Joey Bosa has quietly been a stud this season for the Chargers

The Chargers will be facing the Cowboys on Thanksgiving, and while you know names like Dak Prescott, Dez Bryant, and Philip Rivers going into the game, there’s one that’s flying a bit under the radar: Joey Bosa.

But he shouldn’t be. Bosa was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft. After missing the first four games of his rookie season due to injury, the defensive end had 10 1/2 sacks in the 12 games he did play in, recording multiple sacks in three games.

The Chargers started last season 1-4 but proved themselves to be better in Bosa’s presence, finishing the season at 5-11 after looking like one of the worst teams in the NFL early on. At the end of the year, Bosa was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The good news for the Chargers? Bosa appears to be building on his rookie season.

There have been just two games this season in which Bosa hasn’t recorded a sack: Week 2 against the Dolphins and Week 4 against the Eagles. Other than that, he has at least one in every game, and he’s done it in the Chargers’ last six games, too. He’s been so dominant, he set the NFL record for most sacks in a player’s first 20 games with 19.

Tyron Smith is expected to return for the Cowboys, but if he can’t, Bosa could (no pun intended) feast on Dallas’ offensive line. Prescott has suffered mightily without his left tackle — he’s been sacked 12 times, with zero touchdowns and three picks — in the two games without Smith. Meanwhile, Bosa and squad are coming off of a game in which the Chargers intercepted Bills quarterback Nathan Peterman five times on 14 passes. And of course, Bosa had a sack.

Even in the times where he might not get to the quarterback, Bosa’s helping create plays. You can’t give assists for interceptions, but if there ever was one, Bosa’s pressure on Peterman here would be just that:

Don’t forget the value of those forced fumbles, either:

Yup, that’s Bosa with a touchdown assist.

SB Nation’s Stephen White wrote about how Bosa — along with Melvin Ingram — have been the NFL’s most dynamic pass rushing duo this season last month. That’s held up, and it’s a big reason why the Chargers’ season is still alive.

A broad statement on the effect they have, by Mr. White:

After watching Bosa and Ingram put in work I would hate to be a quarterback in these dudes’ cross-hairs. Just when you think you have one of them blocked, here comes the other one fucking your shit up.

Here’s Bosa and Ingram coming after Eli Manning like the IRS after somebody who owes taxes:

Leading up to their game against the Chargers in Week 8, the Patriots’ coach complimented Bosa on how hard he plays, and what he brings to the Chargers’ defense:

“Bosa plays really hard. Every play he’s all out. He makes plays from the back side, chase; outstanding pass rusher. He’s got good strength but he’s got good quickness and he knows how to use both of them. If you are over-aggressive on him he’s quick enough to get by you. If you sit back, then he is explosive enough to power the blockers into the quarterback or into the backfield. He’s a very disruptive player. He’s got a lot of length so he gets to a lot of plays, tackles, tipped balls, can reach out and get the quarterback. He’s a hard guy to throw around or over. He’s really just good at everything but he’s got a great motor so you’ve got to deal with him every play. You can’t run away from him; that’s not the answer because he’ll chase down plays.”

Bosa had one sack of Tom Brady with four total tackles.

Belichick said that Bosa can “reach out and get the quarterback.” That’s what he did against his team.

In 2016, SB Nation’s Dan Kadar had Bosa as his top-rated defensive end going into the NFL draft. When you look at his numbers at Ohio State, it’s not a big surprise.

In his three seasons in the scarlet and gray, Bosa totaled 150 total tackles, 50 1/2 of those for loss, 26 sacks, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He even had an interception that he returned for 28 yards. The guy is a freak, and always has been.

Kadar’s analysis of Bosa, in April of 2016:

Bosa gets the nod for the top spot between the two. Bosa seemed ready for the NFL the moment he stepped onto Ohio State’s campus and finished his three-year career with 150 tackles, 50.5 tackles for loss and 26 sacks. Ohio State utilized Bosa in a variety of roles. Obviously he made his name as a 4-3 end, but he was able to do work from the inside and even looked comfortable dropping back in coverage on occasion. Bosa is a NFL ready as a run stopper. He knows how to use his hands to get inside blockers, push them around, and get free. Bosa is a powerhouse at end, and he knows how to use his strength. He consistently keeps his legs moving to get a push and was double-teamed often. Bosa isn’t a superstar athlete, and that can be considered a negative. His first step isn’t bad, but he’s not exactly Von Miller-like with his first step. Stylistically, Bosa’s play is similar to former Giants star Michael Strahan.

The Chargers’ pass rush is getting one sack per 12 dropbacks this season.

The Chargers started 0-4, but now they’re 4-6 and have a chance to make a run at the AFC West crown — especially after the Chiefs have lost four of their last five games to fall to 6-4.

Bosa and his ferocious play have been a big part of that turnaround.