When Will Dissly signed with the Chargers, the tight end was coveted for his physical blocking that would help set the perfect tone under Harbaugh. What the Chargers didn’t anticipate was just how large of a role he could play in the passing game.
With four catches for 80 yards and one touchdown Sunday, Dissly has already set career highs in receptions (37) and receiving yards (352). He is second on the team in catches and fourth in yards, just two yards behind receiver Quentin Johnston.
“He’s sneaky good in the passing game,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said of Dissly this week.
Roman admitted he didn’t expect Dissly to establish such a strong connection with Herbert so quickly. The coach credited Dissly’s feel for the game. A two-way star player in high school when he was named Montana’s Gatorade player of the year as a senior, Dissly began his college career as a defensive lineman at Washington before transitioning to tight end. He brings the same versatility to his sole offensive position for the Chargers.
“We ask him to catch passes, run block, pass block and he’s able to do everything,” Herbert said.
Herbert also makes it easy for his receivers. Comparing the quarterback to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, Dissly said: “When Kobe passes you the ball, you better make that shot and give him an assist.”
The quarterback spread the ball well among his teammates Sunday. Along with Dissly, Ladd McConkey reached a career high with a team-best 123 yards receiving on six catches. It was the rookie’s second 100-yard performance and the most for a Chargers rookie in a game since 2013.
On the game-winning drive, McConkey made two standout plays. He hauled in an acrobatic 28-yard catch over a defender, followed by a 27-yard reception that pushed the Chargers into Bengals territory.
“We’ve got play-makers all around,” McConkey said. “So just get the ball in their hands and let them go to work.”
