Category: Latest Chargers news

Chargers undrafted rookie draws praise from special teams coordinator Derius Swinton II

The Los Angeles Chargers could have a special teams standout on their hands.

One of the areas that the Chargers will need to make sure they are equipped with this upcoming season is special teams competency after finishing as the worst unit in 2020.

Los Angeles has steadily brought in players this offseason that they’re confident will aide in that department, and one of them could be an undrafted rookie.

At Tuesday’s media availability, special teams coordinator Derius Swinton II said former Oklahoma State linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga has been a player that has stood out thus far during rookie minicamp and OTAs.

Ogbongbemiga finished as the second-leading tackler for the Cowboys in 2019 and 2020, making a combined 181 stops. Prior to working his way to the field, he was a special teams standout his freshman and sophomore seasons.

Ogbongbemiga, who amassed over 500 special teams snaps in college, would unlikely get snaps at linebacker, but his range and solid tackling ability would make him a valuable asset on coverage units from Day 1.

Nasir Adderley embracing versatility with Chargers

Nasir Adderley will wear multiple hats this upcoming season for the Chargers.

The Chargers drafted Nasir Adderley with the thought of him being the team’s starting free safety. His rookie season was held back by an injury and in his sophomore season, Adderley struggled in that role.

In Year 3, Adderley is primed for a breakout season since he will be playing for coach that’s proven at getting the most out of his defensive backs.

Part of the way head coach Brandon Staley does this is by playing them in various roles, which is what Adderley is capable of since he defended the slot and even played some cornerback in college at Delaware.

At Tuesday’s media availability, Adderley said that Staley told him last week that the coaching staff was going to expand his role, with the expectation to play some corner.

Adderley added that the whole defensive back room has been honing in on versatility so they can each fill multiple roles.

Between Derwin James and Adderley, Staley believes he has two starting safeties with positional flexibility who can operate comfortably in the deep part of the field and play closer to the line of scrimmage.

“Very very excited. It is different but very exciting defense,” Adderley said, adding that he feels “the sky is the limit.”

Nasir Adderley embracing versatility with Chargers

Nasir Adderley will wear multiple hats this upcoming season for the Chargers.

The Chargers drafted Nasir Adderley with the thought of him being the team’s starting free safety. His rookie season was held back by an injury and in his sophomore season, Adderley struggled in that role.

In Year 3, Adderley is primed for a breakout season since he will be playing for coach that’s proven at getting the most out of his defensive backs.

Part of the way head coach Brandon Staley does this is by playing them in various roles, which is what Adderley is capable of since he defended the slot and even played some cornerback in college at Delaware.

At Tuesday’s media availability, Adderley said that Staley told him last week that the coaching staff was going to expand his role, with the expectation to play some corner.

Adderley added that the whole defensive back room has been honing in on versatility so they can each fill multiple roles.

Between Derwin James and Adderley, Staley believes he has two starting safeties with positional flexibility who can operate comfortably in the deep part of the field and play closer to the line of scrimmage.

“Very very excited. It is different but very exciting defense,” Adderley said, adding that he feels “the sky is the limit.”

Chargers LB Kenneth Murray says new defense is perfect fit

Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray should benefit immensely from Brandon Staley’s defense.

In his rookie season, Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray showed glimpses of how dominant of a player he could really be in this league.

Heading into his sophomore season, which will feature a new defense under first-year head coach Brandon Staley, Murray is capable of coming into his own.

At Tuesday’s media availability, Murray said he is happy because Staley’s defense fits perfectly into how he plays the game. He said he will play more downhill, blitzing more, and playing more aggressive.

In former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s 4-3 system, Murray still managed to lead all first-year linebackers in snaps (902) and tackles (106).

While he wasn’t the most adept player in coverage, Murray was one of the better rookie run defenders last season, always aware and around the football and rarely missing tackles.

Looking ahead to this season, Staley’s 3-4 defense that is constantly showing different looks will play more to his strengths, which are as a run defender and a blitzer.

Murray is at his best when making plays in front of him, attacking alleys or shutting down perimeter plays. While he was not tasked with blitzing much in 2020, Murray showed in college that he is explosive between gaps or around the edge.

Just barely scratching the surface, Murray is confident that playing for Staley will take his game to the next level.

“He tries to take advantages of matchups and exploit weaknesses of the offense,” Murray said when asked about Staley’s defense.

Which rookie could be surprise gem for Chargers in 2021?

The Los Angeles Chargers have a rookie that could surpass expectations.

While expectations are set high for the Chargers’ early-round picks, there could be someone from the mid- late-rounds that ends up surprising in their rookie season.

Based on talent, upside, the right fit and a legitimate opportunity, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed a first-year player who could end up being a surprise gem for each team in the league.

For Los Angeles, Knox listed third-round pick, tight end Tre’ McKitty as the team’s rookie who could surpass expectations.

The selection of McKitty was largely a traits-based pick, as he only had six receptions for 108 yards in 2020. However, McKitty is a 6’4″, 246-pound pass-catcher with 4.71 speed. Raw and unpolished as a route-runner, McKitty will be a rotational player early in his career. However, he can be a physical mismatch with big-play potential.

Expect McKitty to come on slowly as a rookie but develop into the type of vertical-threat tight end whom Los Angeles lost in Henry.

McKitty was drafted for his blocking skills, where he will have a role is an in-line blocker right off the bat. However, he has true potential to make an impact through the air than most realize.

He has the athleticism, ability to separate at the top of routes, a frame and great hands to reel in everything thrown his way along with impressive power and contact balance to gain yards after the catch.

For Georgia in 2020, McKitty only posted six receptions in four games, which marked a career-low. Before transferring, McKitty had 50 catches in three seasons at Florida State.

It might not be from the get-go that he gets pass-catching snaps since Jared Cook and Donald Parham are ahead of him on the depth chart, but don’t be surprised if McKitty carves up a role sooner than later.

Chargers’ Joey Bosa was second-most disruptive player in 2020

After becoming the highest-paid defensive end, Joey Bosa showed why he was worth every penny in 2020.

Ever since entering the league in 2016, Chargers edge defender Joey Bosa has wreaked havoc in opposing backfields.

Even after becoming one of the highest-paid players at his position last year, Bosa backed it up on the field in the 2020 season.

According to Next Gen Stats, Bosa was the second-most disruptive player, only behind Steelers’ T.J. Watt.

Next Gen Stats’ metric of disruptions is the combined total of hurries, pressures or sacks, with only one counting per play.

Bosa had a disruption rate of 17.6%, 54 disruptions and 7.5 sacks.

Like his younger brother, Joey wins with power and efficiency. His average time to hurry (3.06 seconds) and average get-off (0.80) ranked in the middle of the pack among the players on this list. That means Bosa doesn’t waste steps or pass-rush moves, leading to his 54 disruptions and 7.5 sacks. Those numbers aren’t as gaudy as some of the others on this list, but again, Bosa played in just 12 games. He made the most of those dozen contests.

Despite missing four games due to various injuries, he was still a force to be reckoned with, ending his 2020 campaign with 39 tackles (29 solo), 7.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.

Bosa was a major factor of the passing game, as he logged 41 quarterback pressures and 27 hits. He also came up clutch on multiple occasions against the run, winning with physicality and an array of pass-rush moves

The outcome was him being named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl.

Looking ahead, Bosa will be an integral piece of head coach Brandon Staley’s defense, where he will play on the edge of the line as an outside pass rusher, and a little bit closer to the ball as an interior defensive lineman because he has the length and strength to be able to anchor, too

What would you consider a successful 2021 Chargers season?

The Los Angeles Chargers are a highly anticipated team entering the 2021 season.

The Chargers are in preparation for the 2021 season, which will mark the start of a new era under first-year head coach Brandon Staley.

Los Angeles saw some turnover of players from previous seasons, but they added a few this offseason to complete a roster that’s capable of competing with anyone.

Earlier, I laid out three questions that could ultimately determine the team’s success rate this season.

With fan’s anticipation for the new year at an all-time high, I wanted to see what would be considered a “successful” season for the Bolts.

Submit your vote poll and let us know.

[crowdsignal poll=10847154]

Chargers’ Linval Joseph named best pass rusher from 2i-technique alignment

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar had high praise for Los Angeles Chargers nose tackle Linval Joseph.

The Chargers have one of the best overall pass rushers in the NFL, with that being Joey Bosa.

However, Los Angeles possesses a defensive lineman that’s the cream of the crop at rushing the quarterback from his specific spot where he’s lined up.

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar named Linval Joseph the best pass rusher from a 2i-technique alignment, which is inside the shoulder of the offensive guard.

Here is what Farrar had to say about Joseph:

If he’s double-teamed, which will happen often, it may be his role to soak up blockers so that other defenders can make plays. If you can penetrate from that alignment and through the double-team, as Joseph did here against the Buccaneers in Week 4 with center Ryan Jensen and left guard Ali Marpet (a fairly impressive duo), you can make Tom Brady nervous with what has been that rare Kryptonite throughout his career — interior pressure. Joseph didn’t have any sacks from the 2i alignment last season, but nobody had more total pressures than his 14.

The Chargers signed Joseph last offseason to replace Brandon Mebane as the clog of the defense, which ended up paying dividends in 2020.

Playing 725 snaps this past season, which was nine shy of a career-high, Joseph not only contributed as someone who commanded double teams, but he made high effort plays against the pass and run.

Moving like someone lighter than 329 pounds, Joseph finished with 62 tackles, 14 quarterback pressures, three tackles for loss and two QB hits. No matter how the game was going, he was always around the football.

Heading into this year, Joseph will resume the role as the team’s nose tackle, doing the dirty work in the trenches and still constantly hunting for the football.

Chargers WR Josh Palmer listed as ‘most dangerous new weapon’ in 2021

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox identified the Los Angeles Chargers’ most dangerous new weapon.

Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed each NFL team’s newest weapon by using factors like physical potential, proven production, scheme fit and projected role.

For the Chargers, Knox tabbed rookie wide receiver Josh Palmer as the team’s “most dangerous new weapon.”

While Palmer didn’t compile gaudy statistics in college—he never topped 500 receiving yards in a season—he was a four-year contributor with a polished skill set and impressive size (6’1″, 210 lbs).

Palmer shined at this year’s Senior Bowl where he matched up against other future NFL competitors.

While Palmer may not have the raw impact of additions like [Rashawn] Slater, his pro readiness could make him a dangerous complementary target from day one.

Palmer never produced eye-popping production at Tennessee due to the fact that he played alongside two current NFL wide receivers for two seasons and the team’s ongoing quarterback problems.

Palmer, the 6-foot-1 and 210 pounder, ran mostly vertical routes in the Vol’s offense and rarely got targeted because of it. On top of that, 31% of his targets were uncatchable.

However, when he was targeted with a catchable ball, Palmer shined against some elite college corners, including Jaycee Horn, Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell, Eric Stokes and Kelvin Joseph.

Now on a team with a competent quarterback in Justin Herbert, Palmer is definitely in a position to be more productive in the NFL than he was in college.

In Year 1, he will be in the mix for snaps. Given the fact that offensive coordinator Joe Lombard goes through a lot of different personnel packages, Palmer will have his fair share of opportunities, with potential to grow into a large role.

With his ability to separate at all levels of the field, especially vertically, Palmer could quickly become one of Herbert’s go-to targets this upcoming season and beyond.

4 Chargers players that fans are most excited to see in 2021

Who are Chargers fans looking forward to watching the most in 2021? Find out.

The Chargers are loaded with talented, which is why I wanted to get an idea of which members of the team fans are most excited to see this year as they look to make a playoff run under first-year head coach Brandon Staley.

With that being said, I went to our official Twitter and Facebook accounts to ask fans who they’re looking forward to the most. Below is a look at what the majority of the bunch said.

S Derwin James

Fans were eager to see James in his third season, but that was put a halt after he sustained a severe knee injury right before the end of training camp. The injury wiped out his entire 2020 season, which was supposed to be his bounce back campaign after being limited to five games the year before. Ensuring James is on the field in 2021 will be critical. James gives the Chargers a rare defender who can cover wide receivers, the best tight ends in the NFL, stop running backs at the line of scrimmage and put pressure on quarterbacks, all of which are key elements to determining their success rate.

S Nasir Adderley

After a year slowed by an injury and a sophomore slump, Adderley is in prime position to turn things around in Year 3, as he will be playing under head coach Brandon Staley, who has had plenty of success at maximizing his defensive player’s potential. The thought is that the team will be able to make full use of Adderley by utilizing his versatility instead of playing the free safety position, where he can be flexed in the slot (Star) and fill a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money) due to his instincts, short area quickness and ball skills. If James stays injury-free and things click for Adderley, they could be one of the league’s best safety duos.

LB Drue Tranquill

Tranquill made an impact in his rookie season, finishing as the Chargers’ second-leading tackler with 75 total tackles, along with being tied for the most special teams tackles by any rookie (11). All eyes were on him heading into Year 2, but he only got to see the field not even for a full quarter after suffering an ankle injury in the season opener that knocked him out for the entirety of 2020. Looking ahead, Tranquill’s intelligence, communication, coverage skills and playmaking abilities are highly anticipated in Staley’s defense next to the ascending LB Kenneth Murray.

QB Justin Herbert

It’s no surprise that fans are excited to see the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year. Herbert, who wasn’t expected to play as early as he did, put together one of the best rookie campaigns in league history, finishing with 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns, which resulted in shattered records. Heading into 2021, Herbert could be in for an even bigger season, given the fact that he will have all key skill players from last year returning and the additions of Jared Cook and Josh Palmer. Most importantly, Herbert will have plenty of time to get the ball to those guys with a competent offensive line that features All-Pro center Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler, Oday Aboushi and first-round pick Rashawn Slater. There are questions regarding Herbert and adapting to the new offense enforced by Joe Lombardi, but his high football IQ should allow him to overcome any challenges.