The Thunder Down Under

It's draft season and the gloves are off! In this special crossover episode, Thunder Down Under locks horns with the Powderkeg Podcast in a no-holds-barred Mock Draft Showdown. Who nails the picks? Who reaches for a punter? And who should be banned from drafting ever again? Expect bold takes, plenty of banter, a few friendly jabs (okay, not that friendly), and a whole lot of Chargers chaos. We debate strategy, argue over prospects, and try not to completely destroy our friendships by Pick 22. Thunder vs Powderkeg. Draft boards will burn. Egos will bruise. Who comes out on top? You be the judge.

With only two weeks until the 2025 NFL Draft, on today's show we unpack how the Chargers should ATTACK it! Building an NFL roster requires many decisions and different teams have different philosophies. Are their certain positions you should never draft in Round 1? Should you ever trade up? Should BPA or need mainly determine picks? We discuss it all on TDU. Don't miss it

“It's 3 weeks until the 2025 NFL Draft and what better time to welcome Guilty as Charged's Steven and Tyler back on Thunder Down Under Chargers! Together we discuss all the recent team news before undertaking a critical off-season exercise: Setting the Chargers' Big Board! What discussions would GM Joe Hortiz, Assistant GM Chad Alexander and their scouts be having behind closed doors? Which draft prospects are the best fits for the Bolts? What strategy should be applied on Draft Day? We discuss it all so listen to find out!”

“It was a deathly quiet first week of free agency for the Chargers and fans were angry! They thought GM Joe Hortiz had forgotten about the team's $90m of cap space and that Herbert was being hung out to dry (again). Then the Chargers signed the largest OL in the NFL, Super Bowl Winning Right Guard, Mekhi Becton. Has Hortiz totally redeemed himself? Are there some more big moves coming #BoltFam? We discuss it all on TDU. Don't miss it

TDU IS BACK IN TOWN! After a restful break, we return to the airwaves to discuss all the recent Chargers news and the team's 2025 offseason plan. Oh yes, the Big Bear, Joey Bosa has been released. The Combine has come and gone. But there are still so many questions left for us to answer. Should other players be cut? Is a Metcalf Mega Trade on the horizon? Which free agents (internal or external) will Hortiz sign? We address it all on our first show of TDU Season 4. Don't miss it!

The offseason is nearly upon us, but not before our End of Season Roundtable! Kyle De and Ryan Watkins from the Powderkeg Podcast joined us LIVE on YouTube to reflect on all the key moments of the 2024 season. We shared our best takes, played “Red Light, Green Light!”, and our guests became the most recent victims of the TDU Aussie Quiz. Don't miss it!

Hello Darkness My Old Friend…" The #Boltfam is reeling after the Chargers' devastating 32-12 Wild Card loss to the Texans. Justin Herbert's uncharacteristic 4-INT game leaves fans questioning the team's trajectory under Jim Harbaugh. Can the Bolts bounce back stronger in 2025? Tune in as we dissect the toughest game of the season, analyze what went wrong, and discuss the future of the Chargers.

Everything went right for Jim Harbaugh's Chargers in Wk 18. The Offense made it three weeks in a row scoring 30 points. The team completed a sweep of the Raiders dominating the game in front of the Las Vegas faithful. And in the process, the Bolts secured the #5 seed in the AFC confirming a Wild Card Round trip to Houston to face CJ Stroud's Texans. Join us today as we discuss the last game of the regular season and everything that's ahead for this exciting team. Don't miss it!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. At least it was on Thursday Night Football for Chargers fans as the team all but secured a Playoff berth defeating the Broncos 34-27. After a slow start Defensively, the Bolts rallied together and stormed home in the second half, outscoring Denver 21-6. Join us for our VICTORY POD today as we recap the biggest win so far of the Jim Harbaugh era and sing you some Christmas Carols. Don't miss it!

The Los Angeles Chargers hit rock bottom on Sunday as their second-half struggles reached a breaking point. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored 27 unanswered points, led by Baker Mayfield's 4 TD performance, while Coach Harbaugh's Chargers failed to respond on either side of the ball. In this episode, we break down the disappointing loss at SoFi Stadium, highlight key stats like the Chargers' 0-for-6 on third downs, and discuss what went wrong. With the season now hanging by a thread, we also look ahead to the Thursday Night Football showdown against the Denver Broncos—a must-win game for the Bolts. Is there hope for a turnaround? Tune in for all the analysis and predictions!

The Chargers suffer a heartbreaking loss to the 11-1 Chiefs on Sunday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium. Despite leading late into the fourth quarter, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs capitalized on costly errors to secure a game-winning field goal and clinch their ninth consecutive AFC West title. Join the Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast for our milestone 100th episode! We break down all the action, analyze key moments, answer your burning questions from the #TDUMailbag, and revisit our preseason award predictions. Tune in for the latest Chargers news, insights, and analysis!

The Chargers are 8-4 for the first time since 2018 after scraping away from Atlanta with a narrow victory on Sunday. The Defense saved the day with four interceptions, including two from Rookie CB Tarheeb Still. And Offensively, in an otherwise forgettable performance, Rookie WR Ladd McConkey performed brilliantly snagging 9 catches for 117 yds. Join us today for our Falcons breakdown and a preview of the team's SNF clash with those deadly Kansas City Chiefs. Don't miss it!

The Los Angeles Chargers faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in an intense Harbaugh Bowl clash on Monday Night Football. After a strong 10-0 start in Q2, the Chargers couldn't maintain their momentum as the Ravens fought back to claim a 30-23 victory. Now at 7-4, the Bolts gear up for a pivotal December stretch, aiming to secure a Wild Card Playoff spot. Join the Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast as we break down MNF highlights, key plays, and what's next as the Chargers prepare for a Week 13 showdown against the 6-5 Atlanta Falcons. Tune in for in-depth analysis, playoff predictions, and more!

So-Fi Stadium was rocking on Sunday Night as fans were treated to an instant classic. Herbert and Burrow exchanged punches in a tense contest that went right down to the wire. But it was the Chargers who prevailed with JK Dobbins scoring a 29 yd TD and the Defense preventing the Bengals' desperate Hail Mary attempt as time expired. The Bolts' 34-27 Primetime win exorcised some historic demons and took the team's record to 7-3. Join us today for a VICTORY POD before the Ravens come to town for the HarbaughBowl on MNF. Don't miss it

The Chargers took down the Titans 27-17 with an unstoppable pass rush, logging six sacks despite Khalil Mack's early exit. Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, and Joey Bosa led the charge, while Daiyan Henley posted 14 tackles. Justin Herbert scored two touchdowns, including a highlight pass to Quentin Johnston. Derius Davis delivered a 56-yard return, setting up key field position. Despite a late Titans touchdown, the Bolts' defense held Tennessee to just 10 points in regular play. Tune in for our full game breakdown and a look ahead to the Chargers' Sunday Night Football showdown with the Bengals, don't miss out!

The Chargers stormed into Cleveland and dominated the Browns with a decisive 27-10 victory. Justin Herbert led the offense with a nearly flawless first half, throwing for 250 yards and demonstrating his third-down mastery. Quentin Johnston made a splash with a 66-yard touchdown, while Derius Davis electrified with a 53-yard punt return to set up a score. On defense, the Bolts were relentless, sacking Jameis Winston six times and forcing three interceptions. Join us for this Victory Podcast episode of Thunder Down Under Chargers as we break down the highlights, analyze the defense's lockdown performance, and preview next week's showdown against the Tennessee Titans. Don't miss it!

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and rookie Ladd McConkey lit up the field in a commanding 26-8 win over the New Orleans Saints. McConkey made history as the first Chargers rookie since Keenan Allen in 2013 to record a 100-yard receiving game, hauling in two touchdown catches to secure the win. Herbert, both through the air and on the ground, displayed elite playmaking, while Jesse Minter's defensive scheme stifled the Saints' offense, forcing multiple quarterback mistakes and leading the Chargers to a decisive victory at SoFi Stadium. Join us on this special Victory Podcast episode of Thunder Down Under Chargers as we break down every highlight, discuss key moments, and preview the Chargers' upcoming matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Don't miss out!

The Arizona Cardinals outphysicaled the Los Angeles Chargers in a gritty matchup, with James Conner and Kyler Murray running through the defense. Despite Justin Herbert hitting ‘God Mode' with 349 passing yards, a series of costly turnovers, endzone fumbles, and questionable officiating decisions led to a 3-3 record for the Chargers. Join us as we dive into all the key moments: hard hits, turnovers, and the Cardinals' domination in the trenches. Don't miss this in-depth breakdown of another tough Chargers loss!

The Los Angeles Chargers secured a crucial 23-16 win over the Denver Broncos at Mile High, climbing to a 3-2 season record! Justin Herbert led the offense to a commanding 23-point lead, but the Broncos' 16 unanswered fourth-quarter points nearly turned the game. Coach Jim Harbaugh, recovering from an 'atrial flutter,' managed the team's first win in Denver since 2018. Join us on this episode of the Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast as we break down the game, highlight key plays, and discuss how the Chargers can keep the momentum going. Tune in for all the post-game analysis and celebration! #ChargersWin #BroncosVsChargers #JustinHerbert #NFLWeek5 #ChargersPodcast

In this episode of The Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast, we break down the Chargers' 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium in NFL Week 4. With the defense forcing two early turnovers from Patrick Mahomes, the team seemed poised for a win, but Greg Roman's offense struggled, managing only 224 total yards and 12 first downs. Fans are asking, "Should we be worried about the Chargers' offense?"Join us as we analyze Justin Herbert's performance, the Chargers' defense, and the implications of this second consecutive loss on the AFC West standings. We also discuss Greg Roman's offensive strategy, upcoming matchups, and how this game could shape the rest of the season.Let us know your thoughts in the comments and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share!#Chargers #Chiefs #NFL2024 #JustinHerbert #NFLPodcast

Despite leading at half time, the Chargers lost their first game under Jim Harbaugh at Pittsburgh 20-10 on Sunday. By the end of the game, 4x first round picks for the Bolts had left the game with injury, including a reaggravation to Justin Herbert's sore right ankle. Join us today as we discuss the ramifications for the Chiefs game (and the rest of the season). Don't miss it!

The Jim Harbaugh era is in full swing! Justin Herbert threw only 20 passes. The Defense allowed a miserly 84 passing yards. And the team CRUSHED the Panthers 26-3 becoming the first Chargers team since 2012 to start the season 2-0. Join us today for a comprehensive breakdown of it all. Don't miss it!

SoFi Stadium was rocking as the Bolts held the Raiders to 10 points and started their 2024 campaign 1-0. Coach Harbaugh was fired up and so are we to talk about it! Join us today as we breakdown the key moments that led to victory. Don't miss it!

THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Finally, real football begins for Season 2024 and today we preview the Chargers Wk 1 Opponent, those much-hated Raiders. We also make some season predictions before ending the show with some great questions from the #TDUMailbag. Don't miss it!

“GM Joe Hortiz has been a busy boy! Join us today as we talk about his recent activity acquiring Taylor Heinicke, Elijah Molden and Hassan Haskins, and extending Cameron Dicker, before breaking down some more of the Chargers' 2024 Opponents to finish the show. Don't miss it!”

The Preseason is over (mercifully) and the initial 53 man roster is set. Will Jack be forced to eat humble pie about Isaiah Spiller? Find out as we break it all down. Don't miss it!

The Bolts showed more signs of life on Offense in Wk 2 of the Preseason but fell short 13-9 to the Rams at SoFi Stadium. Was it a case of Stick, Stank, Stunk? Will Herbert's return to practice soothe all wounds? Join us today as we discuss it all. Don't miss it!

Preseason football is back! However, it was a damp squib for Chargers fans as Easton Stick and the Bolts Offense struggled to move the football at SoFi Stadium in a 16-3 loss to the Seahawks. Join us today as we share our observations from Jim Harbaugh's first hitout as Chargers Head Coach. Don't miss it!

Our 2024 Guest Series concludes today with Bolt Breakdowns host, Alex Insdorf (from Guilty as Charged) joining the pod. We discuss all the recent training camp news (including Justin Herbert's injury), breakdown our AFC West Opponents, and challenge Alex to our famous Aussie Quiz. Don't miss it!

The Chargers had their first padded practice on Monday. Join us today as we share our takeaways before breaking down some of the team's 2024 Opponents, this week the AFC North. Don't miss it!

Training Camp is Back Baby! Join us today as we share what excites us about the dawn of a new Chargers season, before breaking down some of the team's 2024 Opponents, this week starting with the NFC South. Don't miss it!

Our 2024 Guest Series continues today with podcasting “OG” Garrett Sisti from The Lightning Round. We share offseason observations, ask each other the hard questions, revive a favourite TDU segment, “Knife or Spoon”, and challenge Garrett to our famous Aussie Quiz. Don't miss it!

Join Jack aka "The Teach" from TDU as he gets his pencil and gradebook out! He is handing out grades to each positional group of the Bolts in terms of their potential rating versus actual on-paper ratings. Is he being too harsh? Is he being too nice? Let us know what you think!

Our 2024 Guest Series kicks off with a bang! This week, veteran Locked On Chargers podcasters, Daniel Wade and David Droegemeier join us to talk all things Chargers football, from OTAs to Mandatory Minicamp. To finish, we revisit a past segment, “Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive and Dave” and challenge our guests to the famous TDU Aussie Quiz. Don't miss it!

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books and the Chargers welcomed 9 new players into the #BoltFam. Join us today as we breakdown each player, hand out our draft grades for the first time in the Harbaugh/Hortiz era, and share some winners & losers from a fantastic weekend of action. Don't miss it!”

On Episode 75 of the Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast, Andy and Jack embrace the art of trading for their second and final 2024 NFL Mock Draft, declaring "Trade down, baby!" Get ready for negotiations, decision-drama, and plenty of Aussie charm as they strategize the Chargers' moves in this thrilling episode. You don't want to miss it!

On Episode 74 of the Thunder Down Under Chargers Podcast, Andy and Jack put their GM hats on and analyse the 2024 NFL Draft with a mock draft where trades are as rare as a Chargers' Super Bowl win. Tune in for laughs, semi-serious analysis, and maybe even a sprinkle of Chargers fan optimism as they navigate the chaotic world of the NFL Draft. Don't miss it!

Only 2 weeks to go until the 2024 NFL Draft! Today is all about the Offensive Prospects in this year's class (WRs, RBs, TEs and OL). Who will receive the #TDU Tick? Who do we have #TDU Question Marks about? What philosophical approach will the Chargers take? We discuss all of this and more. Don't miss it

Only 3 weeks to go until the 2024 NFL Draft! Today is all about the Defensive Prospects in this year's class (DL, LBs and DBs). Who will receive the #TDU Tick? Who do we have #TDU Question Marks about? What philosophical approach will the Chargers take? We discuss all of this and more. Don't miss it!

With multiple waves of free agency now behind us, Hortiz & Harbaugh have left their mark on the Chargers' roster. Today we discuss all the movement, including pay cuts, Keenan's trade to the Bears, and the host of new players that have joined the team. We finish with some Winners & Losers from across the NFL. Don't miss it!

TDU IS BACK IN TOWN! After a restful break, we return to the airwaves to discuss all the recent Chargers news and the team's 2024 offseason plan. Who will be cut? Which free agents (internal or external) will be signed? Do Bosa or Mack get traded? Listen to find out #TDUCrew - you don't want to miss it.

Jim is HIM! The Bolts have a new coach and Kyle De (from BFTB) joins TDU to reflect on the 2023 season and the team's bright future under Coach Harbaugh. We discuss the ins and outs of the Harbaugh signing (from scheme to personality), bring out the #TDUMailbag, and play Red Light, Green Light before giving you our SB predictions. It's our last show of the season. Don't miss it!

A brutal 2023 season mercifully ended for the Chargers on Sunday, with the team boasting a 5-12 final record, and their future HC/GM to be rewarded with a Top 5 Draft Pick. Join us today as we discuss the loss at SoFi and all the recent news about HC interview requests, before reflecting on Tom Telesco's eleven-year career as Chargers GM – this week from a defensive and special teams perspective. Don't miss it!

A fourth consecutive loss kept the Chargers' hopes of a Top Five Draft Pick alive at Mile High in Wk 17. Subsequently, fan attention shifted to Jim Harbaugh's Michigan Wolverines contending for the Rose Bowl, with Bolts fans' desperately hoping for a 2024 Harbaugh reunion with the Chargers, as coach. Join us today as we discuss these events before reflecting on Tom Telesco's eleven-year career as Chargers GM – this week from an offensive perspective. Don't miss it!

It was the best of both worlds for Bolts fans. They witnessed a brave performance on Saturday Night Football, but the Bolts high draft pick was preserved in a narrow loss to Buffalo. Join us in the immediate aftermath of the game. Jigsaw had a special message for Brandon Staley to start the show, and we discussed caretaker coach Giff Smith's first outing in charge of the Bolts. Don't miss it!

Chargers fans sat through a 63-21 drubbing at Allegiant Stadium on TNF, before waking to the news that HC Brandon Staley and GM Tom Telesco had been relieved of their duties. With exceptional timing, Jack was in town today and returned to the show as we discussed the aftermath of one of the most momentous 24 hrs in recent Chargers history. We spoke about the game, the decision to fire the HC/GM, and what the future holds for this pained franchise. Do NOT miss it!

“And now the end is near…”. What was supposed to be a celebration of Antonio Gates' induction into the Chargers Hall of Fame, predictably became a So Fi nightmare. The Bolts lost to the Broncos. Herbert suffered a season-ending injury. And the team's season was doomed in all but a mathematical sense. Join us today as we try to find some light amidst the darkness. Fill up your glasses #TDUCrew and come to therapy with us!

The Bolts kept their season alive with a hard-fought win against the Patriots at Foxborough. The 6-0 victory was the Chargers' first against New England since 2008, and one of a string of wins they'll require if they're to make the 2023 playoffs. Today, BFTB writer Kyle De joins us to discuss yesterday's game and what comes next for the Bolts against the Denver Broncos in Wk 14. Don't miss it!

For the fifth time this season, the Chargers had the ball down one score with a chance to win in Q4 but were unable to protect Herbert when it mattered most. A Zay Flowers TD cemented another heartbreaking loss, with the Ravens climbing to 9-3 atop the AFC and the Chargers sliding to 4-7 with their season all but doomed. Join us today as we recap SNF before previewing a trip to Foxborough where the Chargers have a chance to beat the Pats for the first time since 2008. Don't miss it!

Jordan Love was the most recent beneficiary to face the Chargers Defense, throwing for the most yardage of his young career. That, plus a cacophony of errors from the Bolts Offense resulted in a 23-20 loss at Lambeau Field. With the season almost over sitting at 4-6, Bolts From The Blue Writer (and friend of the show) Kyle De joins us on TDU today to recap everything from last week's game (and much, much more). Don't miss it!