San Diego Chargers 38, Jacksonville Jaguars 14
Here are the top-graded players and biggest takeaways from the Chargers' 38-14 victory at home over the Jaguars.
Quarterback grade: Philip Rivers, 46.1
Chargers' offensive success comes on short crossing routes
When people see four passing touchdowns, they will presume Philip Rivers was the sole source of the Chargers' offensive production. However, most of his passes traveled under 10 yards in the air, as Rivers only attempted seven passes over 10 yards, completing four such throws for 63 yards. The success of the Chargers' offense came as the Jaguars where unable to cover short crossing routes, with the San Diego WRs able to turn the corner and gain extra yardage after the catch.
Top offensive grades
RT Joe Barksdale, 81.4
WR Travis Benjamin, 80.9
WR Tyrell Williams, 79.5
TE Antonio Gates, 76.6
C Matt Slauson, 76.1
RB Melvin Gordon continues impressive start to season
Through Melvin Gordon’s first 15 games of his NFL career, he failed to record 100 rushing yards. This ended versus the Jaguars, as he recorded 102 yards, with 52 coming after contact. What's more, 40 came on just two runs. Gordon had most of his success with a point of attack off right guard and around left end, combining for 66 yards when hitting those two lanes.
Top defensive grades
CB Casey Hayward, 85.1
CB Brandon Flowers, 85.0
CB Jason Verrett, 81.9
OLB Melvin Ingram, 81.8
S Jahleel Addae, 80.1
Chargers' secondary players earn four of defense's top five grades
The Chargers won the game on the back of their secondary, with four their five main defensive backs earning grades over 80.0. The highest-graded CB was free-agent addition Casey Hayward; although the former Packer surrendered the most yards of the group (38), he also intercepted two passes. Brandon Flowers also managed to contribute three QB pressures on three pass-rushing snaps, as the Chargers where able to attack without worry of being beaten in the run game.
Quarterback grade: Blake Bortles, 45.0
Jaguars QB Blake Bortles takes step back in Week 2
The Jaguars struggled to get anything going on offense until it was very late in the game. Bortles was asked to drop back on 55 snaps to nine run attempts. Most of Bortles' 333 passing yards came after the catch, as the QB struggled on throws over 10 yards. With the Jaguars down early, they needed their passing attack to get big yardage, but Bortles and the Jacksonville receiving corps simply could not deliver.
Blake Bortles passing under pressure versus Chargers
Top offensive grades
C Brandon Linder, 78.1
LT Kelvin Beachum, 77.8
RT Jermey Parnell, 76.6
RG A.J. Cann, 73.6
TE Marcedes Lewis, 70.1
O-line Jacksonville's top unit in loss
While much of the Jaguars' lineup struggled versus the Chargers, the offensive line showed some promise. With the Jaguars attempting 50 passes, they asked a lot from the line in protection, and it delivered, giving up nine total pressures for the sixth-best pass-blocking efficiency of the week (Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football games excluded).
Top defensive grades
DT Malik Jackson, 84.2
LB Telvin Smith, 83.0
DT Arby Jones, 78.5
DT Roy Miller, 77.9
S Tashaun Gipson, 76.9
Free-agent addition Malik Jackson stands out in Week 2
When the Jaguars signed Malik Jackson, they where expecting a player who would be able to deliver pressure up the middle of their defense. In Week 2, he provided Jacksonville with the presence they are hoping for. Jackson was able to record five QB hurries on only 20 pass-rushing snaps, as he was too quick and strong for the Chargers' O-line to regularly handle.
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