Tag: Chargers training camp

Chargers’ JT Woods showing signs of progress ahead of sophomore season

The Chargers are confident in JT Woods, who enters Year 2 with a bigger role.

After a rough rookie season, the Chargers are expecting a full rebound from safety JT Woods.

Woods, a third-round pick in 2022, was taken to play him as the deep safety to allow Derwin James to move all over the field. But that never came to fruition. Woods struggled in his limited snaps, particularly as a tackler.

With James and Alohi Gilman slated to be the starting safeties, Woods is the third safety coming on in dime (six defensive back) packages, and he will be relied upon to patrol the back end of the defense.

As he enters his sophomore season, Woods has made some strides to be a reliable piece in the secondary, recently posting a pair of passes defended in practice this past weekend.

Making plays is not anything out of the norm for Woods. In his senior season at Baylor, he was tied for the most interceptions in the NCAA (5).

He made those plays with his physical profile at 6-foot-2 with a long wingspan and speed and athleticism to close in on the football. That was backed up by running a 4.3 40-yard dash at the combine.

While he’s always been a playmaker against the pass, against the run is where Woods has struggled, whether it’s being unable to finish and bring ball carriers down or taking bad angles.

With a bigger responsibility set in Year 2, Woods needs to put forth his best effort into improving in this department. And it’s up to head coach Brandon Staley, defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley and defensive backs coach Tommy Donatell to unlock the young safety’s potential.

Rookie Tuli Tuipulotu impresses in Chargers’ intrasquad scrimmage

The Chargers’ second round pick had a pair of sacks on Sunday.

First-round pick wide receiver Quentin Johnston has been generating all of the buzz among this year’s Chargers’ draft class. But second-round selection edge defender Tuli Tuipulotu is starting to raise some eyebrows.

Los Angeles held their padded intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday, which was 11-on-11 action—full live-game speed and scenarios. And Tuipulotu was among the standouts on the defensive side of the ball.

Tuipulotu had a pair of would-be sacks.

The first came against tackle Brenden Jaimes, as Tuipulotu quickly reacted to the snap and accelerated to get into the backfield.

The second occurred on a play-action play, where guard Zion Johnson was late to pull and Tuipulotu won again with athleticism to beat him and get into the lap of quarterback Justin Herbert.

“I think he’s got the quickness and the strong hands,” head coach Brandon Staley said of Tuipulotu. “Instinctive. He’s a sponge out there so he learns the game really fast. He’s going to have a role for us.”

Tuipulotu is only 20, but his teammates feel like he is way ahead of his years regarding his football intelligence, including Joey Bosa.

Despite his young age, Tuipulotu, last year’s leader in sacks, is expected to contribute as a rotational pass rusher in Year 1. The reps he gets over the next few weeks in the preseason will be valuable to get ready.

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.