Charger Report
Russell Baxter

Russell Baxter

Joined: Jan 27, 2025

Russell S. Baxter has been writing and researching the game of football for more than 40 years, and on numerous platforms. That includes television, as he spent more than two decades at ESPN, and was part of shows that garnered five Emmy Awards. He also spent the 2015 NFL season with Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFLN.

Dec 8, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Matthew Wright (49) kicks a game winning field goal as time expires against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

Chargers’ first priority in 2025 is to end losing ways vs. rival Chiefs

Jim Harbaugh’s team won’t have to wait long to renew acquaintances with the reigning AFC West champions. Is the year the Chargers solve the Kansas City Chiefs?

Russell Baxter
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Sep 28, 2024; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils safety Terry Moore (1) tackles North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) with the ball during the first half of the game against at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

Chargers' rookie runner will make impact on team and opposing defenses

Jim Harbaugh believes in physical football in all aspects of the game. The Chargers’ first-round pick this year is tailor-made for the Bolts’ ground attack.

Russell Baxter
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May 12, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh (left) and general manager Joe Hortiz watch as quarterback Justin Herbert takes the snap during offseason workouts at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

NFL analyst gives Chargers positive review for offseason work in 2025

The Chargers are looking to win an AFC West title for the first time since 2009. One football writer thinks the team is certainly headed in the right direction.

Russell Baxter
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Apr 17, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz at press conference at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

D is for disappointment when it comes to grading Chargers' 2025 offseason

One NFL writer handed out offseason grades for the four teams in the AFC West. The Los Angeles Chargers were the only club to receive a failing mark.

Russell Baxter
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Jan 11, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh walks off after losing to Houston Texans in an AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

Chargers' defense predicted to take a small step backwards in 2025

The defense for the Bolts slumped down the stretch in 2024. One NFL analyst sees the Chargers having some problems on this side of the ball this season.

Russell Baxter
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Nov 30, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) with the ball as North Carolina State Wolfpack linebacker Kamal Bonner (34) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

Chargers' first-round pick could be part of 'dominant' 1-2 punch at running back

It’s been a long time since the Chargers have had a reliable ground attack. That could change in a big way thanks to a pair of talented offseason additions.

Russell Baxter
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Oct 12, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) runs for a touchdown in the third quarter at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

Draft analyst says Chargers’ first-round pick spells success for Greg Roman’s offense

The Los Angeles Chargers featured an improved ground game that made strides in 2024, but it still needs some work. The team may have found a sizeable solution.

Russell Baxter
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Oct 4, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell (90) chases after Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) during the second half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

Chargers’ 2025 draft class earns above-average grade from Mel Kiper Jr.

The Chargers went from last place in the AFC West in 2023 to a playoff appearance this past season. A noted NFL analyst gave the Bolts’ 2025 draft a solid mark.

Russell Baxter
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December 20, 2009; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson (21) runs for a short gain during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Draft Updates

Chargers all-time best picks in each round of the NFL draft

It’s a proud franchise that was an original member of the AFL. Here’s a look at the Chargers’ best draft pick in each of the first seven rounds.

Russell Baxter
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Nov 8, 2009; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (left) and San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers talk prior to game at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O'Connor-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

NFL writer has Chargers making best first overall pick in draft this century

The Chargers’ organization has certainly had its share of outstanding quarterbacks. Of course, there was the one that kinda got away earlier this century.

Russell Baxter
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Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

Longtime NFL writer questions whether Chargers have done enough to bolster offense

In Jim Harbaugh’s first season with the Chargers, he more than doubled the club’s win total from 2023. However, there’s still some work to be done offensively.

Russell Baxter
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Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (7) before action against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Chargers Latest News

Chargers' proposed trade for former Packers first-round pick would bolster defense

The Chargers' defense came a long way in a short time in 2024. The Bolts could take it up another notch if they can swing a trade for a proven linebacker.

Russell Baxter
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