Final stat leaders for the Chargers in 2019

Which Charger led the team in receptions, passes defensed, among others?

All attention has been shifted to what the 2020 season will hold, but it’s still appropriate to reflect on this past season for the Los Angeles Chargers.

With that, here are the final stat leaders from the 2019 regular season:

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Offense

Touchdown Passes – QB Philip Rivers (23)

Passing Yards – QB Philip Rivers (4,615)

Rushing Yards – RB Melvin Gordon (612)

Rushing Touchdowns – RB Melvin Gordon (8)

Receptions – WR Keenan Allen (104)

Receiving Touchdowns – RB Austin Ekeler (8)

Total Touchdowns – RB Austin Ekeler (11)

Yards From Scrimmage – RB Austin Ekeler (1,550)

Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Defense/Special Teams

Sacks – DE Joey Bosa (11.5)

Tackles – LB Thomas Davis (112)

Interceptions – S Rayshawn Jenkins (3)

Passes Defensed – CB Michael Davis (9)

Forced Fumbles – DE Joey Bosa (1)

Punt Return Yards – CB Desmond King (118)

Kick Return Yards – CB Desmond King (331)

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Antonio Gates considered playing in 2019, but not with Chargers

Tight end Antonio Gates was considering playing in 2019.

Before hanging up his cleats, tight end Antonio Gates was close to capping off his career with a final season played in 2019. But it wasn’t going to be with the Los Angeles Chargers.

According to ESPN’s Eric D. Williams, Gates’ best opportunity was with the Indianapolis Colts because of his familiarity with head coach Frank Reich and wide receiver coach Nick Sirianni, where he would serve as a mentor for Eric Ebron. However, the Colts fell out of playoff contention.

The Chargers were ready to move on from the 39-year old after the 2017 season, but a severe injury to Hunter Henry forced them to bring him back as an insurance. Gates finished the 2018 regular season with 28 receptions for 333 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

With Henry, Virgil Green and Lance Kendricks making up the tight end room in 2019, there wasn’t a need for Gates, even when Henry missed four games after sustaining a knee injury.

Could CB Byron Jones be a target for Chargers in free agency?

Cornerback Byron Jones would be the perfect addition to round out the Los Angeles Chargers secondary.

The Chargers will have the most salary cap space since general manager Tom Telesco took over in 2013. The team will have a few of their in-house players to take care of – but with some wheeling and dealing they should have enough to make some big signings in free agency.

Should Los Angeles choose to be aggressive during the free agency period, one player that could catch their attention to fill the cornerback spot opposite of Casey Hayward is Byron Jones.

Pro Football Focus recognized the Chargers as a possible landing spot for Jones, given the positional need and the fact that Jones has flourished in a Cover 3 system – which is what defensive coordinator Gus Bradley runs.

Jones is currently listed as PFF’s No. 1 free agent on defense of the 2020 offseason.

A move to cornerback rejuvenated Jones’ career in 2018, as he showed that he could play single coverage on the outside at a high level. He finished with the 14th-best coverage grade among corners in 2018 (80.4) before dropping to 21st in 2019 (74.8), but those are extremely valuable numbers as he hits the open market. Many will point to Jones not picking off a pass over the last two years, but his 74.1 coverage grade in single coverage is 11th-best during that time, and he has also shown the ability to match up against tight ends when called upon. Jones brings youth and coverage ability to the open market, making him the top defensive free agent heading into the offseason.

Jones, 27, would bring another veteran presence to the defense that the Chargers value greatly. Coming off a 46 tackle campaign and after producing 15 passes defensed with the fourth-best forced incompletion rate of any cornerback, Jones would be welcomed to the City of Angels with open arms.

Like Hayward, Jones isn’t going to tally the interception column on the stat sheet, but he is a reliable cover man on the outside. Jones also offers some positional flexibility as he played a little bit of safety during his tenure with the Cowboys – which is something Bradley likes in his defensive backs.

Los Angeles still has Michael Davis, who has been decent in the starting role and Brandon Facyson, who hasn’t had that much playing time as a starter, but has shown promise. But the team could benefit immensely from adding a talented corner like Jones.

The Chargers might be better off using that money available to shore up the offensive line, and address the cornerback position in the draft. But given the fact that they will have more money than recent years, Telesco could very well look to shore up the secondary by adding the 27-year old corner.

Watch: Current/former Chargers pay homage to Antonio Gates

Current and former Chargers paid respect to Antonio Gates.

What a career it was for Antonio Gates.

The 39-year old announced that he is retiring from the NFL after posting one of the most polished resumes by anyone that has played the position.

Gates retires with 236 games played (190 starts), and posted a franchise-leading 955 receptions, 11,841 receiving yards and 116 touchdowns.

Gates’ legacy will forever be coveted by fans of the Chargers, as well as his former teammates and coaches.

To pay respect to Gates, current and former members of the team let their voices be heard in a compilation video.

It includes quarterbacks Philip Rivers and Drew Brees, running back Melvin Gordon, defensive end Melvin Ingram, safety Eric Weddle, Shawne Merriman and LaDainian Tomlinson among others.

Twitter reacts to Antonio Gates’ retirement

Many paid homage to Antonio Gates after announcing his retirement from the NFL.

Antonio Gates announced his retirement after 16 seasons with the Chargers. Gates established a legendary career piling up accolades of all degrees along the way.

Players, analysts, fans and observers paid homage via Twitter to the All-Pro tight end after announcing that he is officially hanging up his cleats.

9 potential Chargers to watch during College Football Playoff National Championship

Gavino Borquez lays out nine potential Los Angeles Chargers fans should watch during the College Football Playoff National Championship.

All eyes will be glued to the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship game, where the LSU Tigers take on the Clemson Tigers on Monday night.

While many will be watching it for entertainment purposes, there will be plenty of NFL caliber talent on the field that are worth keeping an eye out for.

With that, here are nine players that the Los Angeles Chargers could be scouting tonight:

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LB/S Isaiah Simmons, Clemson (#11)

Simmons possesses the traits that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would drool over. His size and speed give him incredible play-making potential. Simmons’ ability to play up in the box, back deep in coverage, or work out of the slot in man coverage make him a versatile Day 1 starter that would make out to be one of the most deadly tandems in the league between him and safety Derwin James.


WR Tee Higgins, Clemson (#5)

The Chargers will be in the market for a WR3 this offseason. Should they look to address the position early on, Higgins is a player that could be available in Round 2. Higgins, the 6-foot-3 and 205 pound wideout, is a physically imposing individual with long arms and great length, which enables him to excel in 50-50 balls.


WR Justin Jefferson, LSU (#2)

Jefferson isn’t going to win with pure speed, but he will with his good understanding of his body and how to play to his strengths to get open. He can win off the line of scrimmage with detailed movements at the line of scrimmage, can make tough catches, is a good outlet given his catch radius and hand strength when reeling in the ball, and can break tackles after the catch.


CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson (#8)

The Chargers will likely be looking for a cornerback to compliment Casey Hayward on the outside this offseason. Terrell, the 6-foot-1 and 192 pound corner, has a great blend of height and length for the position. He has top-notch long speed to stay on the hip of opposing wide receivers, while showing great eye discipline to stay intact with the quarterback and the route. Once the ball is thrown, he disrupts passing lanes using his long arms, making life tough on receivers.


RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU (#22)

Depending on what happens with Melvin Gordon, the Chargers could be looking to round out the backfield. As a runner, Edwards-Helaire has good patience, balance and lateral explosion and burst. A powerful, downhill back with some wiggle to slip through tackles, Edwards-Helaire constantly keeps his legs churning upon contact and can push the pile for additional yardage. He also offers some value as a pass-catcher, showing reliable hands and refined routes out of the backfield.


OG John Simpson, Clemson (#74)

The interior part of the offensive line needs an upgrade this offseason, and Simpson would be a great addition. Simpson, the 6-foot-4 and 336 pound guard, possesses the competitiveness and character that the Chargers would covet. The former high school state wrestler has extremely strong hands and does whatever it takes to finish his blocks as a run blocker. He has a really powerful anchor and sound technique in pass protection.


LB Patrick Queen, LSU (#8)

The Chargers found a gem in Drue Tranquill in last year’s draft. Should they look to find another one and round out the linebacker room, Queen should be in consideration. He possesses good change of direction, sideline-to-sideline ability, short area burst, lateral agility, and reactive athleticism to make plays against the run. In a pass-happy league, Queen is a solid coverage defender where he’s smooth in his backpedal and can close passing windows efficiently.


DT Rashard Lawrence, LSU (#90)

The Chargers will be looking to add more beef up front, especially with Brandon Mebane’s tenure close to coming to an end. Lawrence is a disruptive, upfield player that can penetrate and use his active hands to get into the backfield to make plays. As a run defender, he’s a laterally quick player that can beat blockers to the gap or slide down the line to make plays. His effort and intensity can’t be questioned.


OT Tremayne Anchrum, Clemson (#73)

The Chargers will seeking to solidify the offensive line from the early rounds to the mid-late rounds. Anchrum, the 6-foot-2 and 312 pound, would fall under the mid-late round category, but he is a solid player who can offer position versatility. Anchrum projects well outside or inside at the next level based on his frame, aggression, athleticism, and finishing ability. Despite his length and size, he moves well in open space to fend off pass-rushers.

Watch: Chargers’ Uchenna Nwosu hooks up teen with special gift

Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Uchenna Nwosu continues to do great things on and off the field.

Even though Christmas is over that doesn’t mean that it stops the season of giving.

That’s exactly what Chargers linebacker Uchenna Nwosu did on Saturday for a teenager in Burbank, CA who has been dealing with type 1 diabetes since he was a toddler.

Nwosu, a nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, showed up to Providence High School to surprise 14-year old Charlie Wehrenberz with Super Bowl tickets.

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During the regular season, Nwosu wore cleats during the “My Cause, My Cleats” campaign to support the Children’s Diabetes Foundation.

Since joining the team in 2018, Nwosu has dedicated a lot of his time to give back to the community such as participating in events like Bikes for Kids, the annual food distribution event with Tyson, and Play 60 camps.

Chargers WR Keenan Allen nominated for ‘Anything But Ordinary’ Player of the Year Award

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen was nominated for ‘the Anything But Ordinary’ Player of the Year Award.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen has been nominated for the first-ever “Anything But Ordinary” Player of the Year Award, which highlights the passions and innovations of players throughout the NFL.

The award is sponsored by Microsoft Surface, the league’s official laptop and tablet partner.

For Allen, he has been able to teach himself to both play the piano and write his own music, and is now learning how to play the guitar.

Finalists will be chosen through a fan vote which runs now through Monday, January 20. The winner will be presented at the NFL Honors Award Show on Saturday, Feb. 1.

Click here to vote for Allen and see the finalists from each NFL team.

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Ranking Chargers’ top needs entering this offseason

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez ranks the Los Angeles Chargers’ top needs entering this offseason.

The Chargers enter this offseason with the most salary cap space that they’ve had since general manager Tom Telesco took over in 2013. Los Angeles also possesses all seven picks in the 2020 NFL draft.

With that, they must use both outlets accordingly to fulfill the roster needs to ensure that they’re in the most optimal position as they look to bounce back from a 5-11 season.

Here are the five most pressing needs for the Bolts heading into this offseason:

5. Nose tackle

Brandon Mebane was signed to a two-year deal last offseason, but he will be turning 35 years old. Damion Square and Sylvester Williams proved themselves in that role, but both players will be free agents. Even if one of them is re-signed the Chargers could benefit from adding another clog in the middle of the defensive line since the run defense has still yet to be efficient.


4. Wide receiver

Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are both coming off productive seasons, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards. However, there is no one behind the two that can be called upon. Travis Benjamin didn’t do much before getting hurt, Dontrelle Inman was starting to surge before landing on the injured reserve, and the other guys at the position didn’t produce. The Chargers should look to add a fast wideout who can stretch the field.


3. Cornerback

The Chargers have been fortunate to have a player like Casey Hayward, who has shut down the league’s best wideouts. Hayward is signed through the 2021 season But the other options opposite of him are questionable moving forward. Michael Davis was up and down this past season and Brandon Facyson was promising, but he didn’t have that much of a sample size in the starting role.


2. Offensive line

Injuries was the narrative for the offensive line this past season. It all started with Russell Okung, as he missed all of training camp and nearly half the regular season after suffering a pulmonary embolism. When he returned, he dealt with various lower body injuries. Center Mike Pouncey sustained a severe neck injury that ended his season. Guard Forrest Lamp had a season-ending knee injury. Right tackle Sam Tevi was banged up throughout the year. Guard Dan Feeney has been up and down. Michael Schofield is a pending free agent. Trent Scott struggled, and Trey Pipkins showed promise, but there are still plenty of things he needs to work on in order to be relied on as a starter. The Chargers need to make some upgrades to the tackle and guard position to improve the pass protection that was underwhelming this past season.


1. Quarterback

At the moment, no one knows who the starting quarterback is going to be for the Chargers in 2020. Philip Rivers is a pending free agent and if he returns for Year 17 remains to be seen. Even if Rivers does return, the team doesn’t have a succession plan. They have Tyrod Taylor, but he isn’t a long-term option and he only has one more year remaining on his contract. Assuming Rivers is signed to a one-year deal, Los Angeles should look to take a quarterback in the first-round. The rookie would be able to sit and learn from Rivers. But if the team feels like he is no longer in their plans, that would mean that Taylor would serve as the bridge. Nonetheless, it’s been 16 years since the Chargers have taken a quarterback in Round 1, and this would be the perfect year to take one early on no matter who’s going to start.

4 ‘go for broke’ free agent signings the Chargers could pursue in offseason

General manager Tom Telesco should look to throw his money at these soon-to-be free agents.

The Los Angeles Chargers enter this offseason with the most salary cap space that they’ve had in years.

Even though L.A. has to use a good chunk of that money to re-sign a few of their own players, along with possibly extending a notable – defensive end Joey Bosa, they should look to bring in some external free agents to ensure they’re in the most optimal position to make a run in 2020 – even if that means breaking the bank.

It wouldn’t be like general manager Tom Telesco to go on a free agency frenzy, but he said in his end-of-season press conference that this is probably the most cap space that they’ve had since he has been there, so it could be suggesting that he might be the most aggressive that he’s been since taking over in 2013.

Should Telesco and company look to bring in some big-time free agents that might require a hefty paycheck, then these are four additions that we’d advocate for.

G Brandon Scherff

Scherff, the three-time Pro Bowler, has started in every game he has played in since his rookie year in 2015, and he has played 100% of the offensive snaps in all but eight of his 65 games. A wall in pass protection and a mover in the run blocking department, Scherff allowed one sack, nine hurries, and 10 overall pressures last season. The former Iowa product has battled through some injuries throughout his career, but he has overcame them and has managed to continue to still play at a high level. Scherff would be an immediate plug-and-play guard on the left side, taking over Dan Feeney, assuming that Michael Schofield is re-signed. Spotrac has his estimated value at a four-year, $50 million deal.


OT Jack Conklin

Conklin, the 25-year old tackle, became an All-Pro as a rookie, but tore his ACL during the 2018 playoffs. He has allowed just 9.5 sacks in his four-year stint since being selected in the first-round of the 2016 NFL draft. In the 2019 regular season, he allowed two sacks, finishing with a streak of 11-straight games without one allowed. With the Chargers have a major need at the right tackle position, Conklin would be an immediate upgrade over Sam Tevi. Spotrac has his estimated value at a six-year, $89 million deal.


CB James Bradberry

The Chargers could shore up their secondary by adding a talented player opposite of CB Casey Hayward. Hayward was acquired via free agency and Telesco could make another splash by looking in the pool to find one of the league’s most underrated corners. At the age of 26, Bradberry is entering his prime. He defended nine passes along with a career-high three interceptions this past season. His best season came in 2018 when he defended 15 passes, posted two interceptions, forced a fumble and recorded a sack. Los Angeles wouldn’t necessarily have to go broke to acquire him – but based on his production in recent seasons he wouldn’t be that cheap, either.


WR Robby Anderson

The Chargers are missing one piece to the wide receiver room. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have proven themselves, but the guys behind them failed to step up as WR3. The wide receiver should and most likely will be addressed in the draft since there is plenty of talent in this year’s class – but Anderson would give Los Angeles something that they were hoping to get out of Travis Benjamin – a fast, vertical threat that could keep defenses honest. He’s never surpassed 1,000 yards receiving in a single season, but he is averaging 14.8 yards per reception. With this wide receiver group in free agency set to be rather thin, his asking price is likely to be somewhere in the ballpark of Tyrell Williams’ (four-year, $44 million)