No. 5: Vinnie Iyer – Sporting News (Last Week: No. 10)
The Chargers smashed the Raiders and Panthers in similar fashion: Controlling both lines of scrimmage, stopping the run, running the ball, and then teeing off on the pass rush. The influence of Jim Harbaugh is totally back and here to stay. Their 395 combined rushing yards are not a fluke, even when considering the weak opponents.
No. 7: Eric Edholm – NFL.com (Last Week: No. 12)
Among the signs that things are different under Jim Harbaugh: The team has allowed 13 points through two games and has run the ball three times for every two passes attempted. On the first part, playing the Raiders and Panthers has a little something to do with that, but there’s no question the defense is playing a different brand of ball than it has in some time. To the second point, recent iterations of the Chargers’ offense had it at an inverse pass-run ratio, often putting way too much on Justin Herbert’s plate and not taking advantage of the team’s strength on the offensive line. This squad might not be special in many ways, but it’s absolutely maximizing its strengths and minimizing its likely weaknesses. That’s been a big part of the 2-0 start. Now, with the unbeaten Steelers and Chiefs on deck, we’ll find out how good this Bolts team really is.
No. 8: NFL Nation, Kris Rhim – ESPN (Last Week: No. 17)
Most important backup/role player: LB Tuli Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu had an impactful 2023 season, finishing seventh among rookies in sacks (4.5). The second-round pick is behind one of the league’s best edge rusher pairings in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, but both players are aging and Bosa hasn’t played an entire season since 2021. The Chargers already rotate Tuipulotu significantly; he had the third-most snaps at edge (27) in Sunday’s win over the Panthers. He ensures there’s little drop-off when Bosa or Mack aren’t on the field, and he’s essential to a defense trying to rebound from…
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