Tag: Adrian Phillips

Instant analysis of Chargers’ 23-20 loss to Broncos

Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez delivers his thoughts from the Chargers’ 23-20 loss to the Broncos.

The Chargers were hit with another gut-punch on Sunday.

Los Angeles lost on a game-winning 53-yard field goal by Broncos kicker Brandon McManus as time expired. The field goal was set up by a questionable defensive pass interference call against cornerback Casey Hayward, putting Denver in field goal range.

With the loss, the Chargers drop to 4-8 on the season.

Here is our instant analysis from the Week 13 matchup.

Injury Report

There weren’t any notable injuries in today’s game.

Play of the Game: Mike Williams’ 38-yard reception

On 4th-and-11 with a little over two minutes left, Williams came up clutch again with a monstrous reception. He fell, got up and brought in the ball with his left hand over cornerback Isaac Yiadom.

Notable Number

17: 17 of the Chargers’ last 25 games have been decided by a single possession.

Quick Takes

  • Quarterback Philip Rivers looked like he was going to get benched in favor of Tyrod Taylor early on when he looked rattled and was missing his receivers, but he turned it around towards the end of the half when he found running back Austin Ekeler for the score.
  • Rivers’ second half was more promising. He benefitted from running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler in the short passing game, wide open receivers and big catches from his pass-catchers, including Williams’ reception on fourth-down.
  • It was evident with the 29 carries that the Chargers wanted to revolve around the running game to bring them success instead of having the same episode of the past two games. Running backs Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler combined for 115 yards (4.0 yards per carry)
  • Three sacks may suggest that it was a poor performance from the offensive line, but on two of them, Rivers had time to get rid of the ball and elected to walk into the pressure.
  • The battle between WR Keenan Allen and CB Chris Harris Jr. went in favor Allen, who had six receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown.
  • As for the matchup between CB Casey Hayward and WR Courtland Sutton, Sutton got the best of Hayward, as he amassed four receptions for 74 yards and two scores.
  • Despite what the scoreboard shows, the Chargers defense had a phenomenal outing, holding the Broncos to 218 total yards.
  • Led by linebacker Drue Tranquill and his three tackles for loss, Denver’s running game was held to 84 yards on the ground.
  • Safety Derwin James was used all over the field, but he made his biggest impact as a pass rusher, putting rookie Drew Lock under duress on a few plays. Adrian Phillips delivered some huge blows and came up big on third-down situations.

Up Next

The Chargers travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars next Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1:05 p.m. PT.

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Chargers activate Derwin James, Adrian Phillips

Two of the Chargers best defensive players are back.

They’re back.

The Los Angeles Chargers activated safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos.

James makes his 2019 debut, as he has yet to step on the playing field after suffering a stress fracture in his foot prior to the season. Meanwhile, Phillips has missed the past ten weeks after sustaining a broken forearm against the Detroit Lions in Week 2.

Phillips returned to practice nearly two weeks ago, while James barely started practicing earlier this week.

The two safeties made a huge impact in 2018. James amassed 105 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions. Phillips made it to the Pro Bowl after totaling 94 tackles.

James and Phillips provide a huge boost for a defense that already ranks No. 4 in the league. The two will look to ruin rookie Drew Lock’s professional debut in front of his home crowd Sunday.

Below is the official team statement:

The Los Angeles Chargers activated S Derwin James and S Adrian Phillips from reserve/injured; designated for return, the organization announced on Saturday. The Bolts also promoted WR Jalen Guyton to the active roster. In corresponding moves, DT T.Y. McGill and S Shalom Luani were waived while WR Geremy Davis was placed on injured reserve.

Guyton played two seasons at North Texas, amassing 1,580 yards on 103 catches with 15 touchdowns. The Allen, Texas native hauled in 54 passes for 805 yards and six scores in 2018. After transferring from Trinity Valley Community College, Guyton recorded 775 yards on 49 receptions with nine touchdowns in 2017.

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Chargers injury update: 2 players limited

The Los Angeles Chargers had their second practice of the week ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos. Here is a look at today’s injury report: After being listed as limited on Wednesday, linebacker Thomas Davis and wide receiver Mike …

The Los Angeles Chargers had their second practice of the week ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Broncos.

Here is a look at today’s injury report:

After being listed as limited on Wednesday, linebacker Thomas Davis and wide receiver Mike Williams went back to being full participants.

Offensive tackles Russell Okung and Sam Tevi remained as limited participants for the second consecutive day.

Safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips have continued to practice. But their status for this weekend’s game is unknown.

Chargers activate Derwin James off injured reserve

The Chargers got another playmaker back on the defensive side of the ball.

The moment that all Chargers fans have been waiting for finally came as safety Derwin James returned to practice on Monday.

After designating Adrian Phillips to return from the injured reserve on Nov. 14, Los Angeles did the same for James 11 days later.

James has been out since the end of August after suffering a stress fracture in his right foot during training camp. He had surgery immediately after and spent the last three months recovering from it.

The former Florida State product is coming off a phenomenal rookie campaign where he was an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection after recording 105 tackles, three interceptions, four tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

The burning question that everyone wants to know is if James will be on the field when the Chargers play the Broncos this weekend. Coach Anthony Lynn made it seem like it’s possible, but Phillips is more likely to play.

“At his position, you’d like to see a change of direction, quickness, burst, things like that. Adrian has a better chance of playing this week [than James],” Lynn said.

James and Phillips will provide a talented defense with an extra boost as they look to shake things up in the final stretch of the season.

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List of Chargers 2020 unrestricted free agents

Updated look at the 16 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents for the Chargers.

The Los Angeles Chargers still have five games remaining in the regular season. However, sitting at 4-7, their playoff chances are nearly diminished, which means that in a little over a month the front office will have some decisions to make.

With a few notable players on the roster that are set to become unrestricted free agents, general manager Tom Telesco and company will have to start thinking about who is worthy of returning for another stint with L.A. when they move into their new stadium with the Rams in 2020.

With that, here’s an updated look at the 16 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents at the beginning of the 2020 league year.

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

QB Philip Rivers

RB Melvin Gordon

WR Travis Benjamin

G Michael Schofield

DT Damion Square

S Adrian Phillips

TE Hunter Henry

LB Nick Dzubnar

TE Lance Kendricks

WR Dontrelle Inman

WR Geremy Davis

S Jaylen Watkins

G Ryan Groy

DT Sylvester Williams

LB Jatavis Brown

FB Derek Watt

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Chargers should activate Adrian Phillips ahead of matchup vs. Chiefs

The Los Angeles Chargers would be wise to activate safety Adrian Phillips prior to the matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.

There’s a possibility that the Chargers could see a difference-maker to their defense return to the active roster prior to the Monday night bout against the Chiefs.

Safety Adrian Phillips, who was placed on the injured reserve on Sept. 16 with a broken forearm, was designated for return from the IR on Thursday, which means the team will have 21 days to activate him.

Coach Anthony Lynn had some words that suggests Phillips could be available for the AFC West battle tomorrow.

“He’s looking good in practice. We started him out on the scout team, and his change of direction looked really good. We worked him in on some regular reps (with the defense). Now we got to make a decision and see if he can go on Monday.”

“There’s always a chance,” when asked if he will be activated. “He hasn’t played football in a long time, so you don’t want to throw someone out there before they’re ready. But I liked the way he ran around on the field,” Lynn said, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper.

In practice this past week, Phillips played on the scout team but then earned reps with the first-team defense because he was moving around so well.

Adding Phillips back into the mix would be huge, as the Chargers face a Chiefs offense that ranks No. 6 in the league in explosive passing plays. Meanwhile, Los Angeles has struggled all year to slow opposing passing games, allowing 7.3 yards per throw.

The Chargers will have until 5:00 p.m. PT to decide whether or not Phillips will be active for tomorrow’s matchup.

If the Bolts elect to give Phillips an extended period to recover since the bye week occurs next weekend, they will have to decide between Roderic Teamer and Jaylen Watkins at the strong safety position on Monday.

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Chargers designate safety Adrian Phillips for return from IR

The Los Angeles Chargers designated safety Adrian Phillips for return from the injured reserve.

The Chargers have designated safety Adrian Phillips for return from injured reserve, per the league’s transaction log.

Phillips was placed on the IR on Sept. 17 after sustaining a broken forearm against the Detroit Lions.

He will have a three-week window to practice before the team must make the decision to activate him to the 53-man roster. If Los Angeles does not activate him within 21 days, he will not be eligible to play this season.

Phillips, along with his teammate Derwin James are the two players that’ll likely return. They have both been doing speed and agility drills in hopes of making a return as soon as Week 13, which is right after the team’s bye week.

Their presence will be a boost to a defense that needs reinforcements if they look to win the remaining games on their schedule, which would most likely be enough to clinch a playoff berth.

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Former Longhorn Malik Jefferson waived by Cleveland Browns

Former Texas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson was waived by the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday

On Tuesday, former Texas Longhorns linebacker Malik Jefferson was waived by the Cleveland Browns.

Jefferson is in just his second year as a pro. He was drafted in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

With the Browns in 2019, Jefferson only made an appearance in one game, and that game came in week one against the Titans. In that game, Jefferson recorded just one tackle.

Hopefully, we see Malik find a new home soon. After all, he was a third-round pick last year for a reason.

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WATCH: Quandre Diggs gets first interception with Seahawks

Watch as Seattle Seahawks defensive back Quandre Diggs gets his first interception with his new team

A few weeks ago, former Texas Longhorn defensive back Quandre Diggs was traded from the Detroit Lions to the Seattle Seahawks. Last night, Diggs saw his first action with Seattle in a clash between the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers went into this Monday Night Football matchup as the only remaining undefeated team in the NFL. The Seahawks were able to stun the 49ers in San Francisco, winning in overtime by a score of 27-24.

About midway through the 3rd quarter, Diggs was able to intercept 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo with the score being 10-7 in favor of San Francisco. This interception led to a Seahawks touchdown, giving them the lead.

On the night, Diggs was able to tally two tackles, one of which was solo, a pass defense, and this interception.

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Chargers’ Derwin James, Adrian Phillips working off to side at practice

Chargers safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips are eligible to get lifted off the injured reserve.

Chargers safeties Derwin James and Adrian Phillips are now able to come off the injured reserve, but it doesn’t appear that’ll be this week. Despite them not being ready for the Monday night bout against the Chiefs, the two are getting work in to possibly return after the bye week.

According to the Athletic’s Daniel Popper, James and Phillips were on the field doing some agility and speed work, while the rest of the team held their normal practice at Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.

James has been running pain-free as he recovers from summer foot surgery. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he is poised to return to the lineup when the Chargers take on the Broncos in Week 13.

Meanwhile, Phillips has been moving around since fracturing his forearm earlier this season. He recently had a cast on his arm and coach Anthony Lynn said once he got the cast off then the team would see where he’s at.

If Los Angeles is able to take care of business against the Chiefs, James and Phillips’ services will be needed to help them go on a winning streak en route to the playoffs. If they lose, it might make more sense to let them rest the remainder of the season instead of risking another injury.

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