The Los Angeles Chargers turned heads during the 2024 NFL Draft.
Many around the league expected them to get top-tier help for Justin Herbert, potentially going after a top receiver from this loaded class.
While they did attack the position later in the draft, the Chargers saw their guy available and went after him.
Their top target, of course, was Joe Alt.
Alt was a fantastic offensive lineman prospect coming out of college, and the Chargers felt it was in their best interest to protect Herbert, their top asset.
Early returns have been great, and among other things in a recent press conference, offensive coordinator Greg Roman said “Merry Christmas,” when referencing Alt’s play and his upcoming matchup with T.J. Watt.
Chargers OC Greg Roman on what he has seen from Rookie RT Joe Alt, who faced Maxx Crosby Week 1 & will face T.J. Watt in Week 3: Superlatives followed up with “…Merry Christmas.” pic.twitter.com/Dqpx4RA5T2
— Ryan DePaul (@RyanDePaul) September 19, 2024
Their Week 3 contest with the Pittsburgh Steelers should be a true battle, one that Roman is itching to see.
There are other key matchups across the board, but it’s clear he wants to witness how his first-round offensive lineman handles the pressure of Watt.
Watt is a top defender in the league, and he’ll be Alt’s second big test.
The first was Maxx Crosby in Week 1, a matchup that turned out pretty well for Alt and the Chargers.
This team is looking to get back to the playoffs, and Herbert certainly can’t do it alone.
It’ll take a true team effort to make this work, but the Chargers seem to be up to the challenge.
A win in Week 3 would be massive for their confidence heading into the later stages of the season.
