Category: Latest Chargers news

Bill Belichick on Justin Herbert: ‘He’s going to be one of top quarterbacks for a long time’

Quarterback Justin Herbert has a big fan in head coach Bill Belichick.

The last time the Chargers played the Patriots, head coach Bill Belichick got the better of quarterback Justin Herbert.

Herbert completed just 49% of his passes — a career-low — and threw for 209 yards. He threw two interceptions, and no touchdown passes.

Despite the dismal output, Herbert put together one of the most prolific rookie seasons, shattering multiple records en route to winning the prestigious award.

Now, Herbert is amid a surging sophomore season, in which he has put himself in the MVP conversation. Through six games, he has thrown for 1,771 yards, with 14 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Heading into this weekend’s bout between Los Angeles and New England, Belichick talked about what he has seen from Herbert since the last time the two teams met, highlighting his size, field vision, arm strength, and athleticism.

“I don’t think you’re going to find too many better than him. This guy is really an impressive player. I thought he was really good when we played them last year, and, luckily, we had a pretty good day, but I’m not counting on that again.

“I have a ton of respect for him. I think he’s going to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league for a long time to come.”

Regardless of the words that came out of Belichick’s mouth, inside his mind is a game plan that he is attempting to draw up to replicate last year’s defensive dominance.

Herbert was disrupted all game long by the stunts and twists up front and the disguised coverage schemes that Belichick enforced.

Of course, Herbert will be with an entirely different offensive system and personnel, which has proven to be successful up to this point. However, the brilliance of Belichick is not to be taken for granted.

Point spread, over/under for Chargers vs. Patriots in Week 8

The Los Angeles Chargers open as favorites over the New England Patriots.

The Los Angeles Chargers (4-2) are currently 5.5-point favorites over the New England Patriots (3-4) heading into Week 8 of the regular season. The over/under is set at 48.5, per Tipico Sportsbook.

The Chargers are coming off their bye week. But prior to that, Los Angeles was a victim of a total beatdown by the Ravens, 34-6.

Quarterback Justin Herbert was held to just 22 of 39 passing for 195 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Defensively, the Bolts could not stop the Ravens rushing attack, allowing 189 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Patriots recently rolled over the Jets, 54-13. QB Mac Jones threw two touchdown passes in his first 300-yard game. Furthermore, running backs Damien Harris and J.J. Taylor ran for two touchdowns each.

The last time Los Angeles and New England met was last season. It was then when head coach Bill Belichick drew up the perfect game plan to force Herbert into the worst performance of his career. The result was a 45-0 win for the Patriots.

Sunday’s contest between the Chargers and Patriots will begin at 1:05 p.m. PT and be televised on CBS.

RB Austin Ekeler evaluates Chargers before entering final stretch of season

Running back Austin Ekeler talked about the 2021 season and quarterback Justin Herbert.

While the Chargers’ most recent game was a blowout loss to the Ravens, running back Austin Ekeler remains optimistic that the 4-2 team will continue to find success the remainder of the season.

“Every team in the NFL, every Sunday you can be beat,” Ekeler told Pop Culture’s Brian Jones.

Ekeler’s statement is evident with their most recent opponent in Baltimore, who suffered a 41-17 loss to the Bengals on Sunday despite beating Los Angeles the weekend prior.

As the Bolts prepare to face the Patriots next weekend, Ekeler reflected on quarterback Justin Herbert, who is surging in his sophomore season.

“I think that’s really important in Justin Herbert’s success, definitely, he’s got to be a special character to have the success that he’s having, but he needs a team around him as well that knows what they’re doing, that can be trusted, that can be in the right spot at the right time,” Ekeler said.

Through the first seven weeks of the season, Herbert has 161 completions, 1,771 passing yards, and 14 touchdowns.

Ekeler believes that Herbert has a sufficient supporting cast behind him, making the Bolts a threat week in and week out.

“We’ve been getting open, we’ve been protecting him, we’ve been giving opportunities to make the plays, and he’s shown that he can make the plays and be consistent, and that’s what it comes down to,” Ekeler said.

Ekeler is among the team’s many weapons. Currently, the 26-year old has 598 yards from scrimmage and seven total touchdowns.

While the Chargers have fired on all cylinders to put them in the position they are currently in, certain areas will need to be cleaned up heading into the final stretch of the season to ensure positive results.

If Los Angeles can do so, they will also benefit from having one of the most manageable schedules in the NFL.

3 burning questions for the Chargers coming out of the bye week

Highlighting three questions Chargers fans are wondering heading into the final stretch of the season.

Six regular-season games have gone by for the Chargers, and the team is in good standing with a 4-2 record.

With a lot of football yet to play, many fans have a few questions on their mind with Los Angeles coming off its bye week.

Can the run defense be fixed?

The Chargers not being able to slow the run has been repetitive since the start of the season. Los Angeles was able to mask it with its offense and ability to limit the pass. But the team found out against the Ravens that it was only a matter of time until it came back to hurt them.

L.A. is allowing 162.5 yards per game and 5.6 yards per rush, which both rank dead-last in the NFL.

Starting along the defensive line, the Chargers do not have the talent to consistently hold their own at the point of attack, which is why ball carriers have had so many holes to run through. Furthermore, the second and third levels are to blame, considering there have been missed tackles far too often.

Justin Jones is expected to return from the injured reserve, which should help since he was the team’s best interior defender in this department. Of course, a trade or signing could be beneficial. Nonetheless, the main contributors Linval Joseph, Jerry Tillery, and Christian Covington, need to be better.

Can the offense be more efficient on early downs?

The offense this season has been successful on third and fourth downs. However, the issue is that the unit has been in those situations far too often. The reasoning for that is because of the lack of production on first and second downs.

For the most part, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has either called run plays or short, efficient throws to keep the offense in front of the chains. But then, quarterback Justin Herbert is forced to do what he does best by pushing the ball down the field on third and fourth downs.

I’m not suggesting that Lombardi should predicate the offense entirely around just that, but it may be time to allow Herbert to let it loose in those situations more so than none.

Can the Chargers capture the division title?

The last time the Chargers won the AFC West was back in 2009. After a change in general manager, a few head coaches, and an assortment of roster moves since then, Los Angeles is the most primed it’s been to seize the division.

It’s still early in the season, but the Chiefs, who won the division the past five seasons, appear to be going backward, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes having the worst stint of his career. They currently sit at 3-4.

The Raiders lead the pack at 5-2. Since former head coach Jon Gruden re-signed, Las Vegas has won its past two games. While the wins came against opponents under .500, the change could have marked a much-needed turning point.

Nonetheless, coming off the bye week, Los Angeles possesses the sixth-easiest remaining schedule. Pair that with having the entire past week to make the necessary changes and key players set to be at full health, and the team has the recipe to make a run and win the division.

A playoff spot is good, but winning the AFC West is the goal.

Where the Chargers rank among remaining strength of schedule

The Chargers shouldn’t have it too rough the rest of the way.

Currently, on the bye week, the Chargers are 4-2.

Upon returning next weekend, Los Angeles is set to have a favorable schedule, which should help as they look to maintain superiority in the AFC West.

According to Tankathon, the Chargers have the fifth-easiest schedule remaining in the NFL. Only the Jets, Eagles, Titans, and Bills have a more manageable schedule remaining.

The Bolts’ remaining opponents have a combined winning percentage of .427. The Chargers’ two losses came from games against Dallas and Baltimore, two playoff contenders.

The most recent loss to the Ravens exposed a significant need for improvement against the run. The team is allowing 162.5 rushing yards per game, which is the worst in the NFL.

Furthermore, the early-down playcalling and special teams areas that Los Angeles needs to shore up.

If the Bolts can make the changes and you couple that with how advantageous the remaining schedule is, the team has a great shot at winning the division and locking up one of the top spots for the playoffs.

4 Chargers players who need to step up after bye week

A look at four Chargers players who can eliminate some lapses and elevate the team with stronger play.

The Chargers are in a great position at the bye week, currently sitting with a 4-2 record, first place in the AFC West, and second in the conference.

Even though Los Angeles has one of the easiest remaining schedules on paper, key players are still going to need to step up their play in order for it all to come to fruition.

With that being said, here are the five guys I most want to see increased quality of play and/or production from when business resumes in Week 8 against the Patriots.

LB Kenneth Murray

Expected to make a leap in Brandon Staley’s defense, which was viewed as a scheme that would cater to his strengths, Murray’s play did not reflect that before getting sent to the injured reserve. Even though he was given more downhill responsibilities, Murray struggled with them. While opportunities were there, his tape was littered with missed tackles, poor instincts, over-pursuing ball carriers, and the inability to shed blocks or work off contact. Likely to be lifted off the IR soon, Murray will need to play more of a physical and disciplined brand of football to aid an abysmal run defense.

DT Jerry Tillery

Like Murray, many anticipated Tillery to make a leap this season. While he has shown promise as a pass-rusher, Tillery has yet to put it together as a run defender. I’ve seen him win with speed, initial quickness off the snap, and quick hands to make an impact at getting after the quarterback. However, far too often Tillery has not been able to push the pocket and take on double teams with strength, which has turned into gaping holes up front. In order to become a complete player at the position and help the run defense, Tillery needs to play tougher and stronger at the point of attack.

OT Storm Norton

The revamped offensive line has fared really well in keeping Justin Herbert clean in the pocket for the most part. However, the right side is arguably the biggest weak link after the injuries to guard Oday Aboushi and tackle Bryan Bulaga. It remains to be seen if or when Bulaga will return, but if the veteran does not, Norton will have to do a better job of protecting the edge. While he has had his highs, Norton has also had plenty of lows. Norton has given up seven quarterback hits, which is tied for the third-most. Part of how he does will fall on him performing more sound all-around, and the other will be…

G Michael Schofield

Playing in place of Aboushi, who is out for the remainder of the season, is Schofield. So far, it’s been a good start for Schofield, who had previously played for the Chargers from 2017 to 2019. Through two games, Schofield has only allowed one pressure and a quarterback hit. In order to lift some of the weight off Norton’s shoulders and maintain efficiency and consistency on the right side, Schofield’s performance will be vital the rest of the way out.

Chargers add recently-waived WR K.J. Hill to practice squad

The Chargers brought back a familiar face.

Not even 24 hours after being waived, wide receiver K.J. Hill was back.

The Chargers re-signed him to their practice squad, according to Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed.

Hill was briefly let go of for Los Angeles to make room for wideout/return specialist Andre Roberts, who was signed to the 53-man roster on Thursday.

Hill was the team’s primary punt returner, but the second-year player amassed just 6.8 yards on six returns through the first six games.

Despite losing his spot to Roberts, Hill’s special teams ability and insurance in case an injury occurred was still coveted by the Bolts.

Since 2020, Hill has ten catches for 103 yards while returning 18 punts for 124 yards and five kicks for 57 yards.

3 areas the Chargers need to improve after the bye week

Highlighting three areas the Chargers need to solve or improve during the bye week to give themselves the best chance to succeed.

The Chargers are in good shape at the bye week, currently sitting at 4-2, first in the AFC West and second in the conference.

Despite what the record shows, there are a few things Los Angeles needs to clean up before heading into the final stretch of the season for success.

Here’s a look at four things that the Bolts need to improve upon when they return to the action next Sunday and take on the Patriots.

Run defense

The Chargers not being able to slow the run has been an ongoing issue since the start of the season. Los Angeles was able to mask it with the offense and ability to limit the pass, but the team found out last weekend against the Ravens it was only a matter of time until it came back to bite them.

L.A. is allowing 162.5 yards per game and 5.6 yards per rush, which both rank dead-last in the NFL.

It has been evident that the defense does not have a front capable of consistently holding its own at the point of attack. Part of that is a lack of talent, especially with Justin Jones injured, and the other part is not having the player personnel to match the schematical changes.

Jones is expected to return after the bye, and while it should aid the area, it is not going to fix everything entirely. Therefore, the team should strongly consider making a trade for a player like Akiem Hicks before the deadline or signing a free agent.

Nonetheless, main contributors Linval Joseph, Jerry Tillery, and Christian Covington still all need to perform better and play more physically down the stretch.

Special teams

The Chargers spent this past offseason attempting to shore up the special teams. Los Angeles brought in players, like Tristan Vizcaino, Kyler Fackrell, Ryan Smith, and rookies Nick Niemann, Chris Rumph, and Larry Rountree, among others, hoping for a quick turnaround.

That has not been the case.

Starting with the most glaring issue, Vizcaino has not done much to show he was the right choice over Michael Badgley. Vizcaino has missed five extra points. Furthermore, he was coveted for his leg strength, but his kickoff touchback percentage is 41.94, ranking 30th in the league.

The return game has been woeful, particularly the kicking department. L.A. is last in average yards per kick return (16.5) and average starting field position on kickoffs (20.9-yard line).

After rotating through four players, the team has its fingers crossed for a higher success rate with Andre Roberts fielding both kicks and punts.

The coverage units have to be much better, as well. That means rallying to the football at a quicker pace, getting off blockers, and making low-man wins tackles.

The Chargers are averaging a starting field position of the 26.3-yard line on punts, which ranks 26th in the league, and the kickoff team is allowing a starting field position of the 24.6-yard line, which ranks 18th in the league, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Early-down efficiency

The trend for the Chargers offense this season has been the success on third and fourth downs. The issue is that the unit has been in those situations far too often. The reasoning for that is because of the lack of production on first and second downs.

It’s been a combination of underwhelming play-calling and scheming and execution. If the offense allows Justin Herbert to be more aggressive instead of running the ball or throwing short parts of the field, the offense might be more efficient early and often.

Chargers PFF grades: Top 5 offensive, defensive performers through first 6 games of 2021

Looking at Pro Football Focus’ top five Chargers players on both sides of the ball at the bye week.

Which Chargers players have impressed the most this season?

With that being said, here are the best performers on both sides of the ball, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who have played at least half the snaps on offense (424) or defense (398).

Top 5 Offense

QB Justin Herbert — 86.8 (4th of 33)

C Corey Linsley — 79.3 (4th of 35)

G Matt Feiler — 78.4 (8th of 74)

WR Mike Williams — 77.9 (13th of 110)

T Rashawn Slater — 75.8 (13th of 79)

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Joey Bosa — 83.8 (11th of 106)

S Derwin James — 70.7 (19th of 86)

S Nasir Adderley — 66.1 (30th of 86)

CB Asante Samuel Jr. — 62.8 (59th of 118)

NT Linval Joseph — 54.5 (78th of 112)

Chargers top-10 defensive snap leaders through first 6 games

Taking a look at the Chargers’ defensive players who have seen the field the most.

With six games played and the Chargers on their bye week, I figured it’d be a good time to take a look at which players are going to benefit the most from this time to rest and recover before ensuing in the final stretch of the season.

With that said, here’s a glance at the Bolts’ top-10 defensive snap leaders after six weeks.