All cylinders must be firing on the offensive and defensive side of the ball for the Chargers in order for a successful 2021 season, but special teams is just as important after finishing as one of the worst units in 2020.
A big part of ensuring that is constructing the most optimal group, which is what is underway at Hoag Performance Center in Costa Mesa, CA, where the team’s organized team activities are taking place.
Special teams coordinator Derius Swinton II said that there is “real competition” at the kicker, punter and long snapper positions.
Michael Badgley will be battling free agent signing Tristan Vizcaino and undrafted rookie Alex Kessman for the starting kicker spot.
Swinton, who personally scouted both additions of the team, said that Vizcaino’s leg “jumped off the film,” adding that the team thinks he has a lot of untapped potential.
Ty Long will be battling Lachlan Edwards, who was signed to the practice squad last season, for the starting punter job. Cole Mazza will be fighting with undrafted rookie Ryan Langan for the long snapper position.