What we've learned about the Los Angeles Chargers so far this season

The Kansas City Chiefs got the luxury of putting their feet up and relaxing this weekend. During their bye week, they were able to sit back and watch how the rest of the AFC West fared in Week 6. There was one division matchup within the AFC West this weekend. It would be the Los Angeles Chargers who would walk away victorious in a trip to Denver to take on the Broncos.

At 3-2, the Chargers got back into the win column following back-to-back losses. There have been some areas where LA has jumped out to a great start. Some of those are not that surprising, like rushing offense, given how Jim Harbaugh wants to play. But in terms of their overall defensive play, most were likely not anticipating this solid of a start under the new regime.

What have we learned about the Chargers so far this season? Here are three items that stand out from Los Angeles.

Immediate Defensive Turnaround Is Something LA Can Lean On Throughout This Season

The Bolts entered Week 6 first in points allowed and fifth in yards allowed. The different defensive looks that they are showing, both pre-snap and post-snap, has created some confusion for opposing quarterbacks. New defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has thrown different pressure packages at opponents. As a result, opposing offensive linemen are being forced to respect wide-angle rushes, while still being able to overload and crash hard to one side from condensed angles.

It just feels like a much more grounded, tougher defense. The Chargers were allowing simple gains last year under Brandon Staley that turned into explosive gains far too often. With this early defensive turnaround, Los Angeles can lean on this side of the ball throughout the course of the season. That was not necessarily expected this early in the regime change.

A Different Side Of Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert has always had a type of aura that makes teammates want to go out and compete for him. However, he is showing a bit of a different edge this season. His toughness has regularly been a staple. But, that seems to have elevated with the addition of Harbaugh. His decision-making displays someone who is consistently believing in what his eyes are telling him. That confidence will not hurt. Herbert is still taking what the defense gives, while still giving his teammates opportunities down the field in one-on-one situations. With some additional moxie to his game this season, Los Angeles is riding increased self-belief as an overall team than they were the last couple of seasons.

Young Wide Receivers Are Showing They Can Be Trusted

Quentin Johnston has shaken off some issues that plagued him during his rookie season last year. Meanwhile, Ladd McConkey is already becoming a pest for opposing defenses to deal with. Whether it be separation, catches in traffic or adding yards after the catch, these young Chargers wide receivers are proving to be reliable early on inside of a new offense.

Because of choices to move on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason, no one really knew what the young LA wideouts would turn into this year. Doing what each won is doing as a second-year guy and a rookie, respectively, Los Angeles is not drastically searching for a prime target on the outside. They have boosted themselves for more chances in elevated spots in the short-term future.