Tag: Chargers training camp

Sights and sounds from Chargers training camp: Days 3 & 4

Some footage from Chargers training camp on Friday and Saturday.

The Chargers continued training camp on Friday and Saturday at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA.

Training camp can be attended for free if you are able to snag some tickets here, but if you’re unable to attend, you will still be informed of all the action throughout the course of it.

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

Chargers LB Kyzir White gives glimpse of play-making potential in new defense

Kyzir White will benefit immensely from Brandon Staley’s defense.

Since being drafted in 2018, Chargers linebacker Kyzir White has been lost in the shuffle, whether that be due to injuries that hampered him in the early years of his professional career or playing in a limited role.

However, last year marked the first time White got a fair shot, starting in 10 games in which he amassed 77 tackles, four tackles for loss and three passes defensed.

Heading into the final year of his contract, White could experience his best season to date, with head coach Brandon Staley, who’s proven at getting the most out of his defenders, leading the charge.

At training camp, White has been putting on quite the show, especially on Friday. The 24-year old was stout against the pass and run, and that included a few passes defensed and a pick-6 on quarterback Easton Stick.

Having been a safety in college, White’s versatility will pay dividends, given the fact that Staley’s system revolves around players with multi-dimensional skillsets.

White has the ability to be flexed in the slot (Star) and fill a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money), showing the prowess to cover tight ends and play the run at a high level.

“As you’re seeing the way the NFL game is now, you need guys that can run in the second level. So the way he plays, he can move like a safety, but he hits like a linebacker,” Staley said about White.

Thus far, White has been rotating with the first-team inside linebackers along with Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill.

Chargers rookie Chris Rumph II worked out with one of NFL’s best pass rushers in offseason

Chris Rumph II is a student of the game.

Upon being drafted by the Chargers, edge defender Chris Rumph II wasted no time to begin working on his craft to make the transition from college to the NFL.

According to head coach Brandon Staley, Rumph turned to Bears star pass rusher Khalil Mack to workout with prior to the start of training camp.

During his time as the outside linebackers coach with Chicago, Staley had a big impact on Mack’s game.

Staley added that he’s been impressed with Rumph, but he wants him to continue to gain weight.

Adding mass will be vital to his development in this league, but despite being undersized to league’s standards at the moment, Rumph’s knack for living in opposing backfields on a consistent basis should still be put to good use.

Rumph has an excellent feel for getting heat on the quarterback with pure athleticism, explosiveness, length and body flexibility.

Rumph won’t surpass Joey Bosa, Uchenna Nwosu or Kyler Fackrell in snaps, but he should still have a role as a situational pass rusher where he will be used on twists and stunts to get home.

Given the success that Staley has had with players at the position coupled with his current skillset and upside, Rumph should see some production in his rookie season.

Chargers training camp: WR Tyron Johnson picking up where he left off

Chargers WR Tyron Johnson has the opportunity to be a top pass-catching option this season.

Chargers wide receiver Tyron Johnson emerged as one of the team’s top pass-catching options last season, averaging 19.9 yards per carry.

With an opportunity to see an uptick in targets this upcoming season, Johnson has continued to raise some eyebrows in the early going of training camp.

Today, he and quarterback Justin Herbert connected for a 70-yard touchdown, something similar to last year, as four of his first five receptions in went for 50 yards or more.

This season, Johnson’s skill set coupled with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s philosophy of enforcing different personnel packages depending on the defenses they’re facing, could lead to high production.

When the team wants speed and a sound route-runner on the field, Johnson is their guy.

With that being said, Johnson has the opportunity to become heavily targeted in 2021 after having a full season and offseason together, and it’s good to see the two picking up where they left off.

Sights and sounds from Chargers training camp: Day 2

Some footage from Day 2 of Chargers training camp.

The Chargers continued training camp on Thursday at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA.

Training camp can be attended for free if you are able to snag some tickets here, but if you’re unable to attend, you will still be informed of all the action throughout the course of it.

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

Chargers rookie safety Mark Webb makes early impression

The former Georgia product is looking to earn some playing time in his rookie season.

The first interception of Chargers training camp goes to…..seventh-round pick Mark Webb.

Webb, the rookie out of Georgia, picked off quarterback Easton Stick during 7-on-7 Thursday.

Webb’s physical mentality and tackling ability make him a special teams ace from Day 1, but like I’ve said, don’t be surprised to see him make an impact on defense early on in his career.

His versatility, high football IQ and traits in coverage and against the run should serve him well in the secondary, whether that be in the deep parts of the fields, as a dimebacker or lined up in the slot.

Based on his showing on just the second day of camp, Webb is trending towards carving up a role this season.

Chargers’ Justin Herbert, Jared Cook building strong connection

Jared Cook is establishing himself as one of Justin Herbert’s go-to targets.

Last season, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert heavily targeted tight end Hunter Henry. Despite no longer being a part of the team, Herbert appears to be building a solid connection with Henry’s replacement, veteran Jared Cook.

Through two days at camp, Herbert has found Cook on multiple occasions during team drills. Yesterday, the two connected twice. Today, Herbert hit Cook for a 50+ yard touchdown pass.

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is not surprised they have already started intertwine with one another.

“Jared’s a very easy guy to throw to,” Lombardi said.

Cook spent the last two seasons with the Saints alongside Lombardi, who served the quarterbacks coach then. He had 80 catches for 1,209 yards and 16 touchdowns.

This season, Cook will provide a big frame in the middle of the field and in the red zone for Herbert. Given his familiarity with the offense and how much tight ends are catered to, Cook should some a high volume of targets.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert responds to Patrick Mahomes’ comment

Stay classy, Justin Herbert.

Last week, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sparked social media with his comment in regards to Chargers QB Justin Herbert after a spectator in attendance at the golf tournament heckled to watch out for the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Mahomes responded with: “I’ll see it when I believe it.” Days later, he cleared it up by saying he was only messing with the fanbase, adding that he has a ton of respect for Herbert.

At media availability on Monday, Herbert was asked what he thought about what Mahomes had said, and he responded in the classiest way possible.

“I think it’s pretty cool that Patrick Mahomes knows who I am,” Herbert said. “I’m cool with it. I have such great respect for what he’s been able to do, and I’ve watched him so much.”

Last season in an unexpected start in Week 2, Herbert still managed to take the Chiefs to overtime, where he put up quite the performance with 311 passing yards and two total touchdowns.

That was the game where a star was born.

In 15 games, Herbert set new NFL rookie records with 31 passing touchdowns and 396 completions. He became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 30 touchdowns. He also led all rookies in passing yards (4,336) and completion percentage (66.6%).

The rivalry between Herbert and Mahomes should be a sight to see for years to come. The two meet up next in Week 3 on the road at Arrowhead Stadium.

Chargers HC Brandon Staley lauds linebacker group

Kenneth Murray, Drue Tranquill and Kyzir White form a solid second-level trio.

Most teams have one solid linebacker. Some have two. But very few have three that can be counted on to step on the field and perform at a high level.

The Chargers fall under the latter, having a dominant trio made up of Kenneth Murray, Drue Tranquill and Kyzir White.

Today at media availability, head coach Brandon Staley was asked about the position and he went on to call it a “strength of this football team,” adding that Murray, Tranquill and White have all played “winning football.”

In Staley’s defense, all three players will have roles that should benefit that side of the ball, given the fact that their responsibilities will cater to their strengths.

For Murray, he will be tasked with playing more downhill by using his speed and physicality to shine against the run and as a blitzer.

Tranquill’s intelligence, communication skills and high level of play as a run defender and coverage player will pay dividends at the second level.

White has the versatility to be flexed in the slot (Star) and fill a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money), with his ability to cover tight ends and support the run.

Given how much success Staley had with the Rams linebackers last season, I see big years from the three in this new scheme.

Situating the Chargers secondary: Brandon Facyson sees field as starting outside cornerback

Brandon Facyson has the early advantage over Asante Samuel Jr.

The Chargers drafted Asante Samuel Jr. in the second-round, but that doesn’t mean the rookie will be without competition.

Entering Year 4, Brandon Facyson will be pushing Samuel for the starting boundary corner opposite Michael Davis when the team deploys a dime or nickel look, which is the majority of the time in Brandon Staley’s defense.

Through one day of practice, Facyson has the early advantage, as he was manning the outside with the first team when Chris Harris Jr. was in the slot.

This alignment mirrors the one all throughout minicamp and OTAs.  Throughout the spring, the coaches had high praise for Facyson.

Up to this point in his career, Facyson has primarily been used as a reserve corner and primary special teamer, only making four starts in 44 games.

While his professional resume is limited, the coaching staff is appealed by Facyson’s athleticism, measurements and experience in a variety of techniques and coverages and in run support, and they believe his game can be maximized in the new system.

As for Samuel, he has only been a pro for a few months and he is still getting acclimated to the transition from the college level.

There are 16 practices and a three-game preseason slate left, so it’s anyone’s spot to win still. But in the early going, the staff appears to favoring Facyson’s potential in that role.