Chargers Week 8 power rankings roundup

There wasn’t a ton of movement for the Chargers following their Week 7 victory over the Jaguars, but at least none of it was negative this week. At most, the Bolts were bumped a single spot or two, but that’s just about all we could ask for with a 2-4 record.

Like every week, here is the latest roundup of power rankings for the Chargers across all the major media outlets.

Enjoy1

NFL.com - #17

“The Justin Herbert Show continues. The rookie quarterback put together another stellar performance against the Jaguars, setting career highs in passing yards (347) and rushing yards (66) in a 39-29 win. Those 66 rushing yards also represented a franchise record. (It’s possible Philip Rivers didn’t have 66 rushing yards total in 16 years with the Bolts.) The Chargers jumped out to an early lead, then fell behind in the third quarter before the Herbert-led attack exploded for 20 points in the final 5:34 of the period. The defense put the clamps on Gardner Minshew after that, and Herbert finally had his first career win. Beat the Broncos in Denver this week, and people are going to start seeing the Chargers as a playoff contender. I’m already there.” — Dan Hanzus

Bleacher Report - #19

“Since taking over as the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, Justin Herbert has piled up the stats. However, there’s one number that had alluded the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft—his first victory.

Not anymore.

Herbert torched the Jacksonville Jaguars for 347 yards and three scores, and as Doug Farrar wrote for Touchdown Wire, Herbert is off to a historic start to his professional career.

‘Per NFL Research, Herbert became the only player since at least 1970 with more than 1,500 passing yards and a passer rating of over 100 over his first five career games,’ Farrar said.

Not bad at all.

The Chargers are still a work in progress. The defense and the offensive line will need significant improvements for L.A. to win consistently. But the Bolts appear to have knocked the switch from Philip Rivers to Herbert out of the park.” — NFL Staff

ESPN - #20

“Melvin Ingram is back from IR and is the leader of the group. In his absence, the D gave up 17-point leads to Tampa Bay and New Orleans and lost both games. The defense also was in danger Sunday versus the Jaguars, losing a 16-point lead at one point. Justin Herbert might be all that, but if the defense doesn’t step up, it won’t matter. As Ingram said, “We can’t keep making the same mistakes. We come in, we look at each other in the eye as men and say, ‘It’s got to stop somewhere, so why not today?’” The close losses have to stop, and Herbert can’t do it on his own.” — Shelley Smith

Pro Football Talk - #20

“I have seen the future. And it is the Chargers becoming the kings of L.A., thanks to Justin Herbert.” — Mike Florio

CBS Sports - #21

“Justin Herbert won his first game on Sunday and continued the impressive start to his career. He looks legit, which is the good thing for the future. Justin Herbert won his first game on Sunday and continued the impressive start to his career. He looks legit, which is the good thing for the future.” — Pete Prisco

USA Today - #22

“The race for offensive rookie of the year currently features quite a pack ... but QB Justin Herbert looking like a breakaway candidate. No other rookie in the Super Bowl era has at least 250 passing yards in each of his first five starts.” — Doug Farrar