Tag: 2020 Chargers

How much did Chargers improve this offseason?

Are the Los Angeles Chargers equipped to make some noise in 2020?

Some can make the argument that the Chargers got better this offseason, while others would beg to differ. They brought in a crop of players that should help put the team in position to win, but they also lost some key players from the previous season.

Los Angeles lost offensive tackle Russell Okung, running back Melvin Gordon, safety Adrian Phillips, fullback Derek Watt, but most importantly, quarterback Philip Rivers – the heart and soul of the franchise of the past 16 seasons.

Heading into the new decade, the Bolts may have suffered some losses, but they received some reinforcements with Bryan Bulaga, Trai Turner, Chris Harris Jr. and Linval Joseph via free agency and some through the draft, including first-round picks Justin Herbert and Kenneth Murray.

What does a panel of analysts think of the Chargers’ offseason? ESPN ranked teams based on how much they improved, factoring free-agent signings, trade acquisitions, draft selections, coaching changes and even, in some cases, long-term injuries or retirement.

For Los Angeles, they ranked No. 22 overall out of the 32 teams.

As they begin the eventual transition from Rivers to Herbert, the Chargers oddly signed three veteran free agents — Bulaga, Joseph and Harris — who are each 31 years old. Perhaps they wanted to load up for one run with veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor before turning the offense over to Herbert. It might be the Chargers’ best play under the circumstances of the pandemic, but it’s not easy to argue that the Chargers have a better team than they did in 2019.

I believe Los Angeles is still capable of getting the job done with Tyord Taylor or Herbert, especially with the new offense that they’re going to run, which should be similar to the Ravens of last season, and given the amount of talent they have from top to bottom.

The most vital key to any kind of success for them is health of the players. Like last year, if they can’t stay injury-free it’ll be hard to have a bounce-back season. If they do, the Chargers are capable of making some serious noise during the regular season and into the playoffs.

Another key to success will be dethroning the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, who are 27-3 against AFC West teams since 2015 and have claimed four straight division titles.

NFL analyst predicts 2020 season awards for Chargers

Who will be the Los Angeles Chargers’ MVP in 2020?

Adam Rank’s name will be remembered after he pegged the Chargers to go 3-13 this upcoming season. While Rank’s record prediction might be atrocious, a handful of fans will agree with his projected individual awards he gave out.

In his latest edition of State of the Franchise, Rank looked at where Los Angeles stands going into the new decade. Included in his piece, he predicted who he believes will be the team’s most valuable player along with who he thinks is going to breakout.

Both players that were given the honors are on the defensive line, with the projected MVP award going to none other than defensive end Joey Bosa.

You have to feel for Joey Bosa here. He’s been one of the best football players on the planet, recording 10-plus sacks in three of his four pro seasons thus far — and he’s been usurped on the national stage by his brother Nick Bosa, who helped lead San Francisco to the Super Bowl as a rookie last season. But make no mistake, Joey is the original and just as important to his team as Nick is to the Niners. I watched in awe as Joey took apart a pretty good Packers offensive line last year, sacking Aaron Rodgers twice and haranguing him on seemingly every dropback. The Chargers are going to end up having some fluidity at the quarterback position, but the one player they are not going to be able to do without is Bosa.

Heading into the final year of his contract, Bosa is eager to be one of the highest paid defensive ends. The 24-year old earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl after finishing tied for second in the conference in sacks (11.5) while also tallying up the fifth-most tackles (67) of any at his position in the NFL in 2019.

His quarterback pressures have made life easier on the secondary, and will continue to have a positive impact as they look to bring the heat even more this upcoming season. Another candidate to be the team’s MVP when all is said and done is third-year safety Derwin James after being hampered by a foot injury last season.

Rank’s projected breakout player lies inside of Bosa and Melvin Ingram, with that being defensive tackle Jerry Tillery.

The former first-round pick didn’t do much during his rookie season, recording just two sacks and basically sitting behind Justin Jones and Damion Square (Tillery was on the field for less than half of the team’s defensive snaps). But this is a new year. He’s got the opportunity to make that second-year leap in a defense brimming with studs, including their second first-round pick of 2020.

Tillery, the 2019 first-round pick, didn’t have a great rookie season, but he did show glimpses of potentially becoming the dominant interior pass-rusher he was drafted to be. With an offseason under his belt to get stronger, bigger and work on his technique, we could see a significant jump in production in 2020.

Chargers named most improved team in AFC West by The Ringer

Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco made a handful of moves this offseason.

When you a finish a season with a 5-11 record and are last in the division, you can expect changes to be made.

That’s exactly what the Chargers experienced after a disastrous year, despite having high expectations set prior to.

First, Los Angeles recognized that some of their woes came from the quarterback position, which led to split between them and Philip Rivers.

Filling the void is Tyrod Taylor, who has one more year remaining on his contract. The team is hopeful that the long-term answer will be first-round pick Justin Herbert.

Aside from solidifying the most important position on the field, L.A. was hard at work in free agency and the draft to address vital positions on both sides of the ball.

From the signings of cornerback Chris Harris Jr., offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga, defensive tackle Linval Joseph, trading for guard Trai Turner and adding some instant contributors through the draft, most notably linebacker Kenneth Murray, the Chargers appear ready to turn things around.

That is why The Ringer’s Robert Mays named Los Angeles the most-improved team in the AFC West.

It’s not easy for a team to lose an entrenched starting quarterback and get better, but the Chargers might have done just that. Moving on from Rivers didn’t dissuade GM Tom Telesco and the front office from being ultra-aggressive this offseason. Adding right guard Trai Turner in a trade and signing steady right tackle Bryan Bulaga in free agency remade the Chargers offensive line. Inking cornerback Chris Harris Jr. gives this team the most complete secondary in football. Those moves overshadow subtler ones like signing defensive tackle Linval Joseph after he was released by the Vikings. And Telesco topped everything off by nabbing Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert with the sixth pick in the draft and trading back into the first round to snag speedy Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray. Even without Rivers, this Los Angeles roster is much more talented from top to bottom than it was at the end of last season.

Other teams in the division were hard at work at building their roster in order to put together the best lineup to compete with the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, the Bolts added the most notable players to put them in the most optimal position to contend. The only positional group that is seen as a hole is the left tackle spot after the departure of Russell Okung.

The Bolts had a busy offseason because they are hopeful that they can bounce back and give fans, as they move into their new stadium an idea of what they’re truly capable of after years of inconsistency.

There’s no denying that they’re talented from top to bottom and they’re capable of competing with anyone, but health will be the most vital determining factor of their success. Injuries have wrecked the team in past seasons.

NFL team win total best bets: How many games will the Los Angeles Chargers win in 2020?

Assessing the Los Angeles Chargers projected win total for the 2020 NFL season, with best bets for their Over/Under.

How many games will the Los Angeles Chargers win in the 2020 NFL season? We look at BetMGM‘s projected win total and the Over/Under odds, while looking back at the 2019 season and key offseason roster changes.

Los Angeles Chargers’ 2019 season

The Chargers struggled in 2019. They went 5-11, finishing last in the AFC West. They were 4-10-2 against the spread with a 7-9 Over/Under record.

Los Angeles Chargers’ 2020 offseason changes

Los Angeles moved on from three key offensive players. QB Philip Rivers left in free agency to sign with the Indianapolis Colts after 16 years with the Chargers. RB Melvin Gordon signed with the Denver Broncos and LT Russell Okung was dealt to the Carolina Panthers.

The Chargers signed RT Bryan Bulaga and acquired G Trai Turner from the Panthers. The also added DT Linval Joseph and CB Chris Harris Jr. Meanwhile, they drafted QB Justin Herbert (Oregon) and LB Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma) in the first round – Herbert was the sixth overall pick.

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Los Angeles Chargers‘ 2020 opponents

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Broncos Away
Chiefs Away
Raiders Away
Buffalo Bills Away
Cincinnati Bengals Away
Miami Dolphins Away
New Orleans Saints Away
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Away

Los Angeles Chargers‘ 2020 win total: Best bet

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday, May 7 at 2:45 a.m. ET.

Projected wins: 7.5 / OVER: -164 / UNDER: +135

The Chargers improved defensively but losing Rivers, even though he appeared to play at a diminished level, will hurt. QB Tyrod Taylor will likely begin the season as the starter but Herbert was not drafted sixth overall to ride the bench. He will take over at some point and rookie quarterbacks rarely have winning seasons. They have what appear to be winnable games against the Bengals, Dolphins, Jaguars but they will have to play the Chiefs twice and NFC Super Bowl contenders Bucs and Saints. Have they improved enough to win at least three more games in 2020?

Taylor is an adequate quarterback but it will be the “Justin Herbert Show” soon. Don’t expect a winning season from the Chargers. Take the UNDER 7.5 (+135).

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Twitter reacts to the Chargers’ new uniforms

How did fans of the Los Angeles Chargers react to the team’s new uniforms as they were revealed?

The Los Angeles Chargers released their new uniforms on Tuesday.

This marks the first significant update to the franchise’s overall look since the 2007 season when they were in San Diego.

See how fans and the rest of the general population reacted on Twitter to the release of arguably the best-looking sets in the league:

Players continue to react to Chargers’ new, unreleased uniforms

Only five more days until the release date.

It started with defensive end Joey Bosa getting his eyes on the Chargers’ new uniforms.

Now it appears that more current and even former players of the team have been able to witness the unreleased threads which will drop on April 21.

Here is a look at the reactions via Twitter from this past week:

Only five more days until we get to see what a handful are already considering the best uniforms in the NFL.

Watch: Joey Bosa reacts to Chargers’ new, unreleased uniforms

Joey Bosa got a sneak peek of the Los Angeles Chargers’ new threads.

The Chargers’ uniforms are undergoing a complete makeover.

Not only is the logo being revamped, but it was announced that the game-day wardrobes are, too.

While many fans continue to predict what they will look like, there have been very few that have been able to lay their eyes on them.

Defensive end Joey Bosa was among the crop.

In order to continue to build the anticipation, the team’s official Twitter account released a video of Bosa reacting to the new uniforms.

Check it out:

“Simplicity” is a key word that Bosa used to describe them.

From the team’s presser, I believe they will roll with an early-1970s combo of powder blue tops and gold pants and possibly the uniform numbers on the helmets.

Los Angeles will be reveling the new uniforms on April 21.

Chargers’ Anthony Lynn talks offensive tackle situation

The Los Angeles Chargers still have some work to do along the offensive line.

The Chargers traded for guard Trai Turner earlier this offseason. However, they had to give up a key contributor to the offensive line in offensive tackle Russell Okung.

With Okung gone, the left tackle position remains a mystery. On Wednesday, coach Anthony Lynn addressed the position.

“We may yet still bring some in or let Bryan Bulaga or Sam Tevi go over there.”

Bulaga was acquired via free agency, and while he is slated to start, his natural position is right tackle. The same thing applies for Tevi, who has gotten snaps at left tackle but he’s more efficient on the right side.

Former third-round selection Trey Pipkins is pencilled in as the starting left tackle on the depth chart at the moment and Lynn acknowledged that he will have the opportunity to start this upcoming season.

Another player that could be in contention to start is Trent Scott. Scott played in 16 games, starting in nine of them this past season.

Los Angeles could still look to bring in a free agent tackle like Jason Peters. Lynn was asked about the 38-year old and he said that he is intriguing and believes that he can still do a good job.

The upcoming draft will offer plenty of options, too. If the Bolts draft their quarterback in the first-round, guys like Austin Jackson, Josh Jones, Prince Tega Wanogho, Lucas Niang and Ben Bartch are all worthy of Day 2 selections who can fight for a starting job.

The Chargers still have a little bit of work to do on the offensive line the rest of the offseason, but the additions of offensive line coach James Campen, Turner and Bulaga is a very promising start for a unit that’s in need of a boost after finishing near the bottom of the league last season.

Meet Chargers’ new towering tight end

The Los Angeles Chargers signed an intriguing player this past week.

The Chargers agreed to a two-year deal with former XFL tight end Donald Parham, according to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

Parham, the 6-foot-8 and 247 pounder enjoyed a productive collegiate career at Stetson, finishing with 180 receptions for 2,591 yards (14.4 yards per catch) and 20 touchdowns. He went on to compete in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

In 2019, Parham signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent. He spent a little bit of time there before being released and then eventually picked up by the Redskins. He was waived on cutdown day, signed to their practice squad, but was then released in September.

Parham garnered the attention of the XFL, where he ended up being drafted by the Dallas Renegades. In five games, Parham finished with24 catches for 307 yards and four touchdowns.

Now a member of the Bolts, Parham brings a very intriguing skillset that could have a contribution to the offense next season.

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Parham, the former basketball players wins with his catch radius and length, flashing his seven-foot wingspan. He dominates at the catch point and shows the straight-line speed to attack the seam and make plays down the field and in the red zone.

Even though he was unstoppable in college, he needs some refinement to adjust to more physical defensive backs in the NFL. His route running and blocking require work.

With the Chargers, Parham allows them to run plenty of 12 personnel with him and Hunter Henry. His freakish size and speed makes him a mismatch weapon as a hybrid slot where he could flourish down the seam and in the red zone.

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)