Jim Harbaugh’s influence on Chargers already being felt

Around the AFC

Harbaugh off and running. Literally. The Los Angeles Chargers are already playing in Jim Harbaugh’s preferred style. The era of “Chargering” already looks like the distant past. Running back J.K. Dobbins leads the NFL through two weeks at 266 rushing yards and L.A. Is leaning on its big, rugged offensive line. It’s beautiful. And scary for an AFC West that already has to deal with Patrick Mahomes and company.

Cleared for takeoff. The New York Jets stumbled in Week 1, but boy have they found their stride. Aaron Rodgers played terrific football, the defense dominated and the Jets thumped New England on Thursday night. Rodgers will have to prove he can hold this form at 40 years old, but if he does, Robert Saleh’s team is going to be in the mix in the AFC. Now the team gets a long break after the Thursday night game before hosting the Broncos on Sept. 29.

Tua turmoil. The fallout in Miami from QB Tua Tagovailoa’s most recent concussion is difficult to quantify. There’s the actual time he’ll miss — several weeks at least — but also the conundrum of where to go from here. NFL Network reported he’s not planning on retiring, but who will feel good about the next time he trots back onto the field? It’s his decision and his alone and it’s a brutal situation all around.

Around the NFC

McCarthy-ism. Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is coaching 2024 as a lame duck, with no contract beyond the end of the season. Which is no big deal … if Dallas finally wins in the playoffs. Except it becomes much more prevalent when McCarthy’s team does things like get blown out, 44-19, at home against New Orleans in Week 2. This team’s got the talent to beat anybody, so season-wise they might be fine. But, man, it’s going to get interesting fast if Dallas struggles for any multi-week period.

Kuuuuuubs. Speaking of the Saints, hello Klint Kubiak. Welcome to the Hot Coaching Candidate Names List. You’re officially on it after a blistering start to the season in the Bayou. Broncos fans know the name and the face well, since he was an assistant under his dad, Gary, and then was the QBs coach in 2022. Derek Carr’s playing great, the Saints are humming and Kubiak’s on the verge of taking the rocket ship ride.