Bucky Brooks' Scouting Report: Week 18 vs. Chargers

Jan 04, 2025 at 03:00 PM

Bucky Brooks

NFL.com Analyst

Who's The Guy?

Justin Herbert has flourished within a conservative offense, prioritizing the running game and ball security. Though the Chargers have reduced the star's workload as a passer, the one-time Pro Bowler remains a "take over the game" threat with the arm talent and improvisational skills to win inside and outside the pocket.

Know His Name

Ladd McConkey has quickly earned Justin Herbert's trust as the Chargers' No. 1 receiver. The former second-round pick is a sure-handed pass catcher with the route-running polish and precision to whip defenders on isolation routes. With Herbert prone to target the rookie on crucial moments, the Raiders must pay attention to McConkey's whereabouts on key passing downs.

Don't Sleep On…

JK Dobbins is not a household name, but the fifth-year pro is the straw that stirs the drink for the Chargers offense. The 5-foot-10, 215-pounder is on the verge of surpassing the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career despite missing four games due to injury. As a hard-nosed runner with sneaky quickness and an explosive burst, Dobbins is a rare grinder with home run potential.

Under Pressure

Cameron Dicker has been money as a long-distance kicker for the Chargers, with a 94.6% conversion rate, including nine makes from 50-plus yards. Though he rarely misses at any distance, the third-year pro could face immense pressure to make a game-winner with playoff seeding on the line.

Matchup To Watch

Derwin James vs. Brock Bowers

The All-Pro safety is the ultimate eraser on the perimeter as an extra-large safety with cornerback-like cover skills. James relishes the opportunity to snuff out tight ends in his space with ultra-aggressive tactics and physicality. Though Bowers will get his targets and touches, James will attempt to make it hard for the rookie to find room on the perimeter.

Offensive Strategy

The Chargers want to control the game with a low-risk approach that prioritizes the running game and a complementary aerial assault. Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman will relentlessly pound the ball between the tackles to see if they can overwhelm the Raiders. If Dobbins and Gus Edwards find running room early, it will enable the Chargers to control the game and selectively take deep shots to McConkey to attack an aggressive safety tandem intent on slowing down the run.

Defense Strategy

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has whipped the Chargers defense into an elite unit by streamlining the call sheet to enable his players to play fast and free on the perimeter. Though the Chargers' creative simulated pressures will test the instincts and awareness of the quarterback, the unit's discipline and fundamentals (tackling and pursuit) will force the Raiders to execute consistently to score points. Given the challenge of stringing together 10-plus positive plays, the Raiders must exhibit patience and persistence to knock off a surging playoff contender.

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Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer (50) during practice at Intermountain Health Performance Center.