35 - NYG 21
KC 31 - CIN 28 :: BUF 36 - MIA 28 :: SF 28 - NO 20 :: DAL 21 - TOR 20
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Players of the Week
QB Sam Ehlinger (IND): 28 of 33, 322 yards, 5 touchdowns.
QB Jared Goff (LAR): 21 of 32, 250 yards, 4 touchdowns.
CB Shaun Wade (PIT): 3 tackles, 2 interceptions, touchdown.
DE Yetur Gross Matos (ATL): 4 tackles, 4 sacks.
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Notable Injuries
DT Grady Jarrett (ATL): 6 weeks (ankle)
WR Davante Adams (GB): Season (Achilles)
QB Keenan Church (CAR): 3 weeks (thumb)
HB J.K. Dobbins (BAL): 7 weeks (knee)
OLB Khalid Kareem (NO): Season (Achilles)
CB Kendall Fuller (SEA): 8 weeks (foot)
WR Juju Smith-Schuster (PIT): 5 weeks (ribs)
DE Danielle Hunter (MIN): 5 weeks (knee)
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Recent Transactions
Broncos sign CB Eli Apple (1 year, $1.12 million)
Saints trade CB Justin Lane to Ravens for 2028 fourth round pick

[Soapy]

Week 2 Preview: New England Patriots
Record: 1-0, 0-0 AFC West

Team Leaders
Passing: Joseph Wentz (61% completion, 182 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 79.3 rating)
Rushing: Marlon Mack (56 yards, 4.0 ypc)
Receiving: Maurice White (4 receptions, 67 yards)
Defense: Jonathan Greenard (5 tackles, 2.5 sacks)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 23rd
Total Defense: 6th
Points Per Game: 14th
Turnover Differential: 31st

Injuries
None

The Chargers decision to pass up on quarterback Joseph Wentz will forever link them to the Patriots starting quarterback, who got his career off to a good start with a win in his debut as well as a solid performance. He wasn't particularly dazzling in the win over Denver but certainly fared better than the offensive output that the Chargers were able to generate with Hal Sams against Pittsburgh.

Wentz averaged just seven yards per game and was sacked just once in what was a very conservative game plan with a rookie quarterback, both of his touchdown being of the short variety to tight end Dawson Knox in the red zone.

New England will try to continue to protect their young quarterback while Los Angeles will need it's highly priced defensive line to be more effective this week and fluster the former Heisman winner.

[djp73]

wentz finna get in that azzz

[Soapy]

-----------------------------------------------
NE (1-1) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 28 || 28
LAC (1-1) | 3 | 14 | 10 | 6 || 33
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Wentz Leads Ferocious Pats Comeback in Fourth Quarter But Runs Out of Time as Chargers Hang On
After holding New England to negative yardage in the first quarter, Los Angeles Chargers fans were feeling good about their franchise's decision to pass on quarterback Joseph Wentz.

In the fourth quarter, they soon began to regret that decision as Wentz led the team to a 28-point fourth quarter but ultimately, it wasn't enough as Los Angeles hung on for the 33-28 victory.

The biggest play of the day ended up being made by another rookie that the Chargers did select. Samuel Fleming jumped a route and outwrestled a Patriot receiver for the football, stiff-armed him and then sprinted into the endzone in what would be the Chargers only score of the fourth quarter as they extended their lead to 33-14 with five minutes left in the game.

The youth movement also proved fruitful on offense as last year's draft class made impacts with Felix Whittaker and Deion Daniel scoring their first NFL touchdown.

Wentz would lead back to back touchdown drives before an onside kick was recovered by the Chargers. He finished the game with 384 yards passing and three touchdowns and a 70 percent completion percentage. He overshadowed Hal Sams' bounce back performance where he went 17 of 27 for 240 yards and a touchdown with no turnovers after throwing three interceptions last week.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[LAC] M. Badgley, 24 Yd FG (5:27)

Quarter 2
[LAC] F. Whittaker, 13 Yd run (6:34)
[LAC] D. Johnson Jr, 5 Yd run (0:44)

Quarter 3
[LAC] M. Badgley, 35 Yd FG (5:52)
[LAC] D. Daniel 33 Yd pass from H. Sams (0:35)

Quarter 4
[NE] M. Mack, 10 Yd run (11:27)
[NE] M. Gallup 3 Yd pass from J. Wentz (6:24)
[LAC] S. Fleming, returned interception 21 yds (2 pt failed) (4:43)
[NE] C. Mosley 8 Yd pass from J. Wentz (2:24)
[NE] C. Mosley 2 Yd pass from J. Wentz (0:15)
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Los Angeles Chargers
Hal Sams: 17 of 27, 240 yards, touchdown.
Felix Whittaker: 18 carries, 71 yards, touchdown, fumble.
Duke Johnson Jr.: 11 carries, 43 yards, touchdown.
Amon-Ra St. Brown: 5 receptions, 87 yards.
Deion Daniel: 3 receptions, 51 yards, touchdown.
Layne Scott: 8 tackles, tackle for loss.
Samuel Fleming: 4 tackles, interception, touchdown.
Christian Childs: 3 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.

New England Patriots
Joseph Wentz: 29 of 41, 384 yards, 3 touchdowns, interception.
Marlon Mack: 19 carries, 34 yards, touchdown, 3 receptions, 32 yards.
Dawson Knox: 7 receptions, 83 yards.
N'Keal Harry: 5 receptions, 93 yards.
Michael Gallup: 5 receptions, 72 yards, touchdown.
Curtis Mosley: 4 receptions, 34 yards, 2 touchdowns.

[Soapy]

wentz finna get in that azzz

i almost shut him down and in the fourth quarter the defense just pooped themselves

[Soapy]

Behind the Numbers: Breakdown of Chargers Week Two Win vs. New England
For almost three quarters, the Los Angeles Chargers looked like one of the NFL elites and the blip against Pittsburgh could be considered just that.

And then the second half -- specifically the fourth quarter -- happened and new questions arrived even amidst a win.

Offensive Line Grades
LT Colton McKivitz: 67 snaps, 29 dropbacks, 38 rushes, 1 sack allowed, 66.2 PFF grade.
LG Darryl Williams: 42 snaps, 20 dropbacks, 22 rushes, sack allowed, 2 run stuffs allowed, 32.7 PFF grade (benched at half).
LG Jacoby Harding: 25 snaps, 9 dropbacks, 16 rushes, QB hurry allowed, 2 run stuffs allowed, 20.3 PFF grade.
C Travis Frederick: 67 snaps, 29 dropbacks, 38 rushes, 1 sack allowed, 1 QB hurry allowed, 2 run stuffs allowed.
RG Nelson Holiday: 67 snaps, 29 dropbacks, 38 rushes, 3 run stuffs allowed, 56.3 PFF grade.
RT Tristan Wirfs: 67 snaps, 29 dropbacks, 38 rushes, 80.0 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: 58 snaps, 3 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.
DE Vincent Zellner: 58 snaps, penalty, 41.6 PFF grade.
DT Cedric Darius: 30 snaps, 4 tackles, tackle for loss, 78.0 PFF grade.
NT Danny Shelton: 13 snaps, 42.6 PFF grade.
OLB Joey Bosa: 61 snaps, 2 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 QB hurry, 68.2 PFF grade.
ILB Shaq Quarterman: 50 snaps, 7 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, pass breakup, 2 catches allowed, 87.3 PFF grade.
ILB Layne Scottt: 67 snaps, 8 tackles, tackle for loss, pass breakup, QB hurry, 6 catches allowed, 2 touchdowns allowed, 55.4 PFF grade.
OLB Rashard Keaton: 18 snaps, 2 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 penalties, 95.3 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: 59 snaps, 5 tackles, tackle for loss, 6 catches allowed, 51.0 PFF grade.
CB Donovan Bigby: 58 snaps, 6 tackles, 5 catches allowed, 37.6 PFF grade.
CB Samuel Fleming: 56 snaps, 4 tackles, interception, 3 pass breakups, 2 catches allowed, 76.3 PFF grade.
S Nasir Adderley: 62 snaps, 6 tackles, tackle for loss, pass breakup, 77.7 PFF grade.
S Derwin James Jr.: 62 snaps, 8 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 1 catch allowed, touchdown catch allowed, 61.4 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: 58 snaps, penalty, 41.6 PFF grade.
CB Samuel Fleming: 56 snaps, 4 tackles, interception, 3 pass breakups, 2 catches allowed, 76.3 PFF grade.
DT Cedric Darius: 30 snaps, 4 tackles, tackle for loss, 78.0 PFF grade.
LG Jacoby Harding: 25 snaps, 9 dropbacks, 16 rushes, QB hurry allowed, 2 run stuffs allowed, 20.3 PFF grade.
QB Rashaud Wheaton: Did not play.
HB Tyron Floyd: Did not play.
WR Jaron Medlock: 26 snaps, 2 receptions, 32 yards.

Injury Report
HB Tyron Floyd: 4 weeks (shoulder)
WR Amon-Ra St. Brown: 7 weeks (arm)
HB Felix Whittaker: 6 weeks (toe)
OLB Rashaud Keaton: Questionable (shoulder)

[Soapy]

Week 2 NFL Results
CIN 32 - HOU 28 :: ATL 38 - TB 28 :: IND 42 - PIT 24 :: MIA 30 - GB 27
PHI 28 - DAL 24 :: JAX 28 - BAL 14 :: NYG 31 - TEN 28 :: CLE 42 - NO 21
SEA 27 - ARI 06 :: TOR 24 - SF 17 :: LAR 28 - KC 14 :: LAC 33 - NE 28
NYJ 28 - DEN 17 :: BUF 31 - LV 24 :: CAR 31 - MIN 21 :: DET 21 - CHI 14
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Players of the Week
QB Sam Ehlinger (IND): 16 of 23, 249 yards, 5 touchdowns, 4 carries, 13 yards, touchdown.
QB Carson Wentz (PHI): 22 of 24, 335 yards, 4 touchdowns.
OLB Sam Ebukam (CIN): 7 tackles, 3 sacks.
S Terrell Edmunds (ATL): 10 tackles, interception
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Notable Injuries
G David DeCastro (CHI): Season (knee)
LB Jayvon Harris (DEN): Season (tricep)
DE Dexter Lawrence II (NYG): Season (knee)
WR Davante Adams (GB): Season (Achilles)
OLB Khalid Kareem (NO): Season (Achilles)
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Recent Transactions
Broncos sign CB Eli Apple (1 year, $1.12 million)
Bills re-sign CB Tre'davious White (1yr, $16 million)
Bills re-sign LB Tremaine Edmunds (4yr, $39.1 million)
Browns re-sign CB Denzel Ward (1yr, $14.4 million)
Browns re-sign HB Nick Chubb (3yr, $29.8 million)
Cardinals re-sign OLB Leighton Vander Esch (3yr, $66.1 million)
Giants re-sign HB Saquon Barkley (4yr, $35.5 million)
Jets re-sign WR Ceedee Lamb (4yr, $47.5 million)
Huskies re-sign HB Angel McBride (5yr, $33.6 million)
Ravens re-sign WR Marquise Brown (4yr, $70 million)

[Soapy]

Chargers Promote HB Denard Kendricks from Practice Squad Following Injuries at Running Back
The Los Angeles Chargers have released quarterback Khalil Tate and promoted running back Denard Kendricks from their practice squad into their 53-man roster.

Kendricks camped with the team this offseason and did not get many chances during the games but clearly showed enough promise that when the team is down two running backs in Felix Whittaker and Tyron Floyd that they're going to him. Kendricks will likely be the team's third running back on Sunday behind Duke Johnson Jr. and Wendell Williams.

Whittaker is expected to miss over a month with his broken toe while Floyd continues to rehab back from a shoulder tear. The team also lost Amon-Ra St. Brown to injury last week and could lean on receiver Jaron Medlock more this week as well as potentially utilizing Duke Johnson as a receiver, something he's done in the past.

[Soapy]

Week 3 Preview: New York Jets
Record: 2-0, 0-0 AFC East

Team Leaders
Passing: Sam Darnold (72% completion, 470 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT, 117.6 rating)
Rushing: Austin Ekeler (83 yards, TD, 2.9 ypc)
Receiving: Miles Boykin (12 receptions, 136 yards, 3 TD)
Defense: Raekwon Davis (6 tackles, 3.5 sacks)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 21st
Total Defense: 6th
Points Per Game: 12th
Turnover Differential: T-4th

Injuries
WR Ceedee Lamb
HB Kerryon Johnson

The Chargers woes against the passing attack will be tested come Sunday as they face a one-dimensional Jets offense that has heavily relied on their passing game and simply not turning the ball over with Sam Darnold at quarterback. Even with Ceedee Lamb sidelined, Terry McLaurin presents a challenge for a Chargers secondary that has struggled and Miles Boykin size at six-foot-four could also present some issues as the Chargers top two corners are both under six-feet tall.

Los Angeles will try to make their run of AFC East teams be a successful one with a victory in the bag against New England now travel to East Rutherford in what should be a fair weather game before going back home next week to host the Buffalo Bills.