Chargers: Awards at midpoint of 2019 NFL season

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 20: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 20: Melvin Gordon III #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers dives over players in an attempt to score a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 20: Melvin Gordon III #25 of the Los Angeles Chargers dives over players in an attempt to score a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)

Chargers best play

AUSTIN EATIN' @AustinEkeler | #INDvsLAC pic.twitter.com/5QSlHfofuA

— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) September 8, 2019

This was the official announcement to the rest of the NFL that Ekeler was (we thought) going to be the guy in the Chargers’ backfield.

Chargers worst play

"I don't want them to gain another yard… If they cross the line of scrimmage, I'm going to take every last one of you out. You make sure they remember the night they played the #Titans." pic.twitter.com/o4Pb5CBpAQ

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) October 21, 2019

It doesn’t get worse than losing a game because you couldn’t get half a yard, and it gets particularly more insulting to fans when the guy who got them to the one-yard line doesn’t get the nod to win the game.

Chargers best offensive player

Though the Chargers have given him just 16 carries over his last four games, Austin Ekeler has remained incredibly productive as a receiving running back. During those four games, No. 30 has put up 237 receiving yards and two touchdowns. For the season, Ekeler has 251 rushing yards, 507 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns, which if held consistent over the next eight games gives him about 1,500 total yards and 16 touchdowns.

With the change at offensive coordinator, look for No. 30 to be given more than a few touches per game.

Chargers best defensive player

This one isn’t close: It’s defensive end Joey Bosa.

Let’s roll down the rankings list:

  • Overall grade: Ninth
  • Pressures: 10th
  • Sacks: Fifth
  • Tackles: Second
  • Run stops: First

That sums up to a defensive end who is within the top ten as a pass rusher and as a run defender (in terms of production), and a true dual-threat player who has been more dominant as the season has progressed.

Schedule