2024-10-15 00:25:04
Vidal, Troy’s all-time (4,010), single-season (1,661) and single-game (248) rushing record holder, finished the afternoon with 11 rushing yards and two receptions for 40 receiving yards.
Although it was his first NFL action, his teammates were far from surprised from what he was able to show since he’s arrived.
And with his first game under his belt, it’s just the beginning of the road for the rookie sixth rounder.
“It was awesome,” Herbert said about Vidal. “He’s made so many plays and it is awesome for him on his first touchdown like that and be able to make a big play like that.
“We’ve kind of seen it on film the prior weeks of an opportunity like that,” Herbert added. “We stuck on him, he made a great catch and a great run with it.”
Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh added: “I think that’s been the great progression. Now he’s in there in the games. We’re going to be able to trust him a lot more now, and he continues to be able to protect the ball, make the play and then protection… I thought he acquitted himself well that way as well.”
Just like Vidal stepped up in his position group due to injuries, same could be said for both Hart and Still who were instrumental in the secondary against the Broncos.
Hart got the starting nod at outside cornerback after Asante Samuel, Jr., was placed on Injured Reserve Saturday and tied the team-high with 55 defensive snaps.
The Chargers rookie cornerback had played in every game so far but primarily on special teams, minus a handful of late defensive snaps in the Week 2’s blowout win in Carolina.
Hart was tasked with the start Sunday and held his own in his first extended run in the NFL.
“I was pumped up for him,” Still said of Hart. “I told him before the game, ‘Bro, let’s go. It’s time.’ He played a great game and showed great composure. He trusted the game plan the coaches gave for him.”
Still was also relied upon for his second start in the slot after Ja’Sir Taylor was inactive once again.
The fellow fifth-round pick’s highlight of the game came late in the first quarter, when he played a third down deep ball perfectly to break up the pass and force a punt.
“Coach Minter told me before the game that your second game is usually light years better than the first time,” Still said. “The game slowed down and I was just seeing things well.”
It was a big day for the rookies, who will continue to progress as they get more and more NFL action.
“Pretty good. Pretty good throughout most of the game,” Harbaugh said about the pair of rookie corners. “Didn’t find the route a couple of times there at the end, got beat on some dig routes, but great learning experience for them.”
