Chargers DE Joey Bosa practices in pads for first time
The day has come! Praise the man upstairs!
According to San Diego Union-Tribune’s Michael Gehlken, Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa is practicing in pads.
It’s quite humorous that this is considered “breaking” news, but it’s extremely meaningful for the San Diego Chargers. Bosa, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 draft, was dealing with a hamstring injury a week after being signed to a four-year deal on Aug. 29, ending a long and unnecessary holdout.
This news doesn’t necessarily guarantee that Bosa will play in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. It’s a good sign that he is practicing in pads, but you don’t want to re-aggravate any injury. If he plays, expect limited snaps.
Bosa will be a boost to what is already a solid defense. Their 23rd overall defensive ranking is a bit deceiving. They are allowing 400.5 yards per game, but that’s mostly from a second-half meltdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ garbage-time yards in Week 2. They are doing a great job getting pressure on the quarterback (tied for eighth in the NFL with five sacks) and creating turnovers (tied for third in the NFL with three interceptions).
Like Bolt Beat contributor Mike Murray mentioned in his post, the Chargers need a little bit more help stopping the run. Even though the team has only allowed 152 rushing yards through two games, which is good for seventh in that category, they are allowing 5.5 yards per carry, tied with the Detroit Lions for the worst average in the league.
Bosa will surely help both in stopping the run and getting to the quarterback. This is a young a talented defense. If they can play at a high level on a consistent basis, the Chargers will be succesful.
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