Young Chargers star played so well against the Chiefs that he won the job, ‘he’s not going back’

Chargers second-year OT Joe Alt made left tackle job his over Rashawn Slater in win over the Chiefs

The Chargers’ makeshift O-Line could have had their game plan in tatters, but if anything, they executed a switch in offensive process seamlessly.

Chargers OC Greg Roman is known for his running game expertise, but to the surprise of many, Justin Herbert came out throwing and had a sensational outing.

Herbert is no stranger to pressure in his face in previous years, but on 41 snaps in pass protection, not one single pressure was allowed by left tackle Joe Alt.

Rashawn Slater had been paid in the offseason to be the Chargers’ starting left tackle, and his cruel season-ending injury left them hurting. However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom.

Joe Alt was drafted with the Chargers’ fifth overall pick in the 2024 draft, and he slotted into right tackle for effectively the entire season as a starter. He made 16 starts out of 17, only missing Week Four.

With Slater out, Alt was moved over to start as left tackle, and what a job he did to stifle a Chiefs pass rush that included Chris Jones.

Former NFL veteran lineman Geoff Schwartz believes that Alt has won the left tackle job going forward, even though the Chargers paid Slater left tackle money.

He tweeted: “He’s never going back to RT.” That was in response to College Football analyst Jordan Reid saying, “There’s no such thing as a ‘safe prospect,’ but Joe Alt has proven to be every bit of it so far in his career. Made the switch from the right to the left side look so easy tonight.”

Joe Alt played LT in college for Notre Dame, Rashawn Slater played RT for Northwestern

Friday night’s game in Sao Paulo was eye-opening for many reasons. One unique note is that both teams were learning about youngsters making their first NFL start at left tackle.

The Chiefs got to see rookie LT Josh Simmons in action in his first competitive NFL game, while the Chargers got to see how Joe Alt would shift over to LT in only his second year in the league.

Josh Simmons didn’t have a flawless evening, with five pressures allowed and two penalties, but he is a rookie; it was never going to be perfect on his first outing.

However, on the other offensive line, Joe Alt was so good that fans were questioning what they would do with Slater when he returns next year.

It is important to note that Alt played left tackle at Notre Dame, which will have eased the Chargers’ thought process about playing him there.

What is also key to note is that Rashawn Slater played RT at Northwestern. It feels inevitable that Slater slots into right tackle next year, unless Alt’s production falls off a cliff.