Los Angeles Has a New Left Tackle on the Block
The storyline of the Los Angeles Chargers’ season-opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs went beyond the scoreboard. With veteran anchor Rashawn Slater sidelined for the year due to a severe patellar tendon tear, attention rapidly shifted to Joe Alt. The second-year lineman was pushed into one of football's most difficult roles in the game of football—protecting Justin Herbert's blindside—and instead of shaking his head in refusal, he got to work. As the replacement for Slater, Alt aspires to establish himself as the Chargers' next great left tackle, and he has had some major success so far. He has shown why he is more than capable of leading the line for many years to come.
Alt, who started as left tackle and participated in every single offensive snap in São Paulo, was thrust into blindside duty. Alt had a fantastic debut, allowing no sacks, rushes, hits, or pressures on 43 pass-blocking snaps. In Week One, his performance remained so sharp and clean that it topped all NFL tackles in protection efficiency. Particularly, Alt was regularly paired with All-Pro pass rusher Chris Jones. Video footage of Alt stonewalling Jones throughout the game has been frequently shared post-game. Overall, Alt is earning praise from both fans and commentators across the league.
Justin Herbert was able to throw for 318 yards and three scores with unusual ease because of the Chargers' newfound solidity up front. Los Angeles made it very evident that this line will not be broken with a 27–21 victory against their AFC West rivals. With a rookie season in which he started every game and was eighth in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting, Alt was able to transfer his previous knowledge as left tackle for Notre Dame and bring it into the professional ranks. His smooth transition back to left tackle now gives the Chargers' front line stability while showcasing the potential of star power. The Bolts might be creating a new identity this season under Herbert's leadership and Alt's guard.
His height and build set him apart from the rest of the squad. Standing at six feet tall and eight inches, he is an effective pass blocker against both speed and power rushers. Observers praise his quickness, along with being impeccable on the field. His performance against the Chiefs puts him at a great start for this season, as he was immaculate in terms of sparing the Chargers against what many expected to be a crushing defeat originally.
Joe Alt pitched a complete pass-blocking shutout in Week One after assuming the position of left tackle with ease and blocking every defender the Chiefs threw at him. Alt's composure and technical skill immediately silenced doubters and steadied an offensive line rocked by Slater's injury in a role characterized by pressure and responsibility. Alt's imposing presence at 22 years old solidifies that the Chargers will have a strong guard by Herbert's side for many more seasons to come. The "new left tackle on the block" has come, and his early success indicates the arrival of a key player for the team.
