The Los Angeles Chargers won their first game of the season over the Las Vegas Raiders, 22-10. This victory was a hard-earned win that had plenty of ups and downs across all three phases of the game. However, if it was not for these three unexpected performances by the Chargers, the Bolts may have fallen apart.
3 Unexpected Chargers Stars Look to Build Off Strong Week 1
Still Hungry: J.K. Dobbins
J.K. Dobbins may have been one of the bigger pick-ups for the Chargers this season, but his presence was one that we were waiting to see before the hype train left the station. Now, the hype train is full-boarded and ready to go. Dobbins had a very impressive rookie season back in 2020, having 805 yards and nine touchdowns. Unfortunately, in 2021 he missed the entire season, came back in 2022, and still was banged up for the majority of the year, only playing in 8 games. Moving into 2023, he suffered another season-ending injury, this time in week 1.
The writing seemed to be on the wall for Dobbins, as he was an injury-prone, yet, talented rusher who may not see the field again due to the risks associated with relying on an injury-prone player. New Los Angeles Chargers General Manager and former Ravens Head of Player Personnel, was not with the majority of the league on their thoughts with Dobbins. He signed the former Raven to the Chargers in hopes he could get back to his old self. That was what happened in week 1 against the Raiders.
Dobbins had 10 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown. He could’ve even had more production if, in his own words, “gotta get in shape.” His performance was the main source of offense for the Chargers in week 1. Without him, the Chargers very well could be in 0-1 rather than 1-0.
jk dobbins the man that u are
| @nfloncbs pic.twitter.com/YZGjq4cXYm
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 8, 2024
Poona Ford Hauls Chargers to Victory
One of the quietest pick-ups for the Chargers was the large defensive lineman, Poona Ford. Signed for nearly the veteran minimum, Ford was still expected to start for this defense. The Chargers boast a very unproven interior defensive line and was and is expecting Ford to become that anchor in the middle for the league’s best edge rusher room. In week 1, Ford performed way over expectations, leading to a Chargers win.
Ford is coming off his worst season, where he barely played in Buffalo, mainly being a healthy scratch with the team. The reasoning behind his “benching” is still unknown, however, we can be sure is much happier with his role now with the Chargers. In his first game in the Powder Blues, he recorded the second-highest grade on the entire team, with an impressive 89.2. His impact against the run was felt all day, shutting down Raiders rushers, and doing exactly what the Chargers wanted him to do.
Seeing the Chargers dominate against the run was a breath of fresh air.
Controlled the line of scrimmage vs. the Raiders, with strong contributions in the middle of the defensive line from Poona Ford and Otito Ogbonnia. pic.twitter.com/IgGY2Amyxb
— Gavino Borquez (@GavinoBorquez) September 9, 2024
The cherry on top of it all was that the game was won on behalf of the 311-pound defensive lineman intercepting the ball. Khalil Mack with a classic Mack play tips the ball into the air, and Ford is the one to come down with it. Game winner. What the rest of the season has to hold for Ford is extremely intriguing, and he very could be the unsung hero of the season if he continues this type of play.
Poona Ford comes down with the INT
pic.twitter.com/0W5ugfkuLQ— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) September 8, 2024
New Money, Same Cameron Dicker
The Chargers finally have a kicker. It has been so long since the fans have experienced the relief of knowing the kicker is going to make it from any distance. Personally, in my lifetime, I don’t think this has ever happened. That said, Cameron Dicker has been lights out since his first game with the Chargers. Right before week 1, the team gave Dicker a four-year, 22.004 million dollar extension to keep under locks until 2028.
ESPN sources: Chargers reached agreement today with Cameron Dicker “The Kicker” on a four-year, $22.004 million extension that includes $12.5 million guaranteed, making him one of the top five highest-paid kickers in the NFL, just ahead of Evan McPherson and Graham Gano. The deal… pic.twitter.com/QrAjF28vas
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2024
During the week 1 matchup against the Raiders, he showed why he was worth every penny. Dicker went 3/3 for field goals, with a long of 53. He also cashed in an extra point. Truly put the team on his back, scoring the same amount of points the Raiders did, all by himself. A Chargers win at the hands of Dicker the Kicker.
Main Photo: [Jayne Kamin-Oncea] – USA Today Sports
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