Bucky Brooks' Scouting Report: Week 1 at Chargers

Sep 05, 2024 at 10:00 AM

Bucky Brooks

NFL.com Analyst

Who is the Guy?

The return of Justin Herbert gives the Chargers a top 5 quarterback at the helm of an offense undergoing a major makeover. Despite the team's commitment to the run under new Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, the presence of the blue-chip quarterback will enable the Chargers to adapt and adjust if the "ground-and-pound" approach is ineffective. Given Herbert's arm talent, poise and playmaking ability, the Raiders must pay close attention to No. 10 to keep the Chargers offense under wraps in the opener.

Know His Name…

Derwin James is coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign, but the Chargers' new defensive scheme could help the perennial Pro Bowler re-emerge as a game-changer on the back end. James' intelligence, instincts and anticipation keep him near the action, but defensive coordinator Jesse Minter could create more playmaking opportunities for the veteran with clever scheming.

Don't Sleep On…

Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa are potential game wreckers on the edges. The former Pro Bowlers have not spent a lot of time together on the field over the past two years due to an assortment of injuries to Bosa, but the power-rushing tandem can wreak havoc off the edges as a tag team relying on strength, power and explosion to get the job done. Considering the duo combined for 23.5 sacks despite the limited contributions from Bosa (6.5 sacks in nine games), the Raiders must be alert to their whereabouts on every snap.

Under Pressure

Greg Roman rejoins Jim Harbaugh with the Chargers after being dumped in Baltimore for his ultra-conservative, run-heavy offense. While Harbaugh embraces the "ground-and-pound" approach, the lack of playmakers on the perimeter leads to concerns about the potency of the Chargers' passing game. Skeptics point out Roman's ineffective pass concepts at his previous stops (Baltimore and Buffalo), so the pressure is on the grizzled play-caller to display some creativity with his aerial attack.

Matchup to Watch

Joe Alt vs. Maxx Crosby

The fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft is poised to get baptized by one of the best pass rushers in the league. Maxx Crosby's energy, effort and expertise could overwhelm the rookie edge blocker in his NFL debut. With the Chargers unable to consistently help Alt due to Christian Wilkins' presence on the inside, Crosby could destroy the Chargers' offensive plans with disruptive plays on Sunday.

Offensive Strategy

Jim Harbaugh has utilized a "three-yards-and-a-cloud" approach to transform downtrodden programs into winners at the University of San Diego, Stanford, San Francisco 49ers and Michigan. Given his success in relying on the running game, the Raiders should expect the Chargers to pound the ball between the tackles, with Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins sharing the load as co-RB1s. With Justin Herbert capable of making pinpoint throws on various play-action concepts, the Chargers will find a way to balance out the offensive attack with a mix of runs and throws that keep the Raiders guessing for four quarters.

Defensive Strategy

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is a masterful schemer who specializes in using blitzes and simulated pressures to make quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket. Though the Chargers prioritize stopping the run, the defensive wizard will throw out some "junk" defenses to keep Gardner Minshew and Co. dazed and confused in the pocket. With a handful of elite players positioned in key spots (Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Derwin James and Asante Samuel, Jr.), the Chargers have the personnel to make the Xs and Os come to life.

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Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.