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LA Chargers: Grading the team in its dramatic win over the Bengals

By Alexander Insdorf

CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 13: Wide receiver Trenton Irwin #16 of the Cincinnati Bengals cannot make a catch in front of cornerback Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 13: Wide receiver Trenton Irwin #16 of the Cincinnati Bengals cannot make a catch in front of cornerback Casey Hayward #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Paul Brown Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) – LA Chargers
(Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) – LA Chargers /

Receivers and defensive line

Hunter Henry was pretty crucial in the two field-goal drives towards the end of the first half. While he was a bit quiet in the second half, he led the Chargers in receiving. Not a bad season debut, especially considering how last year’s first game ended for him.

Mike Williams had a few deep hookups with Taylor and they showed off a pretty good connection. It’s too early to draw any real conclusions in terms of receiver volume, but Williams and Henry seemed like they were Taylor’s favorite targets. It makes sense considering Taylor’s previous Buffalo preferences.

Allen started to get more involved towards the end of the second half, but he absolutely has to be more involved. Taylor has to throw more to Allen from the outset of the game. Both Allen and Taylor should’ve been more connected from the jump.

Jerry Tillery was finally ferocious on the defensive line. I didn’t go in thinking Tillery would be bad, but he certainly impressed with his speed and improved ability to shed blocks.

For the first 3.5 quarters, Burrow was given nothing but an absolute pummeling from the line. Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa did about as well as expected. Ingram got his third career interception after forcing Burrow into a poor throw.

Other than a few runs where Burrow broke out like the rushing touchdown, I felt the Chargers kept Cincinnati wrapped up in terms of rushing the football and had heat seeking missile energy when it came to pressuring the rookie quarterback.

Receiving: B

Defensive line: A-

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