Chargers Daily Links: Bolts move up in NFL.com power rankings despite loss

Somehow, some way, the Chargers continue to not drop in various power rankings due to the sensational play of rookie quarterback, Justin Herbert. In fact, after dropping their fourth-straight game, the Chargers actually moved UP(!) one spot in NFL.com’s latest Week 6 rankings which are authored by analyst Dan Hanzus.

The Bolts land at No. 17 in this weeks edition and it’s actually pretty insane to see a 1-4 team in front of teams with multiple wins, including the 3-2 Colts who fall right behind the Chargers at No. 18.

Here’s everything Hanzus had about his decision to keep the Bolts from tumbling down his rankings:

“You just knew Mike Badgley was doomed the moment ESPN’s Steve Levy told America the kicker had trademarked his “Money Badger” nickname. Moments later, Badgely’s 50-yard game-winning field-goal attempt banged off the right upright and fell to the turf, the beginning of the end in a painful 30-27 overtime loss to the Saints. Even in defeat, the Chargers have to be feeling incredibly optimistic about their future after Justin Herbert delivered the greatest performance by a rookie QB in Monday Night Football history. Herbert sees the field in a way that is so rare for a passer of his experience — if a corner bites on a double move or a safety wanders out of position, he punishes defenses without impunity. He’s a silver lining in the form of a lightning bolt.”

Teams with multiple wins behind the Chargers other than the Colts include the 49ers (2-3), Cowboys (2-3), and Dolphins (2-3).

The schedule really lightens up a bit through the team’s next five games outside of the Raiders, who just showed they’re not one to take lightly after upsetting the Chiefs and the Saints a few weeks back. But games against the Jags, Dolphins, Broncos, and Jets could go a long way in helping this team get back to, or around, .500.

All I got to say it, Herbert can’t keep this up forever. The defense must rise to the occasion.

And now for today’s links.

Chargers News:

Check out the latest episode the the Better Half podcast (Chargers.com)

Hayley Elwood dives into the numbers from Justin Herbert’s MNF performance (Chargers.com)

Gavino Borquez discusses the high praise Herbert received from his coach and teammates (Chargers Wire)

A.J. Reed explains why it’s time to fire DC Gus Bradley (Bolt Beat)

NFL News:

Bill Barnwell discusses where RB Le’Veon Bell should land as a free agent (ESPN)

Maurice Moton highlights how much these struggling NFL teams should be panicking (Bleacher Report)

Kyler Murray was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week (Pro Football Talk)

Josh Edwards updated his 2020 rookie rankings (CBS Sports)

The Titans dismantled the Bills on Tuesday night (CBS Sports)

NFL experts pick games in the Week 6 slate (ESPN)