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Ranking all 32 NFL offensive lines entering week 5 - Sam Monson
San Diego’s offensive line may be better than a year ago, but it’s still not very good. Matt Slauson has been an upgrade at center and has allowed just four total pressures, with no sacks or hits, but the rest of the group has been poor in pass protection, putting a lot of pressure on Philip Rivers to perform despite less-than-ideal pockets. As a group, the Chargers’ run blocking has been better, but RB Melvin Gordon still has to do too much by himself, gaining 164 of his 230 yards this season after contact, breaking eight tackles along the way to do so.
28 PFF stats to know for NFL Week 5 - Nathan Jahnke
Hayward has been one of the best free-agent pickups of the offseason. Now that Jason Verrett has landed on injured reserve, Hayward is now the Chargers’ top cornerback. He will have his hands full facing Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, as well as Derek Carr who is on his way becoming an elite quarterback. The Chargers need Hayward to continue being one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL to help slow down Oakland’s offense.
San Diego Chargers DE Joey Bosa hopeful for pro debut on Sunday - Eric Williams
"I've been busting my butt the last two weeks or more, once I really was able to start working and running to really get in shape and get ready to get out there and play," Bosa told reporters on Wednesday. "It's been a long process. It's been tough. I'm just excited to finally be out there."
Kiper's Rookie Big Board: Wentz leads the way, but who's next? - Mel Kiper (insider)
Brown, filling in for Manti Te'o, who's out for the season, leads the Chargers in tackles with 22. A former Akron defender and MAC defensive player of the year, Brown was a fifth-round pick and looks promising. After 11.5 sacks last season for the Zips, he has one for San Diego this season. Though you shouldn't expect high sack numbers, he should get loads of tackles in the middle of the Chargers' defense.
Can NFL touchdown leader Melvin Gordon close for Chargers? - Eric Williams
According to ESPN's Mike Clay, Gordon leads the NFL with four carries from the opponent's 1-yard line, scoring on all four attempts. Gordon also leads the league with 11 carries within 10 yards of the end zone, with all six of his touchdowns coming from within 6 yards of the goal line.