The Chargers enjoyed a much needed get-right game as they demolished the Minnesota Vikings in primetime behind the return of Joe Alt protecting Herbert’s blindside. The Chargers threw for almost 200 yards
in the second half and built a multi-score lead before coasting through the final 30 minutes behind Kimani Vidal’s tough and consistent running.
Now, the Bolts are now 5-3 and will travel to the 1-7 Tennessee Titans in Week Nine. After that, it’s a date with the 4-3 Steelers.
Let’s go ahead and see where the Chargers landed this week amongst the media’s various power rankings!
Bleacher Report – #12
“Last Thursday, the Los Angeles Chargers looked like the team that won its first three games of the season. They played a physical, “violent” brand of football, something head coach Jim Harbaugh harped on in his postgame victory speech.“
“Los Angeles ran for 207 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.8 yards per rush attempt. Its defensive unit sacked Carson Wentz five times. The Minnesota Vikings quarterback certainly felt the effects of those hits.“
“If the Chargers stick to their hard-nosed identity on both sides of the ball, they can regain some momentum in the second half of the season.” – Moton
The Athletic – #12
“Something scary: Keenan Allen’s Michael Myers impression”
“This guy just won’t die/retire! In his 13th year in the NFL, Allen leads the Chargers in receiving (and is 17th in the league) with 479 yards and four touchdowns. Even Los Angeles, it seems, had given up on Allen, trading him to Chicago last year and only signing him this August after Mike Williams retired.” – Josh Kendall
CBS Sports – #12
“It’s amazing how different the offense looks with Joe Alt at left tackle. Justin Herbert is comfortable now, and it showed in the victory over the Vikings.”- Pete Prisco
Pro Football Talk – #12
“How important is Joe Alt? Everyone found out on Thursday night.” – Mike Florio
ESPN – #14
“Allen is only technically an addition. He spent his first 11 seasons with the Chargers but was traded to Chicago for a fourth-round pick after a contract dispute prior to the 2024 season. He returned to the Bolts in early August, and he has been quarterback Justin Herbert‘s favorite target. Allen is first in the team in yards (479), receptions (48) and targets (70). He has earned the nickname “third-and-Keenan” from teammates, as he has the fifth-most first-down receptions in the NFL (31).” – Kris Rhim
