Category: Latest Chargers news

Chargers out to be playoff spoilers

Chargers could shake up the playoff race in their last five games.

The Chargers might not be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but sitting at 4-7, their chances are slim.

Following the Week 11 matchup, coach Anthony Lynn said that his team had no desire to throw the season away even though they’re on the outside looking in.

However, even though Los Angeles may not be among the 12 teams to be playing in January, they could shake things up by affecting the teams that are in the running.

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar compiled a list of teams that could be spoilers the rest of the way out and among them is the Chargers.

The Chargers haven’t lost a game by more than a touchdown all season, and they’ve had the usual number of heartbreaking, late-game meltdowns that brought them to their current 4-7 record. In their past two games, losses to the Raiders and Chiefs by a combined nine points, the obvious issue was Philip Rivers’ hurling the ball all over the place, especially in ultimate crunch time. Per Sports Info Solutions, Rivers has four interceptions in the last two minutes of games this season — no other quarterback has more than one except for Dak Prescott, who has two.

The Chargers have an above-average defense, a good group of receivers, and a strong running game with Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler. Their situational awareness has been nightmarish all season, but they have enough in the tank to make things interesting for the Packers, Raiders and Chiefs in the last three weeks of the regular season … if Rivers can get his bearings.

Among the five teams that the Bolts have remaining on their schedule, three of them are in playoff contention — Vikings, Chiefs, Raiders.

Even though the Chargers have been belittled by injuries throughout the course of the season, they showed that they can play with the best of the best, as they have not lost a game by more than a touchdown all season.

But heading into the final stretch, Los Angeles will likely get back two of their best defensive players in safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips and their starting left tackle, Russell Okung.

With just those additions alone and coming off a bye to physically and mentally refresh after a handful of late-game blunders, you could be looking at a potential run by the Bolts.

Who knows, that run may be enough to knock off some team’s playoff hopes, but revive theirs. In the NFL, there are plenty of crazier things that have happened.

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3 Chargers who should make their first Pro Bowl in 2020

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lists three players that could make their first Pro Bowl appearance.

Despite having a 4-7 record, the talent on the Chargers would not suggest that. Loaded on both sides of the ball, Los Angeles had a league-high eight players make the Pro Bowl last year. This year should see some of the same members, but there are a few that are worthy of their first nod.

These three players very well could end up playing in Orlando, FL for the first time with the NFL’s best because of their strong play this season.

TE Hunter Henry

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Surprising enough, Henry has yet to make a Pro Bowl appearance since coming into the league in 2016. But injuries have hampered him throughout the course of it, thus holding him back from making it. But this year is different as Henry sustained an injury early in the season, and has played like he never missed a step.

Henry has caught 39 passes for 487 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 12.5 yards per reception and has caught 72.2% of his targets. He has either racked up 80+ yards or a touchdown in four of his six games back to the lineup. With five games remaining, there’s a good chance that we could see him with close to 55 receptions, 800 yards and two or three more scores.

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3 burning questions during Chargers’ bye week

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out three burning questions in mind during the bye week.

11 regular season games have gone by and the Chargers are sitting with an unexpected 4-7 record after having high expectations entering the year.

With only five games remaining, there are a few questions that not only the fans, but the franchise is wondering during their bye week.

Can Philip Rivers turn things around?

Prior to the regular season, you could have said that Rivers had four or five years left in the tank following his stints in 2017 and 2018 where he played at an elite level. Now, there’s questioning whether or not the veteran quarterback will be around following the 2019 campaign.

Rivers has compiled a head-scratching 15 touchdown to 14 interception ratio through 11 games. His play has been plagued by an unsteady offensive line after a handful of injuries, which has clearly effected him in the pocket. But there’s been signs of decline, including questionable decision-making and regression in arm talent.

Rivers, who will be turning 38 in December, will have these last five games of the regular season to turn his 16th professional campaign around. No matter who’s playing along the offensive line, if he doesn’t improve, there’s reason to believe that the franchise will consider not bringing him back for Year 17.

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Twitter reacts to LaDainian Tomlinson being left off all-time team

It’s mind-boggling that a former Chargers great was left off this list.

The NFL unveiled the 100th anniversary running back all-time team Friday.

Among the crop who was a finalist, but did not make the final team was former Chargers great running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

Other notable finalists that did not make the cut other than Tomlinson include Adrian Peterson, Tony Dorsett, Marshall Faulk, Marcus Allen, Jerome Bettis and Franco Harris.

When you read the list of players, it’s all running backs that you’d think would make the list, but they were all drafted after 1990. Everyone that made it was drafted before that year.

“I’m surprised that there are no 21st century running backs on that list,” said Tomlinson, who started his career in 2001. Emmitt Smith was the (most recent) guy drafted that’s on the list. So that’s a bit surprising,” Tomlinson said.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Tomlinson being snubbed from the list.

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Checking in on Chargers rookie DT Jerry Tillery

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez breaks down the first 11 games of defensive tackle Jerry Tillery’s professional career.

In need of shoring up the interior part of the defensive line, Chargers general manager took former Notre Dame product Jerry Tillery with the team’s first-round selection of the 2019 NFL draft.

The pick had many fans ecstatic when his name was announced and the hype continued to build up entering this season after a phenomenal summer. But since then, Tillery hasn’t been as hot, thus having those wondering what’s going on with the No. 28 overall selection.

Let’s start off with his stat line through 11 games of his rookie campaign.

11 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks

Tillery’s usage is floating slightly above 40% of the defensive snaps, so he’s certainly up there with other notable players at the position — Damion Square (46.8%), Justin Jones (42.8%), Brandon Mebane (37.4%).

Los Angeles drafted Tillery to serve as a key interior pass rusher, so that way he could take some of the pressure off defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. So, why doesn’t his stat sheet suggest that?

The first thing is that the Chargers have primarily played Tillery on first and second down and have resorted to taking him off the field during obvious passing downs. Instead, defensive end Isaac Rochell has been used in that role.

On the field, there has there have been evident growing pains, but Tillery has shown flashes that may go unnoticed. Coming out of college, he beat defenders with speed, strength and pure athleticism.

We see that here as Tillery creates immediate movement with his initial surge and forward lean into the blocker. With him being so lengthy, his pad level has been an issue. But we see when he stays low, he will win the battle.

Tillery has seen a hefty amount of double teams, and one issue that he had since coming out of college is struggling when blockers get to his hip which has still been clear. A part of that has to do with him tending to play high, but also the lack of countering.

But he does a nice job controlling the point of attack when square with blockers, and we have seen glimpses of solid countering when he is locked up with a blocker.

Here, Tillery goes with an arm over on the guard and spins off the center to create pressure on quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Here, Tillery gets locked up with the guard at first, but he throws a club and dips to disengage and shows great effort to pressure quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Speaking of effort, that also shows in the run game, too. Tillery works down the line of scrimmage and stops running back Derrick Henry in his tracks for a little gain.

Here, he generates good power on this play and he displays great balance, body control and a strong rip move to slither his way through his blocker.

Many think that Tillery is underperforming for a first round selection, but the truth is, even though he’s not as superior statistically, the other defensive tackles that were taken before him aren’t that spectacular in Year 1, either.

New York Jets DT Quinnen Williams (No. 3 overall)

20 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss

Buffalo Bills DT Ed Oliver (No. 9 overall)

23 combined tackles 2.0 sacks, 1 tackle for loss

Miami Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins (No. 13 overall)

36 combined tackles, 1.0 sack, 2 tackles for loss

New York Giants DT Dexter Lawrence (No. 17 overall)

26 combined tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 tackles for loss

The bottom line is that while it would have been nice for Tillery to play like his draft slot immediately, but there’s no reason to label him as a first-year ‘bust’. He hasn’t been primarily played in the role the Chargers drafted him for as a pass-rusher and there are signs of technical deficiencies that could easily be fixed.

I expect Tillery to continue to blossom into a key part of the defensive line by Year 2 or 3, where he’s racking up four or more sacks per season. The offseason will be essential to his growth. And keep in mind, Tillery will have a fresh slate as he spent a good chunk of this past offseason rehabbing his torn labrum.

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Chargers in attendance to scout Ohio State vs. Penn State

Los Angeles Chargers well-represented at the showdown between Ohio State and Penn State.

The Los Angeles Chargers are one of several teams in attendance for the big matchup between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Penn State Nittany Lions. In fact, the team will have two representatives to scout the game.

There are a few players worthy of scouting attention in this game.

Ohio State

WR Binjimen Victor (#9)

WR K.J. Hill (#14)

RB J.K. Dobbins (#2)

NT Davon Hamilton (#53)

LB Malik Harrison (#39)

CB Shaun Wade (#24)

CB Jeffrey Okudah (#1)

CB Damon Arnette (#3)

Penn State

WR KJ Hamler (#1)

DT Robert Windsor (#54)

DE Yetur Gross-Matos (#99)

LB Cam Brown (#6)

CB Tariq Castro-Fields (#6)

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5 potential Chargers prospects to watch in Week 13

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez lays out the college prospects you should be watching on Saturday.

It’s Saturday, which means it’s time for another edition of The Scouting Notebook.

The Scouting Notebook features prospects to keep an eye on when the majority of the college games take place. While some think it’s too early to talk about the 2020 NFL draft, there’s never a bad time to talk about the future of the Chargers.

With that being said, here are five prospects to watch for in Week 13.

CB Shaun Wade, Ohio State, #24, 9:00 a.m. PT, FOX

The Chargers haven’t added a true playmaker at the cornerback position since signing Casey Hayward back in 2017. While Michael Davis has been decent this season, the team could look to replace him with a long-term solution, who has plenty of talent.

Wade, the 6-foot-1 and 190 pounder, primarily plays in the slot for the Buckeyes. For someone of his size, it’s a little unusual but he has the speed and athleticism to thrive on the outside in the NFL. The redshirt sophomore has the read and react skills from zone coverage that defensive coordinator Gus Bradley would covet.

Today, Wade will be under the microscope of many NFL evaluators as he and Ohio State battle it out with the Penn State Nittany Lions in a top-10 matchup on Saturday morning.

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Who’s the Chargers’ most underrated player?

The Chargers have a handful of great players on both sides of the ball. But they have some great ones that still don’t get the credit that they deserve. Pro Football Focus recently recognized the most underrated player on each team in the league …

The Chargers have a handful of great players on both sides of the ball. But they have some great ones that still don’t get the credit that they deserve.

Pro Football Focus recently recognized the most underrated player on each team in the league this season.

For Los Angeles, you could make the case for a few, but to them, running back Austin Ekeler was the clear-cut player that is worthy of having that label.

Here is what PFF’s Anthony Treash had to say about Ekeler.

The best running back on the Chargers’ roster, Austin Ekeler has been just as good as the so-called MVP candidate, Christian McCaffrey. Ekeler has seen 70 targets and has produced a PFF receiving of 94.1 on those, leading all running backs. His production on a per-route basis has been astounding, as he’s averaged the most yards per route run (2.61) and generated the position’s highest passer rating (129.0). No running back has produced more explosive receiving plays than Ekeler (14), and there’s only one other running back tied with him in broken tackles after the catch (17 – tied with Dalvin Cook).

Since showcasing his big-time playmaking ability upon entering the league as an undrafted player out of Western Colorado in 2017, Ekeler raised eyebrows from the get go.

Playing behind running back Melvin Gordon in 2017 and 2018 and still thriving on a weekly basis, Ekeler was given the opportunity to get the spotlight after Gordon decided to holdout due to contract disputes.

There were concerns that he wouldn’t be able to flourish in the bell cow role, primarily due to his lack of size. But he shined in that role for the first six weeks of the season before Gordon returned and has still been dominant since then as the No. 2 RB.

Through 11 games, Ekeler has rushed for 364 yards on 95 carries, but he has earned his money as a pass-catcher, whether that be out of the backfield or lined up out wide, showcasing his speed and elusiveness when he gets the ball in his hands. Ekeler has amassed 65 receptions for 667 yards and six touchdowns.

It took a few weeks to get into a rhythm for Gordon, but he has finally found his flow and because of it, Ekeler and Gordon have regained their status as one of the best backfield tandems in the league.

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Chargers CB Michael Davis suspended two games

The Chargers will be without cornerback Michael Davis for Weeks 13 and 14.

Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Michael Davis has been suspended two games without pay for a violation of the substance abuse policy, the league announced Friday.

Davis took over the permanent starting role after the team released CB Trevor Williams on Oct. 7. In nine starts for the Chargers, Davis has amassed 27 tackles and an interception.

With Davis missing the next two contests, CB Brandon Facyson will get the start opposite of Casey Hayward. Facyson started in two games while Williams and Davis were both dealing with injuries near the beginning of the season.

Davis is eligible to return after Week 14.

General manager Tom Telesco released an official team statement in regards to Davis’ suspension:

Michael is a good person who made a significant mistake this past offseason for which he must be held accountable. He will grow from this experience and, once back, continue to represent Chargers and NFL in a positive manner.

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Expert panel says Chargers have most difficult future QB situation in NFL

The Chargers will have their toughest decision to make when the 2019 season comes to an end.

The Chargers will have their toughest decision to make when the 2019 season comes to an end. The team will have to decide whether or not they will move forward with their quarterback of the past 16 seasons.

Our good friends at Touchdown Wire spoke with a panel of experts (one former head coach, two former general managers and one current general manager) and asked what they thought of the future quarterback situation for each team in the league.

Here is what they thought about the situation in Los Angeles:

This is perhaps the league’s most difficult quarterback situation to assess at this moment. Philip Rivers, 37, is in the last year of his contract. Backup Tyrod Taylor is signed through 2020, but he’s not a long-term answer as the starter. The Chargers likely will try to re-sign Rivers. But it’s time to find his heir apparent. Easton Stick, a fifth-round choice this year out of North Dakota State, is viewed as nothing more than a backup. The Chargers may use an early-round pick on a quarterback with the potential to be a starter. “Keep Rivers if he wants to keep playing. But it’s time to draft a quarterback for the future,” a panelist said. “They’re not going to have a top pick, but they still should be high enough to get a good quarterback.”

Rivers, who will turn 38 in December, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. Rivers is coming off a 2018 season, where he threw for 32 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions. But it’s been the exact opposite in 2019.

Rivers has thrown 15 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, which ranks as the second-most in the league. The reason for his poor play has been resulted from an inconsistent offensive line, as well as his own signs of regression, including mental miscues and lack of velocity on his passes.

It’s unfortunate to see a decline in play from a player that has carried the team for such a long time, and it has been done with a below average offensive line for the majority of his professional career.

The Chargers have not addressed the quarterback position in the first four rounds of the draft since Rivers became the full-time starter since 2006.

Los Angeles has Tyrod Taylor and rookie Easton Stick behind Rivers, but there isn’t anything that suggests one of those guys will be the long-term solution, which means that the team could heavily consider one in the 2020 NFL draft.

The way we see it, there are one of three things that will happen.

The Chargers will re-sign Rivers to a short, but large contract and address the offensive line heavily this offseason. They re-sign Rivers and still draft his successor early on. Or, the team lets Rivers walk, they draft a quarterback in the early rounds and let Taylor be the bridge in 2020.

The bottom line is that Los Angeles will have a big decision to make when this offseason rolls around and it will be one of the heftier headlines when that time comes.

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