On opening day, it didn’t quite go to plan for the Los Angeles Chargers against their division rivals Kansas City Chiefs. It was their 9th straight loss to the reigning AFC West champions, falling 38-28.
The Chargers made multiple errors, especially from key veteran players in the defeat, but today I’m going to dive into the other end of the roster. Multiple rookies made their NFL debuts, see lets find out who managed to make an impact.
- Chiefs Expose Chargers Woes In Disastrous Home Opener
- Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon: One Of The League’s Most Dangerous Backfields
SAF Derwin James
Stat line: 3 total tackles, 1 solo, 1 sack
Snap Count: 56 (from 56)
It’s only right to start of with the team’s first round draft pick. It didn’t take too long for the Florida State product to show the fans what to expect. Early in the 2nd quarter, James made two influential plays. The first, a touchdown saving pass break up, diving in front of speedy receiver De’Anthony Thomas and making a play on the ball. Two plays later, on third down, James displayed another aspect of his game. Lined up on the edge, he chased around the back end to get to, and take down QB Patrick Mahomes. His explosiveness was on full show.
This time in zone coverage, he can’t get close enough to Tyreek Hill. With Mahomes scrambling loose on 3rd down, he finds Hill for another big gain. James, playing deep, can’t get close enough to the receiver. However, there was another showing of James’ speed off the edge. This time he can’t quite catch the Chiefs’ QB, but does force an incomplete pass. This is a big part of James’ game that coodinator Gus Bradley will look to utilize as the season goes on.
LB Kyzir White
Stat line: 5 total tackles, 3 solo
Snap Count: 44
White was named as a starter before the game over Jatavis Brown, and overall, had a solid game. He did get beat over the top by an acrobatic catch by Hill, but Jahleel Addae was also slow to get across. Additionally, linebackers vs. wide receivers usually end up in one result, so White shouldn’t have been put in that position.
The 4th round pick showed his tackling ability, whilst RB Kareem Hunt burst through the first line of defense, White was there to meet the ‘back before he could hit the open field. His sound technique is something the Chargers have lacked within the last few years. The next play the rookie had good instincts and reactions to not let the Chiefs’ trickery fool him. He almost had the stop on 3rd and short, but the runner had enough momentum to get the first.
-
Ep 161: Lions Dissapoint; NFL MVP; Week 12 Discussion
by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 12:12 am
Something that won’t show up on the stat sheet, was White’s coverage on TE Travis Kelce. Multiple times he shadowed the three time pro bowl tight end. Kelce was held to one reception, for six yards.
OLB Uchenna Nwosu
Snap Count: 2
Because of the snap count, there isn’t much to digest here. Giving the fact that Nwosu had a very good preseason, it comes as a surprise his lack of game time. Head Coach Anthony Lynn said in his Monday press conference: “I hate to put a guy in a position he hasn’t played all year”. You would have thought with Nwosu’s varied skill set, the coaches could have found more opportunities for him.
DT Justin Jones
Stat line: 3 combined tackles, 1 solo,
Snap Count: 24
There was a heavy rotation between the Bolts’ interior defensive line. This, and the suspension to Corey Liuget, meant Jones got a chance to impress straight away. He showed good strength at the point of attack, showing this in a stretch run play. The defensive tackle worked his way along the line, and penetrated at the right moment to help make the tackle.
It wasn’t all plain-sailing as in one-play the lineman got pushed back multiple yards to allow big hole for RB Spencer Ware for a 27-yard gain. Furthermore, with the team down by 5 points, and Kansas City in redzone, he made a huge mistake. Himself and Melvin Ingram managed to get the initial stop, the ball popped loose, and James recovered and ran loose. However, Jones was called for a facemask penalty, and Chiefs extended their lead with a touchdown on the next play.
WR JJ Jones
Stat line: 2 kick returns, 36 yards, long 23, 1 punt return, -1 yards, two fumbles, one recovered
Uh, oh. The offense had just made it an 11-point game in the 4th, with a touchdown and an Antonio Gates 2-point conversion. The defense got the stop. Then, the special team woes continued. Under no pressure, but running backwards, Jones muffed the deep punt, manged to regather it in, but fumbled it again whilst being tackled. The Chiefs would ice the game three plays later. With an impressive preseason showing, Jones rightfully earned the returner duty. Jones should be given another chance to learn from his mistake.
In conclusion, there was lots to feel good about after week 1. Mistakes will always be there to see in these young players’ careers, but you hope to see promise.
– Thomas Herd is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Sports Media. He covers the Los Angeles Chargers. Follow him on Twitter @chargers_uk.
-
Ep 180: Hall of Fame Class Of 2024 Semifinalists Discussionby Full Press Coverage on November 28, 2023 at 7:02 pm
Ira and Clark dissect the 2024 Hall of Fame class semifinalists. Learn […]
-
Ep 179: Hall of Famer Drew Pearson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 5:14 pm
Hall of Fame wide receiver Drew Pearson returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 178: Patriots, Eagles, 49ers, and More With Joe Bannerby Full Press Coverage on November 18, 2023 at 3:00 am
Former NFL executive Joe Banner returns to the show to talk with Clark and […]
-
Ep 177: Hall of Famer Mel Blount Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on November 11, 2023 at 1:00 am
Former Steeler and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mel Blount joins Clark and […]
-
Remember these names in the Transfer Portalby LandryFootball.com on December 1, 2023 at 12:00 am
The 2024 transfer portal may not open until Dec. 4, but it is in full […]
-
What's next for the Carolina Panthersby LandryFootball.com on November 30, 2023 at 11:00 am
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper said he does possess patience despite […]
-
Ep 316: Week 13 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 4:08 am
-
Ep 315: Week 12 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 3:46 am
-
Ep 314: Week 11 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 15, 2023 at 3:18 am
-
Ep 313: Week 10 Fantasy Football Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 9, 2023 at 1:53 am
-
Ep 198: Week 13 vs Chiefsby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 8:20 pm
In this episode, co-hosts Kyle Senra and Jesse Hall are joined by Braden […]
-
Ep 197: Recapping Weeks 11 & 12by Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 11:26 pm
This episode is a double-dip in a good way. Kyle Senra and Jesse Hall […]
-
Full Press Kraken - 12-1 - Shootout loss, Maple Leafs, Marnerby Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 2:40 pm
Recapping the shootout loss to Toronto. Learn more about your ad choices. […]
-
Full Press Wild - 12-1 - Recapping a dominating Wild win over the predators.by Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 2:30 pm
Win, Nashville, domination, Connor Dewar. Learn more about your ad […]
-
Full Press Panthers 12-1 - Florida Panthers cap their road trip with a W over the Montreal Canadiensby Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 2:20 pm
The Panthers on the road had a chance for a shutout but nonetheless […]
-
Full Press Blackhawks - 12-1 - Corey Perry releases a statementby Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Discussing the Corey Perry releasing a statement about his release, […]
-
ROP Recap Wild 6 Preds 1 Game 22 2023-24 NHL Seasonby Charlie Saunier on December 1, 2023 at 4:55 am
ROP Recap Wild 6 Preds 1 Game 22 2023-24 NHL Season Learn more about your […]
-
Full Press Islanders - 11-29 - It happened again.by Full Press Coverage on November 29, 2023 at 5:05 pm
The Islanders blow another multi goal lead losing 5-4 to the Devils. This […]
-
11/28 - MNF Reaction, State Of The NFLby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 3:49 am
Ian and John react to Monday Night Football and discuss more of the state […]
-
11/27 - Thanksgiving Recap; Jalen Hurts, NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on November 27, 2023 at 10:43 pm
Ian and John recap Thanksgiving weekend, discuss Jalen Hurts' moment, and […]
-
11/24 - Thanksgiving Recap, Jets/Dolphins, Week 12 Picksby Full Press Coverage on November 24, 2023 at 3:47 pm
Ian and John react to all of the action on Thanksgiving Day and look ahead […]
-
11/23 - Thanksgiving Day Preview, Tom Brady, Top 5 NFL Teamsby Full Press Coverage on November 23, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Ian and John discuss the Thanksgiving Day slate of games in the NFL, Tom […]
-
11/21- MNF Reaction, Eagles Handle Chiefs, NFL MVPby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 3:31 am
Ian and John react to the Eagles win over the Chiefs on Monday Night […]
-
11/20 - Week 11 Reactions, MVP Race, MNF Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 20, 2023 at 3:08 pm
Ian and John react to Sunday's NFL action, talk MVP, and preview MNF […]
-
Ep 2: Top 5 Super Bowls Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on February 7, 2023 at 3:26 pm
Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti give their Top 5 Super Bowls of all time. […]
-
Ep 1: The Top 10 Quarterbacks Of All Timeby Full Press Coverage on January 12, 2023 at 8:42 pm
On the first episode of 'According To Who?', host Ian Glendon and John […]
-
76ers at Celtics - Spurs at Pelicans - Nuggets at Sunsby Broken Controller Media on December 1, 2023 at 3:00 pm
-
Chiefs at Packers - Bengals at Jaguarsby Broken Controller Media on December 1, 2023 at 2:15 pm
-
Wizards at Magic - Grizzlies at Mavericks - Knicks at Raptorsby Broken Controller Media on December 1, 2023 at 2:10 pm
-
Ep. 315: D2Football.com National Columnist Chuck Bitnerby Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 6:00 am
-
Ep. 316: GLVC Commissioner Jim Naumovichby Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 6:00 am
-
Ep. 317: Inside Jacksonville University Basketballby Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 6:00 am
-
Ep. 314: PSAC Commissioner Steve Murrayby Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 6:00 am
-
Ep. 262 - The In Season Tournament is Going Better Than Anyone Expectedby Full Press Coverage on December 1, 2023 at 12:56 am
-
Ep 198: Week 13 vs Chiefsby Full Press Coverage on November 30, 2023 at 8:20 pm
-
AEW Full Gear 2023 Review and Roman Reigns Inflated Title Streakby Full Press Coverage on November 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again as he breaks down AEW Full Gear 2023. What […]
-
AEW Full Gear 2023 Previewby Full Press Coverage on November 17, 2023 at 8:08 pm
Jim Biringer is back once again getting you ready for AEW 2023 Full Gear […]
-
Ep 192 - Matt Morganby Full Press Coverage on November 25, 2023 at 3:00 pm
Matt Morgan is a 7-foot monster who had runs in both WWE and TNA. This […]