The Chargers boast one of the most talented offensive lines that the team has had in years after the offseason acquisitions of veterans Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi, as well as rookie Rashawn Slater.
On paper, the group looks capable of giving quarterback Justin Herbert plenty of time to distribute the wealth and clear holes in the running game. But to make it all come to fruition, the unit must be on the same page at all times.
Right tackle Bryan Bulaga stressed the importance of communication in order to achieve success this upcoming season.
“First things first, with us up front, it’s all about communication,” Bulaga said. “I think when you can have good communication in the offensive line room, that’s only gonna help the group perform better on Sundays.
Obviously, throughout a game week or throughout training camp or what we’ve been in right now, especially with the new scheme, we’re installing things and seeing it for the first time, so being on the field with it for the first time, there’s gonna be a lot of questions.
There’s gonna be things that we don’t have the answers to right now because this is new to all the guys, but having a coach who’s able to communicate those things and be clear about what we need to do and make sure there’s no gray area is great.”
Offensive line coach Frank Smith’s philosophy of “clear, consistent, concise communication,” is what he wants to engrave to build the group’s culture and vision as they adjust to working together and getting accustomed to the new offense and blocking schemes.
By understanding each other, making the right calls, being able to read defenses, tell how they’re going to play certain ways and how they’re going to take on certain blocks should see it all work out.
During the spring in classroom sessions and OTAs, the line began the gelling process. Heading into training camp later this month, the group will throw on pads and get live reps, which should enhance their communication skills ahead of the regular season.
Last season, Pro Football Focus had Los Angeles ranked as the worst offensive line in football, and the run blocking was far too inconsistent.
The Chargers are certainly hoping that good things will happen in 2021 for this new-look offensive line, which could dictate a good portion of the offense’s success.