Chargers Bye Week: Offensive stats and 17-game pace

Through the first six weeks of the season, the Chargers have an above-average offense. Following a six-point, 208-yard outing against the Ravens, the entire unit is now ranked 12th in the league in total yardage.

Their passing game is unsurprisingly much more productive than the ground game. Even after putting up just 195 yards through the air this past Sunday, the Bolts are still seventh in the NFL with an average of 282.8. On the flip-side, the rushing attack is now averaging under 100 yards per game (94.7) after putting up just 26 yards in Baltimore. That leaves them at 22nd on the year.

With the toughest part of their schedule seemingly behind them, I’d fully expect all of these numbers to rise through the remaining 10 games. While it’s easily to be doom-and-gloom in the current moment, here’s me telling you to put a smile on because brighter days are ahead.

Below, for your viewing pleasure, I listed the team’s top offensive players along with their current stats through six weeks, their 17-game pace, and my accompanying thoughts to give you all a bit of a “screenshot” in the same manner of when I post the “By The Numbers” pieces during regular game weeks.

Hope you enjoy!

Team Offense

Total yards per game: 377.5
Rushing yards per game: 282.8
Passing yards per game: 94.7
Points per game: 24.7

QB Justin Herbert

Through six games: 1,771 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, four interceptions, one rushing touchdown
17-game pace: 5,017 passing yards, 40 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, three rushing touchdowns

Thoughts: Prior to his humbling performance against the Ravens, Herbert was on a short tear in the NFL by throwing for 11 touchdowns with zero turnovers through games against Raiders, Chiefs, and Browns. Those scores also led the NFL during that three-week span. I do not think his latest performance warrants much cause for concern as he’s still just a second-year quarterback but it’s also okay to maybe shift your expectations as a whole. He’s going to dazzle most weeks, but don’t think he’s yet to the point where a middling performance is below him just yet.

RB Austin Ekeler

Through six games: 73 carries, 356 rushing yards, four touchdowns / 27 receptions, 242 receiving yards, three touchdowns
17-game pace: 206 carries, 1,008 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns / 76.5 receptions, 685 receiving yards, 8.5 touchdowns

Thoughts: This is about what we all expected from Ekeler prior to the season. He has seven total touchdowns through six weeks and around 600 total yards of offense. Averaging nearly 100 yards of offense per game and a score is just fine thus far through these past six games. I’ll always take more touches for Ek, but he’s doing just fine as of now.

WR Keenan Allen

Through six games: 39 receptions, 419 yards, one touchdown
17-game pace: 110.5 yards, 1,187 yards, three touchdowns

Thoughts: Williams’ breakout this season has unsurprisingly affected Allen’s usual production. He’s averaging just 6.5 catches per game and his lone score through six weeks is a little concerning. He’s still on pace for over 100 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards, but it’s been apparent to all watching that Allen hasn’t been his usual, rock-steady self. Some ill-timed drops and minor disappearances throughout games will hopefully work themselves out with the softer schedule coming up.

WR Mike Williams

Through six games: 33 receptions, 498 receiving yards, six touchdowns
17-game pace: 93.5 receptions, 1.411 yards, 17 touchdowns

Thoughts: What a stretch for Williams. Seriously, who would have expected this type of production following an offseason where many — including myself — expected the team to part with the former first-round pick? His six touchdowns are tied for second in the NFL with Arizona’s DeAndre Hopkins and his 498 receiving yards are good for eighth. If the Chargers are going to succeed down the stretch this season, Williams’ play is going to play a big part of it.

TE Jared Cook

Through six games: 21 receptions, 235 receiving yards, two touchdowns
17-game pace: 60 receptions, 666 receiving yards, six touchdowns

Thoughts: Cook has been a fine addition to the offense in place of Hunter Henry who is now with the Patriots. Cook’s vertical skillset fits right in with Herbert’s own style of play and the two have come up with a number of big-time plays through the season’s first six weeks. He does has multiple drops on the year, but he’s more than made up for it with