5. Desmond King, new special teams returner?
Desmond King was a bit of a surprise in the return game, subbing in for the usual Travis Benjamin or J.J. Jones, with Benjamin out and Jones struggling.
I liked him a lot in the role. He broke a huge punt return at the end of the second quarter that put up a huge field goal for the Chargers to tie the game entering the half. He also broke a good punt return to the 49-yard line in a drive that would end in a touchdown for the team.
The Chargers having an explosive returner to set up good field position would be nice, and I think King showed the possibility of that this week.
More from Bolt Beat
- LA Chargers: 3 early takeaways from 2021 minicamp thus far
- LA Chargers: Drue Tranquill takes a jab at Gus Bradley’s defense
- LA Chargers second-year players: Nothing to lose and a lot to gain
- LA Chargers: Why running back could be a big issue for the Bolts
- LA Chargers: Chris Rumph’s upside is Melvin Ingram-like, but better
OVERALL
The team had some sloppy moments with kicking and some big plays the Niners broke, but pulled out a pretty great win and was dominant following a disastrous first quarter. There were some soft points in the defensive scheme and the passing game struggled somewhat, but Rivers spread the ball around with help from Gordon.
And Derwin James… we got someone special folks.
NEXT WEEK
The Chargers stay at home to play a struggling Raiders team that was able to eke out a win over the Cleveland Browns.
It should be a win with how porous the Raiders’ defense has been, but divisional games seem to get the Chargers, as they went 3-3 last year and have done worse in previous years.
They do get Corey Liuget back next week at defensive tackle and so far haven’t suffered too many injuries. Looking for some great offense vs. the Raiders.