Tag: Bradley Bozeman

Bradley Bozeman sounds off on Nathan Shepherd’s dirty hit to Justin Herbert

Bradley Bozeman earned the respect of a lot of people for defending Justin Herbert.

Chargers center Bradley Bozeman got flagged for unnecessary roughness during Sunday’s 26-8 victory over the Saints for an incident in which he was just trying to protect his quarterback.

Justin Herbert got a low hit from Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd, who held on to Herbert’s leg and turned him down awkwardly.

As Shepherd was pulling down on Herbert by his leg while on the ground, Bozeman leaped into him on the ground and piled on Shepherd.

“It was probably one of the dirtier plays I’ve ever seen,” Bozeman said about the incident, “especially with my own eyes. I think the ball’s gone two, three seconds, and he’s still gator-rolling. He’s on the ground; he’s still gator-rolling. You protect your quarterback. You protect your quarterback no matter what. I think any of our offensive linemen who were in that position would have done the exact, same thing. I had to get him off of him, and I did.”

Shepherd was also given an unnecessary roughness penalty, which offset and negated a 10-yard play. But Herbert responded with a 15-yard pass en route to a 15-play, 90-yard touchdown drive.

“I appreciated what he did,” Herbert said. “I tried to pull him off so we wouldn’t have any penalties called, but to have a guy like that defending you, there’s no better feeling.”

Social media reacts to Chargers’ win over the Saints

Here is how the general population reacted to the Chargers’ win over the Saints, with many heaping praise on Ladd McConkey’s big performance.

The Chargers defeated the Saints on Sunday.

The Bolts are now 4-3.

Here’s how social media reacted to the Week 8 game:

Top 5 burning questions Chargers must answer after Week 5 bye

The Chargers have some things to fix during the Week 5 bye. In the meantime, Jim Harbaugh has some questions to answer about his team.

The Chargers have a lot to figure out during their Week 5, something that Jim Harbaugh acknowledged after the team’s loss to the Chiefs on Sunday. The first-year head coach mentioned that they would use the bye week as a time for improvement rather than rest.

There are a lot of questions to be answered, particularly after they have lost the last two games.

How healthy will Justin Herbert for the rest of 2024?

The truth is, no one may know the true answer to this question. He’s played through several injuries in his career, but this season, it’s limited him more than ever. It forced him to leave the team’s Week 3 contest, but he was able to return and start in Week 4.

The early season bye week specifically helps Herbert in a big way and will hopefully help heal him up. Without a fully healthy Herbert, the upside of this offense is significantly limited. He’s thrown for just 578 yards on the season, which is on pace to be the worst statistical season in his career by a wide margin.

Will the interior offensive line hold back the team’s running game?

We know just how elite the Chargers’ tackle duo is, but the interior part of the line remains a concern. Specifically, center Bradley Bozeman has been less than stellar through four weeks. The team’s running game has slowed down significantly in the last two games, albeit each of which came against elite defenses.

Still, Jim Harbaugh’s squad needs to return to their ways in that aspect of the game. The right guard spot with Trey Pipkins III has been an issue as well, which has led to opposing defensive lines exposing the Chargers. If things don’t improve, Los Angeles will have to find reinforcements at these spots along the line.

Will anyone step up in the tight end room?

The easy answer to this would be no. Based on the opening few weeks, there’s nothing that would suggest that this will change. It was seen as a weakness of this team before the season, and the two veterans that were signed this offseason haven’t provided much of a spark. Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst have combined for just 15 catches and 144 yards without a touchdown.

Can they make the playoffs with an underwhelming cast of weapons?

This was arguably the most significant question heading into the season, and the first few weeks didn’t answer much. Quentin Johnston has shown some improvements, but the offense remains underwhelming overall.

That’s been due to a few different factors, but the Chargers lack top-end talent at the wide receiver and tight end positions. Rookie Ladd McConkey leads the team in catches (15) and receiving yards (176). The team lacks a true No. 1 wideout, which should be the top priority for general manager Joe Hortiz next offseason.

Who will continue to build off the first four weeks of season?

Through the first month of the season, a few players have stood out in impressive fashion for the Chargers. Most notably, guys like J.K. Dobbins, Quentin Johnston, Daiyan Henley, and Kristian Fulton have been the most surprising standouts.

They have all shown vast improvements from last season, which has helped the team be more competitive than some may have thought they would be. Coach Harbaugh will need more of the same from these guys if the team wants to make a run at the playoffs.

J.K. Dobbins runs wild in his Chargers debut

J.K. Dobbins provided the offensive spark.

J.K. Dobbins’ professional career hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows.

In 2021, Dobbins tore his ACL in the preseason. In 2022, he played just eight games due to knee injuries. Last season, Dobbins suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1.

Dobbins left the Ravens and joined the Chargers for a fresh start and to dispel the injury concerns. And in his debut in the powder blues, the 25-year-old running back looked like he returned to form.

Dobbins rushed for 135 yards and a touchdown on ten carries.

“Thank you to my O-line, they blocked really well for me,” Dobbins said, per the team’s official website. “Thank you to all my teammates for blocking for me and thank you to the defense for having our backs in the first half.”

Dobbins’ first big run went for 46 yards early in the third quarter. Bradley Bozeman and Rashawn Slater sealed their blocks. Zion Johnson got to the second level and took away the linebacker. Dobbins broke a tackle along the way before being tackled.

A couple of offensive possessions later, Dobbins found the end zone from 12 yards out for the Chargers’ first touchdown of the season.

“[Divine] Deablo hit my leg as I came through the whole and we always preach keep your legs up,” Dobbins said about his touchdown run. “That’s what I did, went back to my training and it was a touchdown.”

Later in the fourth quarter, Dobbins broke loose for a 61-yard gain. He found a hole between Slater and Johnson. It was all open grass before being brought down. A few plays later, the Chargers scored the game-sealing touchdown.

Despite the strong performance, Dobbins knows that it’s just one game and has to keep working to build off it.

“It felt good, it felt really good. But now, I’m going to get ready for next week,” Dobbins said. “I’m the type of guy that cool had a good game, go back to the drawing board and let’s get better.”

“Like I keep saying, I got to get in shape. I got to finish those runs like I used to, and I will. I’m going to make sure I fix it so I can do what I’m capable of doing,” he added.

Bradley Bozeman speaks on transition to LA, playing for the Harbaugh brothers and Greg Roman

The transition for Bradley Bozeman should be seamless.

Chargers center Bradley Bozeman shared his thoughts on coming to Los Angeles and playing under a new coaching staff, specifically head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. 

“It’s been really good jumping into this offense and be able to really lock it down,” Bozeman said. “Things are different here but in the best of ways possible. We’re grinding, we’re working hard and we’re doing things the right way. 

That’s going to pay off this season. I’ve just enjoyed everything we’ve done. I’ve been a part of systems where your offseason is a little smoother and they aren’t as hard but then it doesn’t pay off in the season. You really get out what you put into it and we’ve put in a lot of really good work.”

Although he’s in a new city, Bozeman is familiar with his offensive coordinator as well as the Harbaugh philosophy, thanks to his time playing with the Ravens, where he spent the first four seasons of his career. 

“I played under G-Ro for four years in Baltimore so I know what he’s about and what he likes to do,” Bozeman said. “I have familiarity with [Chargers offensive line coach Mike] Devlin and a bunch of the coaches over here. 

And I know what the Harbaugh family is about and how hard-nosed they are and how they are winners. I want to win a Super Bowl and do a lot of really great things. We’re only given a sliver of time to play football and I want to maximize my opportunity.”

Bozeman exudes the mentality of every player on the team—get a ring. This is no surprise since he’s played under a Harbaugh already. 

“I know that Jim played the game at a professional level so maybe some of the viewpoints change a little. But other than that, I think they’re both great coaches. I’m excited to have played under both of them and are excited to see what we can do this season.”

If it wasn’t clear before, it definitely is: Bozeman is a good fit for the Bolts because he understands the Harbaugh philosophy and Roman’s offensive scheme. 

Projecting the Chargers’ offensive line depth chart in 2024

Taking a crack at projecting what the Los Angeles Chargers offensive line room will look like entering the 2024 season.

Over the next few weeks ahead of training camp, I will continue to break down the depth chart for each Chargers position.

Quarterback

Running back

Wide receiver

Tight end

Next, I project what the offensive line room will look like heading into the 2024 season.

LT: Rashawn Slater

After missing most of the 2022 season with a torn biceps, Slater returned and started all regular-season games in 2023. Upon returning to the field, he was prolific in the pass-blocking department, allowing just three sacks and 38 pressures on 726 pass-block snaps. Along with continuing to be a dominant force at protecting Justin Herbert’s blindside, it’s imperative that he returns to form as a run blocker, something he was sharp at in his first season when he was named Second-Team All-Pro, especially as the offense will take a run-heavy approach.

LG: Zion Johnson

Selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, Johnson has yet to live up to his billing. This was even after he transitioned from right guard to left guard, the position he flourished in college. Johnson has the tools to be a dominant interior offensive lineman, so it’s a matter of whether it can materialize with the new coaching.

C: Bradley Bozeman

With Corey Linsley headed toward retirement due to medical issues, the Chargers needed a starting center, so they sought Bozeman to fill that void. With the Bolts emphasizing the running game, Bozeman’s strength is paving the way on the ground. His 71.6 run-blocking grade since 2021 is 11th among all Centers over that period.

RG: Trey Pipkins

After starting at right tackle the past two seasons, Pipkins is kicking inside to guard following the selection of Joe Alt with the No. 5 overall pick in April’s draft. Even though he is likely to be named the starter, Pipkins will have to compete with the starter at the position from this past season, Jamaree Salyer. Pipkins offers the size, length, athleticism and football IQ, but will the transition to the interior be smooth for him?

RT: Joe Alt

Alt was selected with the No. 5 overall pick. Despite never playing the right tackle position, he is a polished and physical lineman with great size/length, overall technique, and strength. Alt’s services will benefit Justin Herbert, who has been one of the most pressured quarterbacks since entering the league in 2020. He will also improve the ground game by being used in different blocking concepts.

Jamaree Salyer

Brenden Jaimes

Jordan McFadden

Alex Leatherwood

I have Leatherwood beating out Foster Sarell. Leatherwood played right tackle with the second team during mandatory minicamp and offers versatility as a tackle or guard.

Jim Harbaugh bullish on Chargers offensive line

The Chargers want to run the ball at a high level and it all starts up front in the trenches.

The Chargers have undergone quite the transformation, but when it comes to matters on the field, the offensive line is the unit that is amidst quite the redesign. 

Jim Harbaugh made it clear that he wanted the Bolts to be a physical football team. Once offensive coordinator Greg Roman came to Los Angeles, he also made it clear that the Chargers were going to be a team that could run the ball with gumption. 

Just a few weeks before training camp in July, the Chargers’ running game coordinator and tight ends coach echoed Harbaugh and Roman with his insight on the offensive line’s current status. 

“This is going to be an O-line-centric building,” Bischoff said. “When it comes to our strength program, it’s built around the O-line. Everybody else fall in line.

“Some people don’t value offensive linemen. We do,” Bischoff added. “That will be shown in how we approach everything — from how we stretch to how we lift, to how we run the ball, to how we protect. This is a place where O-linemen are going to want to come and play because it’s an O-line-centric space.”

The Chargers stuck to their guns and drafted the best offensive tackle available in Joe Alt in April. The Bolts also added veteran center Bradley Bozeman in free agency.

It’s clear the Bolts mean business and are looking for a more versatile offense this season. 

From left to right, Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bozeman, Trey Pipkins III and Alt have made up the starting squad. 

“Not having a weak link is critical,” Harbaugh said. “I think we’re trending to really having a top-to-bottom outstanding offensive line.”

There have been a few position changes including Alt moving to right tackle and Pipkins switching to guard. 

“Whether it’s guard, whether it’s tackle, you can rely on him to be whatever we need him to be,” Justin Herbert said of his teammate Pipkins. “He’s done such a great job with that, especially in the weight room.

“His commitment, his leadership, the guy he is in the locker room, we’re glad to have guys like him on the team,” Herbert added.

The Chargers coaches have certainly built high hopes for this year’s offensive line. They are crucial to the offense’s functionality, and it’s common knowledge that any winning team in the NFL can run the ball well. 

“I can’t speak highly enough of how those guys are working,” Roman said. “You can start to visualize some things you can do with those guys.

“They’re very versatile, very good athletes, they pull well, they can come off the ball and knock people back,” Roman added. “They can go reach people. We’re really excited about that group.”

Former Panthers WR DJ Chark reportedly signing with Chargers

Former Panthers WR DJ Chark is about to swim out west.

Do you think Bradley Bozeman and Hayden Hurst might’ve put a good word in for an old Carolina Panthers teammate?

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, receiver DJ Chark is set to sign with the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million. The 27-year-old wideout played the 2023 campaign in Carolina.

Prior to landing in the Queen City, Chark spent his first four NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A second-round pick from the 2018 draft, the LSU product went on to amass 147 receptions for 2,042 yards and 15 touchdowns over 43 games in Duval.

Chark then signed on with the Detroit Lions in 2022, where he caught 30 balls for 502 yards and three scores over just 11 outings.

The Panthers reeled in Chark last March, to the tune of a one-year, $5 million pact. He appeared in 15 games for Carolina—totaling 11 starts, 35 catches, 66 targets, 525 receiving yards (second-most on the team) and five touchdowns.

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Former Panthers WR DJ Chark reportedly visits Chargers

The Chargers are reportedly trying to zero in on yet another former Panther.

Bradley Bozeman and Hayden Hurst might have themselves from familiar company out west pretty soon.

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, wideout DJ Chark visited the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday. The former Pro Bowler spent the 2023 campaign as a member of the Carolina Panthers.

Prior to landing in the Queen City for a year, Chark spent four of his NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A second-round pick from the 2018 draft, the Louisiana State University product went on to amass 147 receptions for 2,042 yards and 15 touchdowns over 43 games in Duval.

Chark then signed on with the Detroit Lions in 2022. His lone season there resulted in just 11 outings, in which he caught 30 balls for 502 yards and three scores.

The Panthers reeled in Chark last March, to the tune of a one-year, $5 million pact. He appeared in 15 games for Carolina—totaling 11 starts, 35 catches, 66 targets, 525 receiving yards (second-most on the team) and five touchdowns.

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Jersey numbers for Chargers’ free agent signings

Here’s a look at the numbers new players will wear in 2024.

The Chargers signed a few free agents over the course of the past few weeks, and now we know what numbers they will wear.

Here’s a look at the numbers new players will wear in 2024 and number changes for players on the roster.

Gus Edwards: 4

TE Will Dissly: 81

TE Hayden Hurst: 88

LB Troy Dye: 43

C Bradley Bozeman: 75

DL CJ Okoye: 69 (Number change)