Can the offensive line be relied upon?
A big factor into the Chargers’ woes on the offensive side of the ball last season was the deficiency along the offensive line. Injuries were a big contributor to it as they wiped out two key veterans, OT Russell Okung and OL Mike Pouncey, for a significant portion of the season. The team was forced to rely on players that had very little experience in the starting role, which is why the unit finished near the bottom in the league.
As a part of the reconstruction, Los Angeles traded for five-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner in exchange for Okung. The team also acquired OT Bryan Bulaga during the free agency period. Another acquisition was the hiring of offensive line coach James Campen, who has a proven track record with developing players into All-Pro status during his time with the Packers from 2007-17.
After those additions, the expectation was that L.A. was going to draft an offensive lineman or two to shore up the rest of the group. However, they came away empty-handed. General manager Tom Telesco reiterated that he’s confident in the starters, which would be Trey Pipkins, Sam Tevi or Storm Norton at left tackle; Dan Feeney or Forrest Lamp at left guard; and Mike Pouncey at center if he’s cleared to play. If not, it will be Scott Quessenberry snapping the ball.
With the Chargers choosing not to draft at least one player at such a crucial position, there’s reason to be concerned.
However, that’s where offensive scheme comes into play. Telesco mentioned with the offense changing, in this case to a zone scheme and having a mobile quarterback, it should mask any deficiencies. With an outside zone scheme, the shifts should alleviate some of the pressure on the left side of the line.
Play-action and run-pass option (RPO) concepts prevent pass rushers from driving upfield immediately at the snap. There is still the possibility of adding a proven veteran like OT Jason Peters to come in and start at left tackle while mentoring Pipkins for another year before he takes the reins.