As someone who owns a share of Hampton in one of his two dynasties, this is something I’ve tossed around in my head over the last two weeks.
Against the Seahawks, Hampton looked like the best back out there. Against Denver, he did not and Vidal’s 42-yard touchdown where he broke and evaded numerous tackles was spectacular. That’s not going to help Hampton’s case to be the workhorse we all expected him to be this year.
But how much of a net-negative is that, if at all? If Vidal is the better back (let’s just say this for the sake of the hypothetical), then should we be more okay with Hampton losing out on opportunities and overall snap share? Would you be okay watching the team’s 2025 first round pick fall back towards obscurity if Vidal was performing in the manner we would have expected Hampton to this year?
I really, REALLY expected great things from Hampton. I still see the level of talent he has through the lack of production, but it’s fairly apparent he is not as well-versed running behind a bad line like Vidal is. I mean, the latter essentially did it for the entire 2025 season. He had multiple 100-yard games, including two with over 120.
Vidal has done it before. He has proven success under his belt.
But what does history say about first-round running backs who don’t outright own the starting job by the end of their second season? I don’t personally have that information right now, but something tells me it doesn’t bode well for that player.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I’m going to keep digging into it.
Are you all worried about Hampton in the same way I am? Less so? More so? Let me know how you’re all feeling below.
And now for today’s links.
Chargers News:
Takeaways from Jim Harbaugh’s Monday press conference (Chargers.com)
What you need to know about the Chargers ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline (Chargers.com)
Chargers Draft Target: CB Leonard Moore (Chargers Wire)
Check out the latest edition of the Chargers rookie stock report (Bolt Beat)
NFL News:
Rams OT Alaric Jackson threw a punch at Bradley Chubb following the Bills’ win (ESPN)
Mike Pettine is being hired by the Cowboys to help with their slumping offense (CBS Sports)
The NFL is suspending Dre Greenlaw one game for his headbutt on Leonard Williams (NFL.com)
Jaguars OT Anton Harrison is expected to have knee surgery (Pro Football Talk)
The 49ers have taken the top spot in this week’s power rankings from SI (Sports Illustrated)
Sean McVay said he was “pissed” following the loss to the Bills (Bleacher Report)