The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, this loss gave fans some optimism as it showed the Chargers can hang with the best of the NFL. Furthermore, it showed that this offense could finally score points in the second half.
What is even more impressive is that they started scoring points without their #1 Running Back, #1 Wide Receiver, #1 Tight End, and with two separate injuries sustained to star Quarterback, Justin Herbert.
We saw guys like Joshua Palmer and Kimani Vidal step up into larger roles, but after breakout tight end Will Dissly went down during a garbage time catch before the end of the half, backup Tight End, Stone Smartt did more than step up. He was thoroughly impressive. A former quarterback will now be starting at Tight End for the Chargers.
Chargers’ Stone Smartt NFL Career Thus Far
Early this year, after the Chargers disastrous 2023 season, I wrote about how Smartt earned a spot back on the 90-man roster in 2024. His career path is a special one, and was best put there:
“Smartt with proper development and coaching has the tools to become a very intriguing player. The Former Old Dominion quarterback can be an underrated Chargers playmaker for the foreseeable future. This is due to his understanding of the game from the quarterback’s perspective. After starting off as a quarterback, he moved to wide receiver where he also returned some kicks. He has had to change positions a total of three times.”
Once given an opportunity with the Chargers, they requested him to move to tight end. His ability to play the game from a quarterback perspective is extremely valuable and should be a big part of his success going forward.
RAS Score as a RECEIVER:
Stone Smartt is a WR prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 8.94 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 296 out of 2786 WR from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/jnU9PTkbK6 #RAS #UDFA https://t.co/rThOqJbAH4 pic.twitter.com/AwsGYIvUwB
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) May 1, 2022
After a developmental season in 2022, Smartt was given a spot on the active roster in 2023. With a small role in the offense, he had 11 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown. This included his incredible 51-yard touchdown where he showed his athletic ability and what he can bring to an NFL offense.
that's six.
📺 @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/etvAnCTFqe
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) November 19, 2023
Nearly a year later, Smartt has continued his presence with the team and is deserving of more than a spot on a 90-man roster. The Chargers tried to replace his skillset with veteran Hayden Hurst, but Hurst has been injured and not good on the field. The receiving responsibilities were eventually moved to blocking tight end, Will Dissly.
Once Dissly went down during the Chiefs game, it was strictly all Smartt. His impressive play is now needed for the Chargers imminent playoff run.
The Breakout Game & Outlook Into Next Week
Now that Dissly is hurt and Hurst is on injured reserve it is really up to Smartt to step up. With his aforementioned abilities after the catch and to create plays downfield using his football intelligence, he could very well be an impressive weapon down the stretch of the season.
Smartt in one half had three catches for 54 yards against the strong Kansas City defense. Now that might not be a Brock Bowers type of outing, but it is quite impressive knowing the context. This outing gave Smartt an incredible 93.4 offensive PFF grade, with his blocking grades in the passing game and the running game being above average as well.
Going into next week against the Buccaneers, Smartt faces tough competition with Lavonte David and Antoine Winfield Jr likely to be the players covering him. Even with the difficult competition, if he can continue to produce and give Herbert a much-needed reliable weapon outside of star rookie receiver, Ladd McConkey, this Chargers offense might be a real threat in the playoffs.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports