Tag: chargers camp

What to watch for during Chargers 2023 training camp

Here are some of the biggest things to watch as Chargers training camp is a month away.

The Chargers are just one month out from training camp, and there’s been a lot of hype from the media and fans about what this team’s upcoming season could look like.

Here are some things to watch for if you’re heading out to Costa Mesa – or if you’re watching the stream of videos that will undoubtedly appear on Twitter this July.

More deep shots and 20+ yard passes from QB Justin Herbert

The Chargers closed portion of practice will be where the team continues to hammer out Kellen Moore’s new scheme. But in the open portions, we can expect to see Justin Herbert executing some more exciting plays and passes to new WR target Quentin Johnston as well as returning WRs Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Joshua Palmer and Jalen Guyton. It is most likely that Herbert’s deep shots this season will go to his favorite deep targets, Williams and Guyton, over guys like Allen and Palmer. But the addition of Johnston will add more depth and yards after the catch to the scheme that the Bolts have been desperately missing over the past several seasons.

The return Joshua Palmer

Palmer has been sidelined this off-season with an injury and was unable to participate in minicamp. This triggered much speculation from media and fans about what his status could be for the season – if Johnston or Guyton would end up taking on heavier roles with Palmer’s growth potentially being stunted. Brandon Staley and the Chargers both assured Senior Writer Eric Smith that Palmer would still be a big part of their offense and add much-needed depth to the team. Palmer is expected to be a full participant in training camp this summer, so we’ll finally get to see just how Kellen Moore is planning to use him in the new scheme.

Cameron Dicker practicing as first-team kicker

Chargers kickers Dustin Hopkins and Cameron Dicker were facing off in minicamp this spring, competing for the starting kicker position on special teams. The Chargers officially named Cameron Dicker to the 53-man roster after minicamp came to its close. This bodes well for Cameron Dicker, but we will most likely still see Hopkins fighting for the position in the pre-season. If anything, the Chargers finally have more than one kicker to place their trust in when push comes to shove. Be on the watch for Dicker in training camp as he will be expected to have a near-perfect kicking streak when it matters most.

The Chargers cornerback room

A large question mark for the Bolts this off-season was the status of their cornerback corps. Since the return of JC Jackson this spring, that question mark has been somewhat lifted. With Jackson, Michael Davis, Asante Samuel Jr., Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, and Kemon Hall all named to the 53 man roster, the Chargers are opting to keep some extra depth in six players. This could be due to Jackson’s recovery process – a process that is going much quicker than many expected. Jackson’s injury is one of the worst to recover from, so it’s been incredible for fans and coaches to see just how much progress he has been making. So much so that he was in his helmet and running drills at minicamp. Jackson’s status at training camp will be something of note to watch. If the uncertainty around him remains then it would be likely that Davis would step into the No.  role after an explosive previous season. This will also be a great opportunity for second-year Taylor to show what he is capable of.

Projecting the Chargers’ running back depth chart in 2023

Projecting what the Los Angeles Chargers running back room will look like in the 2023 season.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will be breaking down the depth chart for each Chargers position.

Quarterback

Next up, I project what the running backs room will look like heading into the 2023 season.

Sebastian Joseph-Day describes Chargers’ offseason process with cogent cake analogy

Sebastian Joseph-Day broke down his offseason preparation with an excellent cake analogy.

Sebastian Joseph-Day has been a rock-solid contributor for the Chargers since signing with the team last year. A space eater in the middle of Los Angeles’ defense, Joseph-Day might not be the most widely recognized member of the roster, but his veteran presence plays a key role in keeping opposing offenses at bay.

Joseph-Day spoke to the media on Tuesday after practice, expounding on his preparation for the 2023 season. He gave reporters the broad strokes about his approach to preparation, specifically responding to a question about whether he “itches” for reps at practice.

Though he was unsure, he broke down his thought process in what could prove to be the best quote of the Chargers’ offseason.

“I mean, yes and no. The offseason is kind of like baking a cake,” the 300-pound lineman explained, mouth surely watered. “I know it’s a weird analogy, but you can’t skip one step. Each phase, at least with me and my training, you need to do this — you have to get the eggs, you have to [break] the yolk.

“It’s step-by-step. You have to put the baking soda in, you can’t take the cake out too soon. It’s step-by-step. The way I approach it, yeah, it would obviously but fun, but I’m year six in now. I really have a good schedule. I feel like a lot of vet guys have a good feel of how they ramp themselves up to make sure they’re peaking come August and July.”

Asked if he bakes many cakes after the cogent analogy landed with the press, Joseph-Day replied in the negative.

“No, but you know what? It just popped in my mind. After practice, I’m a little hungry, if you know what I’m saying.”

It is unclear if Joseph-Day secured himself some delectable baked goods after practice, but his explanation is sure to stick with fans like the glaze on a gateau.

QB Justin Herbert shines in first action in front Chargers fans at SoFi Stadium

Over 30,000 were in attendance to see the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Last year, the worldwide pandemic kept Chargers fans from experiencing at first hand quarterback Justin Herbert put together one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history.

At the team’s Fan Fest on Sunday, it marked the first time fans were able to witness the star signal-caller in person in Los Angeles’ new home, SoFi Stadium.

In front of over 30,000 in attendance, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year did not disappoint during the live-game situations that the coaching staff implemented.

Displaying incredible arm strength, talent and placement, Herbert connected with his array of weapons, which included touchdowns to wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and tight end Jared Cook.

Herbert also made sure to get the running backs, TE Donald Parham and WRs Jalen Guyton and Josh Palmer involved.

The team’s new and improved offensive line kept Herbert clean for the most part and Joe Lombardi’s play-calling had the offense churning all afternoon, even against Brandon Staley’s fearsome defense.

“It was a lot of fun,” Herbert said. We had a great time. It was just good to be back out there and, thank you to all of the fans that showed up and supported. It’s just good to be back to playing football. [Having the fans present] means everything to us, to see them line up and support us.”

It remains to be seen if the starters will play in the preseason opener against the Rams this Saturday but if they do, Herbert will be back in action at SoFi Stadium at 7:00 pm PT.

Updates to Chargers’ Corey Linsley, Kenneth Murray

The Chargers had a slight scare at practice on Sunday.

There was a couple of slight scares at SoFi Stadium during the Chargers training camp practice, as linebacker Kenneth Murray and center Corey Linsley both got banged up that had to be tended to by trainers.

Murray’s occurred when he was pushing tight end Jared Cook out of bounds. He appeared to roll his ankle and was walking gingerly afterwards. He remained on the sidelines the rest of practice.

Linsley, on the other hand, came up with a foot injury. He left the field with the team’s trainers and never returned to practice.

The good news is that both injuries are minor. Head coach Brandon Staley said they were pulled for precautionary reasons and that they would have likely played through it.

“We are being careful. If this is a ball game might be a different story,” Staley said.

Los Angeles does not practice on Monday, and it remains to be seen if they will on Tuesday.

Chargers’ Linval Joseph believes Corey Linsley will help him get another contract

The Chargers nose tackle is entering the final year of his deal.

As the saying goes, iron sharpens iron.

As the pads have officially come on at Chargers training camp, nose tackle Linval Joseph expressed what it’s like to be able to battle against All-Pro center Corey Linsley in the trenches.

“Oh, it’s been great, man. It’s been great. I feel like it may give me the opportunity to get another deal. I’m going to come out here every day. He’s going to give me his all, I’m going to give him my all.

Hopefully, I come out on top. He’s fast. He’s smart. I’m glad he’s on our team. I’ve played against him for six years in a row, twice a year, and we had some good battles,” Joseph said.

The Bolts signed Joseph last offseason to replace Brandon Mebane as the clog of the defense, which ended up paying dividends in 2020.

Playing 725 snaps this past season, which was nine shy of a career-high, Joseph not only contributed as someone who commanded double teams, but he made plays against the pass and run.

Moving like someone lighter than 329 pounds, Joseph finished with 62 tackles, 14 quarterback pressures, three tackles for loss and two QB hits.

Heading into this season, Joseph should not only benefit from being able to practice against one of the league’s best centers, but play in a system that will put him in favorable matchups to make plays.

If he produces like he did last season, the 32-year old should garner another contract next offseason. If not with Los Angeles, some other team would be happy to have him in their defensive line room.

Watch: Chargers players arrive at training camp

The boys are back in town.

The Chargers begin training camp tomorrow, but players started arriving at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA on Tuesday morning.

Quarterback Justin Herbert

Running back Austin Ekeler

Cornerback Chris Harris Jr.

Safety Derwin James

Wide receiver Keenan Allen

For more details, see the training camp schedule here.