Tag: Asante Samuel Jr.

Chargers CB J.C. Jackson non-committal on playing Week 1 vs. Dolphins

J.C. Jackson was non-committal on whether he would play in the regular season opener after he was asked for a projection.

Chargers’ cornerback J.C. Jackson was non-committal on whether he would play in the regular season opener after he was asked for a projection. When asked if he’d “project himself to be out there Week 1,” Jackson said this:

I don’t want to put a projection on myself at this time. Like I said, I’m working each and everyday to be ready. Week 1 or Week 3, whatever week it is, I’m going to be ready mentally and physically.

Jackson sat out a few practices over a week ago with “knee soreness” as he continues his recovery from patellar tendon surgery. The former Pro Bowler also expanded on his condition and how he’s feeling:

I’m working each and every day. There are going to be some good days and some bad days, but I just have to keep working, keep going.

On building up strength in his knee, Jackson expanded on the challenge and his mentality:

It’s just work. It’s nothing bigger than a challenge to me. I look at it as just work, becoming who I need to become, coming out here each and every day, being a good teammate, and working my ass off.

Time will tell if the former Pro Bowl corner does play against Miami in Week 1, but his progress to this point is still an incredible achievement. Considering that his knee injury occurred at the end of last October, a turnaround of “Week 1” or “Week 3” would still be quite the feat.

Which Chargers players are you most excited to watch in preseason opener vs. Rams?

The Chargers Wire crew listed the players that they’re most excited to watch on Saturday as Los Angeles’ roster evaluation continues.

The Chargers have been hard at work at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA, the past few weeks fighting for roster spots, and now it’s time to transition to live-game action, where they will open up their three-game preseason slate against the Rams.

The crew at Chargers Wire listed the players that they’re most excited to watch on Saturday as Los Angeles’ roster evaluation continues.

5 position battles to watch in Chargers’ preseason game vs. Rams

Here are five of the biggest competitions to watch when the Chargers take on the Rams this Saturday night.

After seven months of waiting, Chargers football returns on Saturday with a number of new storylines as the team embarks on a new season.

With a matchup against their SoFi Stadium roommates on the docket, which positions have the most on the line?

Year 2 provides more comfort for Chargers CB Ja’Sir Taylor

Ja’Sir Taylor should be a key contributor in his sophomore season.

The chances of a sixth-round pick carving a starting role in their rookie season are rare.

Chargers cornerback Ja’Sir Taylor, the former Wake Forest product, is under that category. Taylor went from a special teams ace to playing meaningful snaps on defense by the end of the 2022 season.

Now entering his sophomore campaign, Taylor is acclimated to the pace of the NFL and he feels like he’s in a more comfortable position.

“Coming out here as a rookie, things move fast,” Taylor said. “You’re on one field, another field, special teams, defense.

“Just being able to be comfortable, know where I’m going, get my feet set,” Taylor added. “That’s what’s easier.”

Taylor was outstanding in his role as a punt coverage gunner at the beginning. As injuries in the cornerback room piled up, it led to Taylor’s emergence in the secondary.

Taylor had some lapses in coverage, especially when he had to play as an outside corner. But his standout performance came in the primetime win over the Dolphins, where he locked down Jaylen Waddle. Additionally, he came on strong as a tackler in open space and a blitzer.

A more prominent role is set for Taylor in his second season. Even though he is in a battle with Asante Samuel Jr. for the starting slot corner, Taylor will still likely see the field depending on the matchup on a week-to-week basis. Plus, his ability to defend the run will be essential to have.

“I’m just trying to come in here and get better each and every day,” Taylor later added. “I’m not sure how the depth chart works. As long as I come here, do what I have to do to improve each and every day, I’m sure I’ll be in a position to help this team.”

Sights and sounds from Chargers training camp: Day 7

A quick roundup of the highlights from Day 7 of Chargers training camp.

The Chargers continued training camp on Friday at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA, marking Day 7.

Training camp can be attended for free, but if you cannot be there, you will still be informed of the action throughout it all.

We will have training camp coverage with updates from practice below, courtesy of media members and fans in attendance.

8 standout performers for Chargers through one week of training camp

Training camp has only been underway for a week, but these Chargers are standing out in the early going.

The Chargers are still a week into their training camp program in Costa Mesa, CA. It’s important to remember that when talking about player stock with plenty of time left in the offseason, plus three preseason games.

That being said, there are some standouts for Los Angeles in the early going.

Asante Samuel Jr. ‘feeling good’ entering Year 3 with Chargers

Asante Samuel Jr. has been a bright spot for the Chargers in training camp.

In the last game cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. played in, he finished with three interceptions as the Chargers were shocked by the Jaguars in the Wild Card game.

Fast forward a few months to training camp, and Samuel has not skipped a beat.

Samuel has been a bright spot on the defense, especially on Wednesday during the two-minute toward the end of practice. He broke up three passes on the final drive in the red zone to seal the deal for the defensive unit.

“I’m just trying to get better and make plays for this team,” Samuel said following Wednesday’s practice.

“I’m feeling good. I feel like our team is getting better each and every day,” Samuel added. “We’re just competing really hard. We’re making each other better.”

Samuel has been impressive in coverage in his first two seasons in the NFL. Those skills have been on display on the practice field, as he has made great plays through the air nearly every day.

Samuel has played both along the boundary and in the slot, having his versatility utilized. With J.C. Jackson returning from his knee injury and Michael Davis handling the other outside spot, Samuel will likely play inside to start out the season and kick out depending on the matchup.

“Asante in his first two years, he has started every single game of his pro career,” head coach Brandon Staley said. “There has not been one game that he has been active for that he has not been a starter. He has earned that. He has gotten better and better both years.

“Going into this training camp, we’ve been able to see the versatility that we know that he has, but because of our depth and quality, we feel like we can put him in there more,” Staley added.

“He’s really improved inside because it’s a position that’s difficult to master, especially the way we play. We put a lot on that position. It’s not an easy position to play for us. It’s a feature position in our defense.

While strong against the pass, one of Samuel’s areas of improvement is in run support. In his rookie season, Samuel had a 20% missed tackle rate. Even though it dropped last season, it was still at 10%. Staley, however, feels like he is getting better in that department.

“He’s playing, from a technique standpoint, a lot better because he’s in there a lot more. I think you’ve seen, throughout these practices, him making plays outside and inside. He has to cover the tough guys in both places. He’s also done a good job in run support. He just needs to keep improving.”

Projecting the Chargers’ cornerback depth chart in 2023

Here is what the Chargers’ cornerback room could look like heading into August.

As training camp continues, the Chargers will be making some difficult but necessary roster decisions moving into the pre-season.

Here is what the cornerback room could look like heading into August – and the rest of the season:

J.C Jackson

The return of Jackson is something that all Chargers fans have been waiting for. After an ankle surgery leading up to the 2022 season, Jackson was slow to settle into Staley’s defense before ultimately having his season cut short with a tear to his patellar tendon. Jackson underwent surgery and immediately set his mind on recovery, posting occasional updates on his personal social media. Jackson has been present at camp and participating in team drills but there is still a question mark looming over his head as we move into the season.

Michael Davis

With Jackson’s return up in the air, Michael Davis might stay in his current starting position at the start of the season – as currently stated on the depth chart. Davis had an extraordinary 2022 season stepping in for Jackson after his injury. We should see Davis continue to excel and make a massive impact on the Chargers’ secondary either at the CB1 position or at the very least CB2.

Ja’Sir Taylor

A fascinating storyline to keep your eye on is the rise of Taylor. After a standout final game in the 2022 season, Ja’Sir solidified himself as a key element of the secondary. Chargers fans should watch out for a battle for this starting role between Taylor and Asante Samuel Jr. as head coach Brandon Staley has the utmost confidence in Taylor’s abilities.

Asante Samuel Jr.

Samuel currently hovers slightly lower down than expected as we head into training camp season. The young Chargers cornerback had a successful season and a miraculous first half in the Wild Card game against the Jaguars, snagging an impressive three interceptions. Samuel will be competing with Taylor for the final starting spot.

Deane Leonard

Leonard proved himself valuable on the Chargers’ special teams unit in 2022. His efforts helped secure a couple of games during the regular season and now he has the opportunity to fight for a starting position on defense. However, it is most likely that Leonard will continue his journey on special teams and just add some depth to the cornerback room.

Kemon Hall

Hall will continue his NFL career on the Chargers this season as a depth piece for the secondary unit and should occasionally see the field when needed or on special teams.

Sights and sounds from Chargers training camp: Day 4

A quick roundup of the highlights from Day 4 of Chargers training camp.

The Chargers continued training camp on Monday at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA, marking the fourth day of it and the first day in pads.

Training camp can be attended for free, but if you cannot be there, you will still be informed of the action throughout it all.

I will have training camp coverage with updates from practice below, courtesy of media members and fan posts.

 

Chargers CB J.C. Jackson continues to make strides in return from injury

One of the most encouraging takeaways as the Chargers kicked off training camp was seeing J.C. Jackson participating in team drills.

One of the most encouraging takeaways as the Chargers kicked off training camp was seeing cornerback J.C. Jackson on the field.

Jackson participated in seven-on-seven on Day 1 before sitting out of team drills Thursday. He then participated in 11-on-11 drills for the first time Saturday.

Head coach Brandon Staley commented on Jackson’s road to recovery, stating that it’s all part of the ramp-up plan as he continues to work his way back from his season-ending knee injury in October.

He got a little bit more work than he did the first couple of days. As long as he keeps progressing, then that’s going to be the plan. [Director of Player Health, Wellness and Performance] Marco Zucconi and [Head Athletic Trainer] Sal [Lopez] are doing a really good job working him back into practice. He has looked strong and healthy. He’s been on top of his assignments. We’re a much better team with him out there.

Before the injury, Jackson struggled in his first season with the Bolts, as he allowed a 149.3 passer rating when targeted through five games. They hope he can return to his 2021 All-Pro form when he was with the Patriots.

That year, Jackson finished with eight interceptions (second-most) and a league-leading 23 pass deflections.

If Jackson is healthy when the regular season starts, he will start on the outside alongside Michael Davis. Ja’Sir Taylor or Asante Samuel Jr. will play in the slot, depending on the matchup, on a week-to-week basis.