The LA Chargers are coming out of their bye week and the season has gone pretty much according to plan. The bye week allowed the Bolts to get some much-needed rest and provided a chance to turn the injury corner.
Thus far this season, Chargers fans have seen a strong running game, a stout defense, and a volatile offensive line that has been fine against lesser opponents but has struggled against tougher competition.
This was all somewhat expected heading into 2024, but there have also been some surprises. On the individual level, several players stand out in a positive light.
3 most surprising players for the Chargers thus far:
Quentin Johnston
Wide receiver Quentin Johnson has seen his fair share of criticism after a disastrous first year in the NFL last season and a less-than-inspiring preseason. Though there were signs during the OTAs and training camp of improvement, it was not enough for a lot of fans.
Some were even calling him a bust, but the team’s coaches (especially head coach Jim Harbaugh) continued to express their belief in the second-year wide receiver.
Thus far, that belief seems to be paying off. Through the first four games of 2024, QJ has 11 receptions on 18 targets for 142 yards. Johnston has also had three touchdowns, including his first multiple-touchdown game in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. The former TCU star has proven a potential deep-threat weapon while being strong in run blocking.
The production is not elite, no one will confidently even come close to saying that, but it is better than many expected. The Chargers have faith that QJ can emerge as a key part of what they want to do on offense this year and Johnston is proving his team right.
Kristian Fulton
The Bolts’ secondary was widely expected to be a highlight of the team’s defense under first-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. With stars like Asante Samuel, Jr and Derwin James, preseason standouts Tony Jefferson and Deane Leonard, expectations were high for the team’s backfield.
One person who has stood out this season that was not on fans' radar is Kristian Fulton. Through four games, Fulton has amassed 11 solo tackles, 4 assisted tackles and an interception. He has collected an 82.5 PFF grade for his efforts.
Will Fulton continue to raise his stock in the NFL after signing a one-year deal with the Chargers? We don’t have that answer yet, but his stock is certainly rising.
Poona Ford
One of the scariest aspects of this year’s defense for the Bolts has been the dominance in the run game and Poona Ford is emerging as a key player on the front end. The 5’11, 310-pound big man is more than just a massive man, he is agile, has been plugging holes, and has 5 tackles of his own with 6 assists.
Through four games, Ford has emerged as the 14th-best defensive lineman according to PFF, allowing the team’s run defense to actually be a threat. It has been quite a while since the Chargers have been able to stop the run (they have been in the bottom 10 of teams for the last few seasons) and the emergence of Ford as a threat up front is a sign of hope for Jesse Minter’s defense.
The Chargers return to action on Sunday with a key divisional matchup against the 3-2 Denver Broncos in Denver. Expect these three surprising players to have key roles on Sunday.