Los Angeles Chargers fans anxiously awaited the debut of fifth overall pick Joe Alt as was set to face off against a force of nature in edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The array of outcomes was vast, but most expected rookie struggles from the rookie offensive tackle.
Well, no one told Alt about struggling as a rookie. The right tackle did not allow a single pressure in 11 pass-blocking snaps against Crosby.
What's more: Alt, according to unofficial early pressure numbers, only allowed one pressure the entire day. It was a tremendous debut for a player with a weight of expectations on his shoulders. Despite playing a different position, the offensive tackle would always be compared to wide receivers Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze. So far, Alt looks like the right call based on how he performed today.
The day was not perfect overall for Alt. On one play, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins threw him to the ground to stop the run. According to those same unofficial early pressure numbers, Alt was also beaten on one pass protection rep but it did not result in a pressure. Still, tell any Chargers fan yesterday that Alt would only allow one pressure and none against Crosby and they would not have believed you. The Chargers are 1-0 and have a potential Hall of Famer at right tackle. Life is not too bad right now.
