The positive returns from the Chargers season-opening win keep rolling in.
After receiving praise from NFL pundits across the league, the team also received some high marks from Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano's in his column on Tuesday.
The Bolts were one of Manzano's five ‘winners’ of Week 1 after their performance Sunday in which the team was able to secure a victory over their AFC West rival.
Even with it only being the first game, one of the biggest highlights from the win was the Bolts were able to show their dedication and improvement in the run game.
Manzano wrote:
Jim Harbaugh's trend of getting positive results early with new teams continued in his Chargers coaching debut, and it happened in multiple ways during the 22–10 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders.
After having one of the league's worst rushing attacks last season, the Chargers quickly made life easier for Justin Herbert by committing to the running game. The patience paid off in the fourth quarter when J.K. Dobbins ripped off a few lengthy runs to put the game away. The Chargers ran the ball 27 times compared to the 26 passing attempts for Herbert.
The Chargers ran the ball 27 times for 176 yards (6.5 yards per carry), with the aforementioned Dobbins responsible for 135 yards on the ground.
The running back's big day put an exclamation point on what was a physical, gritty display by the Chargers in Harbaugh's first game as the Head Coach.
And while Manzano believes there are some areas left to improve on going forward, it was a good first showing for the Bolts, who have a chance to continue their momentum in Week 2.
Manzano wrote:
The offensive line is a work in progress, but Los Angeles received a standout debut performance from rookie right tackle Joe Alt, who shined against Maxx Crosby. As for another improvement, the Chargers' defense put plenty of pressure on Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II.
The Chargers now get the struggling Carolina Panthers on the road in Week 2. Expect more positive early results for Harbaugh's crew Sunday.
To read Manzano's full winners and losers, click here.
