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Chargers’ Key Weapon Returns: Impact on Texans Playoff Game

by

Simi Fehoko

The Chargers vs Texans matchup at 1:30 P.M. PST on Saturday is the first game to kick off the playoffs. This matchup will be the Chargers’ first playoff appearance since the 2022 season after they lost to fellow AFC South opponent, Jacksonville Jaguars in embarrassing fashion.

To prove those days of “Chargering” are behind them, this new regime spearheaded by Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and General Manager Joe Hortiz must go out and beat the withering Texans team.

The Houston Texans have limped to the playoffs due to a plethora of injuries, relying heavily upon their stalwarts on defense and superstar receiver, Nico Collins.

Simi Fehoko: A Key Weapon For Chargers Offense

The Chargers may not have a star like Collins, but they are getting back a receiver of their own: the vastly underrated blocking machine, the man who does not take elevators, Simi Fehoko.

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When you think of a key weapon in the Chargers offense, you will likely name half the offense before you get to Fehoko. While he is not the biggest name on this Chargers roster, his impact will be felt on Saturday.

Before the Injury – Carving Out a Role

The Chargers receiver had a modest six catches for 106 yards in eight games of the regular season. Before his unfortunate Week 9 elbow injury vs the Cleveland Browns, he was gaining strong chemistry with Justin Herbert in the passing game.

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His 21-day window has been activated and he will see a return for the playoffs.

Due to a social media post by Simi Fehoko, he was rumored to be able to return earlier in the season, but the NFL’s rule of a maximum of eight players returning from injured reserve a season blocked him from seeing the field earlier.

The Chargers were granted two more designations from injured reserve because they made the playoffs.

As one of Herbert’s closest friends, it was about time for Fehoko to start gaining offensive snaps. His impact in the receiving game was a nice add-on, as he had a first down with every catch, averaging 17.6 yards per catch.

The mention of it being an add-on is because of Fehoko’s blocking ability in the run game.

The Key is Simi Fehoko’s Blocking Prowess

As someone who enjoys using PFF grades, it must be known that it should be used with a grain of salt. Simi Fehoko has been graded with a 44.6 run block grade for the season… lower than the 5’6 return man Derius Davis.

This is no slight at Davis, as he has been spectacular down the stretch, but his blocking starts with effort and ends with effort.

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The perfect example of the idiocracy behind Fehoko’s run-blocking grade is his Week 2 grade against the Carolina Panthers.

He received a 37.0 run-blocking grade for this clinic he put on.

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With the PFF grade debacle out of the way, the former Stanford receiver will be heavily relied upon in this Chargers vs Texans game. The Bolts could very well lean on the run game to take control of the clock and slowly widdle down this strong Texans defense.

Whether it is JK Dobbins, Gus Edwards, newly signed Ezekiel Elliott, or depth pieces Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal they all will be looking to the 6’2 blocking Fehoko to dominate in his return.

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Fehoko is the ultimate Harbaugh guy, someone who scraped and clawed his way onto the roster and has done everything the Chargers have asked of him and more.

Whether it’s blocking a defender 15 yards down the field, catching dig routes, or simply being a special teams player, Fehoko’s impact on the 2024 season was felt and is now much needed for the impending Chargers vs Texans playoff matchup.

Main Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea – USA Today Sports

The post Chargers’ Key Weapon Returns: Impact on Texans Playoff Game appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.