Justin Herbert’s haircut isn’t the one factor that’s modified because the Chargers final performed the kings of the AFC West.
Not solely will his mild brown hair not be poking out of his helmet in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs on Sunday, but additionally the absolutely wholesome quarterback heralded the Chargers’ offensive progress as “very positive” since they misplaced to their division rivals in Week 4.
“We’ve come a long way,” Herbert mentioned Wednesday, sporting a brand new reduce that trimmed the perimeters and again of his signature flowing locks. “We’ve definitely become closer as a team.”
Greater than two months after the Chargers first matched up with the Chiefs, they’ll get one other shot at dethroning the longtime leaders Sunday at 5:20 p.m. PST in a rematch that has playoff implications. The Chiefs (11-1) can lock up their ninth consecutive AFC West title with a win at Arrowhead Stadium.
With three divisional rematches remaining of their last 5 video games, the Chargers (8-4) are jockeying for a wild-card place with the Baltimore Ravens (8-5) and Denver Broncos (8-5).
The 2-time defending Tremendous Bowl champion Chiefs have received six consecutive video games over the Chargers, with 5 victories — together with a 17-10 win in SoFi Stadium on Sept. 29 — coming by one possession.
Nonetheless, the Week 4 matchup seems like a lifetime in the past. The Chargers have been with out offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt due to accidents. Herbert was shifting round on a sprained proper ankle that was shut to twenty%.
Chargers beginning offensive tackles Joe Alt (left) and Rashawn Slater missed the primary assembly with the Chiefs due to accidents.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Instances)
Since, the quarterback has heard “MVP” chants, scrambled for career-best rushes and delivered arduous hits to defenders that shocked even teammates. Herbert has averaged 246.6 yards passing within the final eight video games because the workforce’s off week allowed him to relaxation his ankle. He has thrown 305 consecutive passes with out an interception, a franchise report that’s tied for the ninth-longest streak in NFL historical past.
“That’s being a guardian of victory for the football team,” coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned of Herbert’s lack of interceptions.
Herbert praised the offense’s improved communication, from seven offensive penalties in opposition to the Chiefs in Week 4 to final Sunday when the Chargers had solely three in a win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Nonetheless, the Chargers failed to attain a landing in opposition to the Falcons, who held Herbert to 147 yards, his lowest whole since he performed half a recreation in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. Herbert has accomplished solely 56.8% of his passes within the final three video games and was sacked 5 instances Sunday by a protection that entered the sport with 10 sacks.
The Chargers as an alternative acquired factors from their protection, which acquired into the tip zone with a 61-yard interception return by Tarheeb Nonetheless. The cornerback was named AFC defensive participant of the week Wednesday for his two-interception, three-tackle efficiency and was the primary Chargers rookie to win the honour since 2007.
“The monster game that he had was well deserved,” Harbaugh mentioned.
Nonetheless was making his NFL debut in Week 4 in opposition to the Chiefs. After being inactive for the primary three video games, the fifth-round draft decide racked up 5 tackles and a shared sack whereas the Chargers have been with out star security Derwin James Jr. and edge rusher Joey Bosa. Regardless of the shortage of star energy, the Chargers nonetheless held Kansas Metropolis to 17 factors, the workforce’s second-lowest whole.
James, who was serving a one-game suspension in Week 4, is coming off considered one of his greatest video games of the season. He tied his excessive with 10 tackles, had two for misplaced yardage and grabbed his first interception.
Chargers security Derwin James Jr. (3) intercepts this go meant for Falcons receiver Drake London (5).
(Todd Kirkland / Getty Pictures)
Harbaugh has insisted on getting a photograph of James’ physique absolutely prolonged whereas grabbing the interception with eyes locked on the ball printed out for his workplace.
James’ efficiency bolstered the seventh-year professional’s potential to do all of it for the Chargers protection that offers up an NFL-best 15.7 factors per recreation. The previous Florida State star might be an out of doors nook, Harbaugh mentioned. James may play on the line of scrimmage, he may cowl the deepest routes or the shortest passes within the flat.
“He’s Willie Mays,” Harbaugh mentioned, “a five-tool-plus player that can do it all.”
Damage report
Linebacker Junior Colson (ankle) returned to follow after 4 weeks on injured reserve. The rookie was the workforce’s No. 3 inside linebacker and had 13 tackles with one go breakup earlier than struggling the harm. His return can increase the protection that was with out beginning linebacker Denzel Perryman (groin) for 2 video games.
Perryman was restricted in follow for the primary time since he was injured in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals, and the linebackers have been with out main tackler Daiyan Henley (knee), who performed via a minor calf harm Sunday, his sixth consecutive recreation with double-digit tackles (10).
Cornerback Cam Hart (ankle) was restricted in follow after lacking the final two video games. Receiver Simi Fehoko (elbow) is eligible to return off injured reserve this week however was not designated for return Wednesday.
