Tag: Chargers training camp

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.

Sights and sounds from Chargers training camp: Day 4

A quick roundup of the highlights from Day 4 of Chargers training camp.

The Chargers continued training camp on Monday at Jack Hammett Sports Complex in Costa Mesa, CA, marking the fourth day of it and the first day in pads.

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’ Brandon Staley wants to get Keenan Allen more involved on early downs

Chargers HC Brandon Staley suggested he wants Keenan Allen involved on early downs more often.

Head coach Brandon Staley spoke about how wide receiver Keenan Allen has been performing at training camp so far.

“He’s been so consistent. I think for Kellen (Moore), who’s worked with a lot of good guys, he’s that guy that you know is gonna be able to get open no matter what the situation. He’s been a great mentor for the young receivers. He’s still making plays at a high level, he’s still able to get the separation.”‘

None of what Staley said should come as a surprise considering how well Allen’s game and route-running prowess have aged as he enters his 11th NFL season. What was interesting to hear from Staley though were his thoughts on Allen’s usage situationally.

You guys know what a big threat he is on 3rd down, but I think on early downs we’re trying to get him going a little more than he has been in years past.

For reference, Allen’s third-down production relative to first and second down was decently higher under former offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi relative to the rest of his career. Comparing it to the year he had under former OC Shane Steichen yielded interesting results:

Perhaps a 5.1% uptick in Allen’s production on money downs doesn’t sound terribly significant, but keep in mind that the Chargers led the league in third down attempts in 2022. Becoming more predictable on third down while simultaneously facing most of those situations in the league isn’t sustainable.

Using Allen more regularly on early downs while mixing in more of Mike Williams or Quentin Johnston on later downs could make the offense a lot more versatile. Moore having Williams working out of the slot to seek out mismatches could play into exactly what Staley’s said about Allen’s usage.

When asked about who the third receiver was on the roster last week, Moore replied that the Chargers have “four starters” in this league, referring to Allen, Williams, Johnston, and Joshua Palmer. Considering what we’ve seen in camp so far and heard from the coaches, that statement seems to be indicative of the Chargers wanting to be multiple in their approach instead of overly relying on Allen to bail them out on money downs.

Update on Chargers’ kicker competition after first week of training camp

Cameron Dicker and Dustin Hopkins are battling to be the Chargers’ starting kicker.

Most starting spots are secured on the Chargers’ depth chart, but there is one that has yet to be.

Cameron Dicker and Dustin Hopkins are battling for the starting kicker spot. So far, the needle hasn’t moved for either one, which is to be expected this early in training camp.

“Long way to go. There’s no pressure, there’s nobody here, so we don’t know much right now,” Staley said.

Dicker and Hopkins each had eight field goal attempts in the first week of camp. According to team reporter Eric Smith, Dicker made seven, while Hopkins made six. Both players had a long of 47 yards.

Dicker had one of the best rookie seasons by a kicker in NFL history, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December and January and two Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Additionally, Dicker was an All-Rookie selection by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) after making 21-of-22 field goals (95.5%).

On the other hand, Hopkins was limited to five games in 2022, which led to the emergence of Dicker, who closed out the season as the team’s kicker.

Before his injury, Hopkins had hit nine of his ten field-goal attempts and made all 12 extra-point tries.

It’s too early to gauge who has the leg up, and the competition will likely string into the final preseason game to determine who wins the job.

Chargers’ Raheem Layne making splash plays early in training camp

Raheem Layne could push himself up the safety depth chart if he continues to make plays.

There is a battle in Chargers training camp for the fourth spot at the safety position, and second-year Raheem Layne is making his case early on to secure it.

Layne logged a pass deflection and the first turnover of camp in team drills. He was covering tight end Michael Ezeike and as quarterback Easton Stick passed, Layne read it perfectly and came away with the football.

Around this time last year, Layne was also making plays. The former undrafted free agent out of Indiana made the most of his opportunities while Derwin James and Mark Webb were out, earning him a roster spot.

Layne rarely saw the defensive side of the ball in his rookie campaign, but he made his money on special teams.

As it stands, Derwin James and Alohi Gilman are slated to be the starting safeties, with last year’s third-round pick JT Woods as the third safety coming on in dime (six defensive back) packages.

Woods struggled in his rookie season, but the coaches expect him to make a leap. However, if Layne continues to make plays, he could end up warranting that third spot, which is a vital role in Brandon Staley’s defense.

A cornerback-to-safety convert, Layne has excellent instincts in coverage, experience in multiple alignments and good run defense to be a solid contributor on defense.

Chargers CB J.C. Jackson continues to make strides in return from injury

One of the most encouraging takeaways as the Chargers kicked off training camp was seeing J.C. Jackson participating in team drills.

One of the most encouraging takeaways as the Chargers kicked off training camp was seeing cornerback J.C. Jackson on the field.

Jackson participated in seven-on-seven on Day 1 before sitting out of team drills Thursday. He then participated in 11-on-11 drills for the first time Saturday.

Head coach Brandon Staley commented on Jackson’s road to recovery, stating that it’s all part of the ramp-up plan as he continues to work his way back from his season-ending knee injury in October.

He got a little bit more work than he did the first couple of days. As long as he keeps progressing, then that’s going to be the plan. [Director of Player Health, Wellness and Performance] Marco Zucconi and [Head Athletic Trainer] Sal [Lopez] are doing a really good job working him back into practice. He has looked strong and healthy. He’s been on top of his assignments. We’re a much better team with him out there.

Before the injury, Jackson struggled in his first season with the Bolts, as he allowed a 149.3 passer rating when targeted through five games. They hope he can return to his 2021 All-Pro form when he was with the Patriots.

That year, Jackson finished with eight interceptions (second-most) and a league-leading 23 pass deflections.

If Jackson is healthy when the regular season starts, he will start on the outside alongside Michael Davis. Ja’Sir Taylor or Asante Samuel Jr. will play in the slot, depending on the matchup, on a week-to-week basis.

Chargers WR Quentin Johnston standing out in training camp

Quentin Johnston is turning heads early on.

Chargers rookie wide receiver Quentin Johnston is showing out at training camp all week.

Johnston stood out in OTAs, where he quickly slid into the third wide receiver role while Joshua Palmer was recovering from an injury. It is evident that Johnston continues to be utilized frequently in Kellen Moore’s exciting new offense and has become one of QB Justin Herbert’s favorite targets this off-season.

In his college years at TCU, Johnston showed an elite ability to use trickery to his advantage, gaining much-needed yards after the catch and touting an impressive deep ball reception percentage – the highest out of his class. Johnston continues to use this trickery in training camp, making the Chargers’ defensive backs work overtime to keep him covered downfield.

In drills, Johnston’s footwork is quick and precise. He stands out among the other wide receivers as someone with speed and pinpoint accuracy. His route running is fluid and consistent, his hands are very strong, and he’s explosive off the line.

Johnston has also been showing impressive acceleration – especially considering his height of 6-foot-4. The Chargers are known for picking up bigger but often slower wide receivers in the draft and free agency, but Johnston is proving that height does not always indicate a lack of speed and acceleration.

Lining up opposite Ja’Sir Taylor, Johnston beat him for a 40-yard touchdown. It’s also important to note how impressive Johnston’s ball tracking was on this play. His ability to move downfield, beat Taylor and catch his target over his right shoulder in a tiny window is incredibly difficult. The perfect ball placement from Herbert also helped in this play, but the ball tracking was highly impressive, nonetheless.

Day in and out, Johnston has been combatting his pre-draft narrative of being a body catcher. Consistently he catches every type of pass, and the NFL is noticing. Johnston made a beautiful grab outside on the third day of camp, impressing the crowd and coaches with a toe drag that secured the catch.

Johnston has also been standing out while practicing jet sweeps and check-downs. His footwork, combined with speed and agility, makes it easier to utilize him in multiple different ways – but it’s in space where he truly shines. Herbert has stated that they will be throwing the ball down the field this season.

Chargers’ Joey Bosa has high praise for Tuli Tuipulotu

Joey Bosa believes Tuli Tuipulotu is well beyond his years.

Tuli Tuipulotu is the youngest player on the Chargers at 20. Despite his age, Joey Bosa believes Tuipulotu is well beyond his years.

“Tuli’s great,” Bosa said. He is everything you could possibly want in a rookie. Physically gifted. He does everything right. He calls me sir, which is a little weird.”

Drafted in the second round, Tuipulotu was brought in to aid an edge defender group that struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season after Bosa was out with his groin injury.

Tuipulotu, the 2022 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, led the nation in sacks (13.5). Additionally, he logged 42 quarterback pressures and had 22 tackles for loss, which was second in the country.

“He’s a great guy,” Bosa added. “Probably the nicest guy. Probably knows the playbook better than me already. He’s just on top of his stuff. Just wants to learn, just wants to get better.”

Tuipulotu has a pro-level skillset with the upfield explosion, heavy and determined hands, lateral agility and rush instincts to avoid blockers and change gaps, all of which should boost the team’s pass rush.

With the pads set to come on at training camp, they will be on display during one-on-ones and team drills.

Chargers EDGE Joey Bosa emphasizing run defense this season

Joey Bosa is hoping to provide a boost to a struggling Chargers defense against the run.

Joey Bosa is one of the best in the NFL at getting after the quarterback. While he acknowledges that, Bosa is still looking to improve a particular area of his game.

Talking to the media following Thursday’s training camp session, Bosa said he wants to get better at defending the run.

“I feel like my run defense has gone down the last few years,” Bosa said. “I’m super focused on having more of an impact in the run game.”

Early in his professional career, Bosa played a traditional defensive end position under former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, which required more responsibilities to set the edge and play the run.

When Brandon Staley was hired in 2021, Bosa transitioned to an outside linebacker, requiring him to drop back into coverage. That meant he had to lose weight to be more fluid in space.

Bosa played around 265-270 pounds in the first five seasons and dropped to 250 pounds these last two. He is now back to his starting weight and feels that will add more power to his game to make him an impactful run defender again.

“I just think I’ll be a much more effective player and pass rush with my power, and be able to play the run a little more dirty,” Bosa added. “I kind of played at that weight for my first four or five years.

Just recently with the outside linebacker stuff, have felt comfortable dropping, but I think it’s a big part of my game to be able to be powerful and be strong. I think it was definitely a good change this offseason.”

Bosa’s 2022 season was cut due to a groin injury that required surgery. He finished with 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and a forced fumble in just five games.

Now healthy, Bosa’s presence on the edge will boost a defense that lacked consistency at generating pressure and against the run.