Chargers defense must slow down Jonathan Taylor; Offensive coaches give rookie Harris credit

Suddenly, Sunday’s matchup between the Chargers and Colts has turned into a battle for first place in the AFC after Pittsburgh’s loss to Cincinnati on Thursday night.

The Chargers and Colts are the only undefeated teams remaining in the AFC, which makes this game even more crucial.

This will be a rundown of key topics on both sides of the ball that have been generating discussion this week.

The Chargers’ offense took a positive step forward in last Sunday’s win over the Miami Dolphins. One major reason was their ability to run the football—something thought to be lost when rookie running back Omarion Hampton landed on injured reserve.

Kimani Vidal rushed for 124 yards and added a receiving touchdown while providing explosive bursts that kept the defense guessing about what Greg Roman’s offense would do next.

“Was a huge difference in the game for us,” Roman said of Vidal. “So always things to learn and grow from, and he will. He's that kind of guy back to back to work the next day, you wouldn't know anything had changed. So that was a great thing.”

It was the first game in which Vidal truly took command of the running attack, and it will be interesting to see if the Chargers can replicate that performance against the Colts. Miami had the worst run defense in the NFL, while Indianapolis ranks near the top, allowing just 96 rushing yards per game.

The running game opens up opportunities for the entire offense, and Vidal is trying to show the team that all they need is him until Hampton returns.

"He's a complete back, I'm really thankful to have him on our team,” Herbert said.

One player quietly making an impact is rookie receiver Tre Harris. While he hasn’t made a major mark through the air, his run blocking has been turning heads.

“Game ball went to Tre,” Harbaugh said. “I think he graded out as the highest receiver in the game. I think all the nine of the runs, the longest runs were being led by him, or he was having a having a key block, and he played all three positions, which speaks volumes.”

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Oct 5, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre Harris (9) against the Washington Commanders at SoFi Stadium.

Harris made a key block against the Giants on Hampton’s 54-yard touchdown run, opening the hole for the rookie back. He was also vital on Sunday, creating lanes for Vidal to run through.

His physical style and blocking ability have reminded Roman of one of his former players, receiver Anquan Boldin.

“We got some room there to get, to get to that spot, but that's the kind of physicality he can play with,” Roman said.

Harris’s time will come when it comes to his impact as a receiver. He caught four passes for 27 yards on Sunday, including a clutch grab on 3rd-and-4 to move the chains.

“As a rookie, we ask a lot, and we know it's a tough offense to learn,” Herbert said. “Especially being a rookies is difficult in this league, but for him to be able to pick it up, handle all of that, everything that's on his plate. We're only going to keep building with him. Guy comes in and dives into dirty work of blocking.”

Before moving to the defense, one stat from PFF stood out this week: center Bradley Bozeman has allowed the most pressures by any center in the NFL with 16 through six games.

Sunday’s game was another example of those struggles, as Bozeman allowed four pressures. However, his offensive coordinator believes the numbers don’t tell the full story.

“I thought Boze had one of his best games the other day, and then our grading system is the one that I pay attention to,” Roman said. “It's only one that matters.”

Other linemen had issues as well, with left tackle Austin Deculus allowing four pressures and right tackle Bobby Hart giving up one. Both are temporary starters, filling in for injured tackles Joe Alt and Trey Pipkins.

Pipkins has been ruled out for Sunday, while Alt is listed as doubtful. Harbaugh, however, offered a cryptic update on his status Friday afternoon.

“It’s unbelievable,” Harbaugh said of his left tackle. “It’s like the Wolverine. We’ll see, we got 24 hours still to make some of those determinations. What kind of impact it would make? It would be good.”

Usually, “doubtful” means a 25% chance to play—but with Harbaugh, who knows what might happen.

The Chargers’ defense has been an up-and-down group since outside linebacker Khalil Mack landed on injured reserve with an elbow injury suffered in Week 3 against Denver.

Their rush defense was already struggling after losing linebacker Denzel Perryman in Week 1 against Kansas City.

Gradually, things have worsened. The Chargers are now allowing 124 rushing yards per game, and they’ve been gashed by rookies Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, and veteran De’Von Achane.

The frustration has been evident—so much so that safety Derwin James has been vocal about the need for change.

“When he breaks down the team three words be the best, that's the standard, and he is the one that is constantly holding himself and everybody to that standard,” Harbaugh said.

This week, they’ll face one of their toughest tests yet: running back Jonathan Taylor, who is starting to gain MVP consideration despite the award typically going to quarterbacks.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates after scoring a touchdown Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 40-6.

Taylor leads the league with 603 rushing yards and has scored a league-high seven rushing touchdowns.

"MVP-caliber running back we're going against," James said about Taylor. "One of the top backs, I got a lot of respect for him."

Those four previous running backs combined for five rushing touchdowns and 372 yards against the Chargers—an average of 5.72 yards per carry.

There’s optimism that Mack and Perryman could return Sunday to help slow down Taylor. Perryman remains one of the league’s best run-stopping linebackers, while Mack continues to be one of the premier edge setters in the NFL.

Harbaugh announced Wednesday that the team activated Mack’s 21-day practice window, and signs point to him being ready to play.

"For sure," Mack told the media on Thursday.

Both players are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. Mack has been wearing a headset and serving as an extra coach on the sideline while rehabbing his elbow injury, but he’s eager to trade that in for pads.

"I'm a competitor. I like to be out there with my brothers," Mack said. "Whatever they want to do. I'm doing what I'm told and not trying to speak too soon. Trying to let the chips fall how they may."

The Chargers have until Saturday at 1 p.m. Pacific time to activate both Mack and Perryman to the main roster. Perryman’s 21-day window was opened last week, and he practiced leading up to the Miami game but was not activated.

If both return, the Chargers will have a much better chance of slowing down Taylor and the Colts’ rushing attack.

“Probably the best in the league right now, and how they're playing, how they're running the football, the explosive runs,” Minter said. “It seems like every game he pops one. So that's a major challenge.”