Top Ten Individual Defensive Performances of 2017: #3 Joey Bosa v. NYG Wk. 5 #3.) Joey Bosa v. Giants - 6 tackles
http://www.sandiegochargersteamonline.com/trevor-williams-jersey , 2 sacks, TFL, forced fumbleGiants fans might want to look away once again for this next defensive performance as we come right back to the Chargers’ first win of the ‘17 season.For the #4 performance, Melvin Ingram was highlighted as he harassed Eli Manning from the first whistle to the last. In this case, we’re going to be highlighting the action on the other side of the defensive line as Joey Bosa had himself a busy day against Big Blue, as well.It only took about four minutes into the game for the big bear to put a highlight onto the stat sheet. On a 3rd & 10 during the Giants’ first possession of the game,Bosa decided to test the right tackle on an outside speed rush. As Manning felt the pressure, he stepped up into the pocket and drifted to Bosa’s side. This made it all too easy for #99 to stick his foot in the ground and come back to level the poor quarterback from behind.On the very next possession, Bosa whipped the right tackle once again as he collected his second sack of the day as he used his giant mitt to reach through two blockers and strip the ball from Manning’s hands. The quarterback was able to fall on the ball but a punt ensued. Within just the first 10 minutes of the game, Bosa came up with two drive-killing plays in as many possessions.Bosa collected his first tackle-for-loss early in the second quarter as the Giants decided it was a good idea to let rookie TE/Big Slot WR Evan Engram block him all by himself. This went about as expected. Bosa beat Engram off the line and simply followed in the right tackle’s back pocket until he was in the face of rookie running back Wayne Gallman.A few minutes later on a 2nd & 10, Bosa walloped Manning on an inside stunt that caused an incompletion to the flat.The rest of the game was a bit quieter for the second-year defensive end, but his earlier impact payed huge dividends as Melvin Ingram and the rest of the defense continued to make plays down the stretch which ultimately secured the close victory against Manning and co.Efficiency is the name of Ekeler’s game It was almost one year ago to the day that Austin Ekeler took his first career carry 35 yards to the endzone against the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles in last year’s week four contest.As fans erupted with joy and jubilation, it inevitably turned into reserved optimism because, as they say, “one carry does not a career make.” But a little less than 365 days later, we are still seeing flashes and feeling the residuals from that unexpected performance.Going into the Chargers 2018 season, Ekeler is no longer a former-UDFA coasting by on his strong 2017 preseason performance which landed him on that year’s final 53-man roster. He is now the solidified RB2 on this team and retains a vice-grip on his roster spot that doesn’t look to be relinquished anytime soon.It was expected that Ekeler would see an inflation in playing time this season
Womens Austin Ekeler Jersey , regardless if tight end Hunter Henry was healthy and available. In the Bolts’ first game of the 2018 season, many of the fan base’s expectations came to fruition, and then some.As a runner, Ekeler received just a handful of carries against the Chiefs (5) compared to Gordon (15). But true to form, Ekeler’s average yards per tote was almost double Gordon’s (7.8 to 4.3).As receivers, both backs were pelted with targets in their comeback attempt. Gordon caught 9 of his 13 targets for 102 yards, averaging 11.3 per catch, while Ekeler caught all five of his for 87 yards, a touchdown, and a very healthy 17.4 yards average.For the game, he averaged 12.6 yards per touch.Gordon’s average, albeit on more than twice the touches, was just 6.9.It will never seem fair to compare their boxscores unless the two start to record comparable workloads but this theme has stayed the same since way back into last season and I don’t think it can be ignored much longer.The most satisfying thing about watching Ekeler play football is that he just has that uncanny, uncoachable ability to make plays when the team needs it the most. It’s usually the main difference between the players that are kinda good and the great players, the players that are recalled occasionally and the ones you just cannot forget.In the above play, Gordon is out wide to the left with Keenan Allen in the slot. Ekeler runs a traditional go-route while Allen runs a fade towards the sideline. Allen’s route incidentally takes him to Ekeler and when Rivers lets it rip, you can’t really tell who he’s trying to throw it to.The ball is just out of reach for Allen but also looked to be short of Ekeler
Womens Darius Philon Jersey , as well. Unsurprisingly, Ekeler put enough distance between him and his defender off the line that he was able to come to a stop for a full second and allow the ball to land in his arms before the defender could get back into position.This play kicked off the team’s third drive of the game, arguably one of the most important drives of the entire game, as the Chargers found themselves in an early 14-3 hole and were needing points about as bad as Kyle Posey needs a “no credit card minimum” at happy hour.They needed a play. Ekeler answered the call.Unpopular opinion time: Ekeler is the team’s most successful power-back.Here me out.At the end of the day, it does not matter how strong or heavy a running back is if they cannot fall forward after runs and grind out the two or three-yard gains necessary to keep drives moving in critical situations. Ekeler, all 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds of him, wins in these situations more than not.There’s nothing too flashy about this play from Ek, but the ending is just one of a plethora of examples that showcase his ability to finish runs. The stiff-arm on LB Anthony Hitchens is a nice touch, as well.I’m throwing this last play in here for good measure to really hammer home how Ekeler has a such grasp on the little things that a player can do to tack on an extra yard or two at the end of plays.It’s just a simple hesitation before he gets skinny and splits the defenders but again, it’s always been the little things with #30. They add up. As cliche as it is to say, there’s a reason why coaches and leaders beat the sentiment into the ground.I don’t know about you guys, but I’m excited. I’m excited to see if Ken Whisenhunt will continue to wise up and keep finding new and creative ways to get Ekeler on the field as the season goes on.I mean, and dare I say it, but good teams usually want their best running back on the field, right?