Tag: Chargers training camp

Sights and sounds from Chargers training camp: Day 9, intrasquad scrimmage

A quick roundup of the highlights from Day 9 of Chargers training camp.

The Chargers continued training camp on Saturday at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA, marking Day 9 and the team’s intrasquad scrimmage.

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 courtesy of media members and fans in attendance.

Sights and sounds from Chargers training camp: Day 8

A quick roundup of the highlights from Day 8 of Chargers training camp.

The Chargers continued training camp on Saturday at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA, marking Day 8.

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 courtesy of media members and fans in attendance.

 

Morgan Fox talks Chargers’ emphasis on improving run defense

The Chargers finished bottom of the barrel at defending the run last season.

One of the areas the Chargers are looking to improve is defending the run.

Los Angeles finished bottom of the barrel in run defense last season, allowing 5.4 yards per carry (most in the NFL).

It starts in training camp, where Kellen Moore’s offense has challenged Brandon Staley’s defense.

Defensive tackle Morgan Fox, who was re-signed this offseason after a great season with the Bolts, emphasized the tasks at hand for the defensive unit.

“It’s tough,” Fox said. “They do a lot of stuff that messes with certain rules, and they move around a lot, they let [Justin] Herbert throw his arm and do what they do and get the running backs open get them moving.

“They have a great run game and mechanics,” Fox added. “It’s been a challenge every day, but it’s a good challenge. Everyone says iron sharpens iron and we’ve definitely been getting better.”

Staley made a point to bolster the run defense with last offseason’s additions of Fox, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson and Otito Ogbonnia. However, Johnson and Ogbonnia’s seasons were cut short after sustaining injuries.

Those losses made L.A. more susceptible to big gains up the middle of the defense. But the issues did not just stem from there. After the loss of Joey Bosa in Week 3, opposing running backs were having plenty of success with carries on the outside.

Additionally, players at the second and third levels of the defense struggled a good amount at tackling in open space.

The Chargers have been hard at work to get better in this department, and it’ll help to get back these players that were out last season from their respective injuries, as well as the addition of veteran Eric Kendricks in the middle of the defense.

“I think our dedication to improving it is definitely starting to show through,” Fox said. “Guys are communicating really well when it comes to our adjustments in the run game, taking on the mentality of being more physical, being more sound and understanding where they fit within the defense.

“That has been a huge point of emphasis for everyone; understand where you fit in the scheme,” Fox added. “I think guys have really emphasized and taken it as a point of pride to improve that.”

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.

Chargers’ Josh Palmer making sure he’s not forgotten in top-heavy wide receiver room

Chargers WR Josh Palmer made a spectacular catch at training camp.

Heading into the season, the Chargers’ wide receiver room is headlined by veterans Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and first-round pick Quentin Johnston, while third-year Josh Palmer has been overshadowed by them.

During Tuesday’s practice, Palmer made a spectacular play with a leaping, one-handed catch with Asante Samuel Jr. in coverage in a one-on-one drill, reminding everyone that he’s just as important to the positional group.

“We feel like Josh is an elite player,” Brandon Staley said. “Our entire coaching staff will tell you the same. Through two years, he’s done a lot for us. Last year, over 70 catches. He’s a very complete receiver. You can line him up anywhere. He’s outstanding in the release game. He’s very strong.”

Last season, Los Angeles spent a good chunk of time without Allen and Williams due to their respective injuries. That led to Justin Herbert relying on other targets. Palmer seized his opportunities.

Palmer finished with 72 receptions for 769 yards. Weeks 9 and 11 were his most prominent games, amassing 106 receiving yards in each contest. He ended up establishing himself as a reliable target for Herbert.

“There’s a trust factor,” Staley said. “Justin will wait for him. Justin now knows where he can hit Josh in that sweet spot. Josh is a very, very complete player and he is a weapon and we’re excited to have him.”

Despite being No. 4 on the depth chart after the pick of Johnston, Palmer is not phased and he’s eager to be a significant contributor when his name is called this season.

“I feel like he’s got the same motivation,” Williams said. “Just to be in this league, you’ve got to be motivated. Show up every day, put the work in if you want to stay in this league. So, I feel like he’s always been motivated.”

Palmer’s target share will likely take a slight dip. Still, he is one injury away from resuming a more prominent role. Looking beyond 2023, if Allen or Williams isn’t back, Palmer should be a starter.

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.

Projecting the Chargers’ safety depth chart in 2023

Here is what the Chargers’ safety 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 safety room could look like heading into August:

Derwin James Jr.

James will continue to be the heartbeat of the Chargers’ defense this season. Coming off of an impressive year, James solidified himself as the top safety in the league – a title given to him by fellow players, analysts, media, and journalists alike. He will play wherever needed and act as a versatile defensive back, holding the secondary together.

Alohi Gilman

The second starting safety spot is currently Gilman’s. After the retirement of Nasir Adderley this off-season, he slid into the role and remains there as JT Woods continues to develop. Gilman pulled off some impressive plays last season but also had a few dreadful hiccups. With no other option for the No. 2 role behind James, Gilman will be required to step up and show out all season long.

JT Woods

After a rough first season in the NFL, Woods continues to learn and grow behind James and Gilman. The coaching staff still has faith in Woods’ abilities and his physicality as a tackler.

Raheem Layne

Layne served as a depth piece in 2022, having been activated from the practice squad on several occasions. He was primarily a special teams ace last season. This season, Layne has the opportunity to solidify a roster spot but will be competing for this position with Mark Webb and undrafted free agent AJ Finley. Ultimately, I think Layne wins the job.

Sights and sounds from Chargers training camp: Day 5

A quick roundup of the highlights from Day 5 of Chargers training camp.

The Chargers continued training camp on Tuesday at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA, marking the fifth day.

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 OT Rashawn Slater ready to roll after season-ending injury

The Chargers will benefit immensely from the return of their star left tackle.

After one of the best rookie seasons by an offensive tackle, Rashawn Slater was set for a sensational sophomore campaign. Unfortunately, it was cut short by a torn biceps injury that he suffered in Week 3 against the Jaguars.

Slater missed 15 games in total, including the playoff.

Ten months later, fully healthy, Slater is ready to roll and return to his dominant ways. But now

“I definitely want to be like the best version of myself,” Slater said. “I think I’ve improved as a player since then, just in the way that I see the game and in my technique. I definitely think there was a lot to improve upon that year.

“I don’t anticipate taking any steps back, that’s for sure,” Slater added. “The nice thing about this is that it healed up really well, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”

Slater, the No. 13 overall selection of the 2021 NFL draft, allowed only 26 pressures and four sacks on 752 pass-block snaps while imposing will in the run game in Year 1. He was named a Pro Bowler and earned Second-Team All-Pro.

As Slater prepares to return to live-game action, he’s benefited from going up against the dynamic duo of edge defenders Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack in training camp as the team is now in pads.

“I take away a lot from those like. Joey and Khalil, they’re so smart in the way they play off of O-linemen,” Slater said. “Every training camp it’s like, if you have just one little mistake in your technique here, they’re going to find a way to exploit that. They really keep you honest.”

“The margin for error is so small, I think it really teaches you quickly what you’re doing wrong and what you need to fix because once they see something, it’s over,” Slater added. “They take advantage of it so well.”

Slater will be a key cog in what is arguably the most complete offensive line that the Chargers have had in many years.

Jamaree Salyer, who started in place of Slater last season, will be the starter at right guard, while Zion Johnson moves over to left guard. They also return center Corey Linsley and right tackle Trey Pipkins, who re-signed on a three-year deal.

Chargers WR John Hightower making his presence felt in training camp

Chargers WR John Hightower had another banner day at training camp on Monday.

Chargers wide receiver John Hightower had another banner day at training camp on Monday. Hightower recorded two touchdowns in seven-on-seven drills and added another score late in practice as the team worked in 11-on-11s.

For the past week, the former Eagle and Boise State product has been one of the top producers in camp to this point. Hightower also got quite the attention and shine while working with Justin Herbert.

Now it’s worth pointing out that early training camp stock ups and downs should be taken with a grain of salt. The first week may not have any impact on how the rest of the process plays out. But Hightower’s performance to this point is noteworthy considering the absence of Jalen Guyton. Guyton was placed on the PUP list along with Otito Ogbonnia and Austin Johnson prior to the first day of practice.

As far as the Chargers’ wide receivers currently behind Guyton, Hightower has the skill set that is the most comparable. He ran a 4.43 at his NFL combine and has shown his ability to get behind defenders in the pros.

How Guyton’s recovery tracks could go a long way into whether or not Hightower has a chance to see the field. If Guyton were to remain on the PUP list going into the season, he’d have to miss the Chargers’ first four games going into the BYE week. While we’re not sure of his condition and recovery quite yet, it’s possible that giving the former North Texas star some extra rest could be under consideration with the early BYE.

The Chargers’ first five receivers are set with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer, and returner Derius Davis. If Guyton does return early enough in camp, his institutional knowledge and connection with Herbert should lock down his roster spot. But Hightower’s initial performance in early training camp could prove critical if Guyton needs more time in his recovery.