Tag: Gerald Everett

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 10 loss to Lions

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest-graded Chargers players from the loss to the Lions.

In Week 10, the Chargers fell short to the Lions, 41-38.

Outcome aside, there were some standout performers and others that were duds.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who played at least 35% of the snaps on offense (72) or defense (66).

Top 5 Offense

WR Keenan Allen – 92.1

QB Justin Herbert – 83.6

OT Rashawn Slater – 72.4

TE Donald Parham Jr. – 66.7

RB Austin Ekeler – 66.6

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Khalil Mack – 78.8

EDGE Joey Bosa – 66.1

DT Austin Johnson – 65.3

S Derwin James Jr. – 63.4

EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 63.1

Bottom 5 Offense

OL Jamaree Salyer – 61.1

WR Quentin Johnston – 59.7

OT Trey Pipkins – 56.9

C Will Clapp – 54.0

OL Zion Johnson – 53.0

Bottom 5 Defense

DT Nick Williams – 54.7

CB Asante Samuel Jr. – 46.3

S Alohi Gilman – 39.9

LB Eric Kendricks – 30.0

LB Kenneth Murray – 27.3

One of Lions’ weaknesses Chargers can expose in Week 10

The Lions have struggled in the red zone this season.

The Chargers are set to face the Lions, who are sharp in nearly every category. But that doesn’t mean they don’t come without their flaws.

While they’ve been efficient on defense, as they rank fifth in total defense, Detroit has struggled in the red zone. Their opponents have scored 65.38% of the time inside the 20, which ranks 26th.

On the flip side, Los Angeles’ red zone offense ranks 2nd in the NFL, as they’ve found the end zone on 69.23% of their trips.

Justin Herbert has been one of the best quarterbacks in the red zone, throwing 11 touchdowns, the fifth-most, to just one interception.

Furthermore, the Lions have struggled against tight ends, as they’ve allowed the eighth-most receiving yards (477) and are tied for the second-most touchdowns allowed to the position (4).

This could be the recipe for solid performances from Gerald Everett and Donald Parham. Everett has two touchdowns in the last four games, while Parham has four scores, all of which have come in the red zone.

If Los Angeles wants to keep pace with Detroit, they must score plenty of points. The red zone is where the magic could happen.

Chargers sign TE Nick Vannett to active roster

The Chargers shored up the tight end room.

After waiving tight end Tre’ McKitty on Tuesday, the Chargers wasted no time in bolstering the depth chart. Per Aaron Wilson, Nick Vannett was signed from the practice squad to the active roster.

The move comes after a few weeks of rather poor blocking performances from both Tre’ McKitty and Stone Smartt. McKitty was also a healthy scratch prior to the Chiefs game. Vannett will at least be given some opportunity to show off what he can do in the blocking department.

Vannett’s last full season with over 20+ pass blocking and 100+ run blocking snaps was in 2021. With the Saints, he scored a 75.8 PFF grade as a pass blocker and a 55.1 PFF grade in run blocking last year. In 2022, his numbers dipped a bit with the Saints and he was cut for cap reasons during the season. However, his numbers did rebound closer to his 2021 status quo in the second half of the season with the Giants.

Vannett will be tasked with being one of the tight ends to stabilize the blocking on the unit currently. The Chargers’ run success rates have decreased due to both relative drops in team blocking and running back efficiency.

The roster is brought back to 53 with the signing of Vannett following yesterday’s waive of McKitty. The Chargers will also likely need to make two more roster cuts for Jalen Guyton and Otito Ogbonnia to be activated off of the PUP list and formally return against the Jets on Monday night.

Chargers waive TE Tre’ McKitty

The Chargers are cutting ties with their 2021 third-round pick.

The Chargers waived tight end Tre’ McKitty on Tuesday.

McKitty, the former third-round pick out of the 2021 NFL draft, appeared in 34 games (12 starts) across three seasons. They selected him with the intent of being a reliable blocker, but it never came to fruition.

McKitty wasn’t serviceable in the passing game, either. He had 12 catches on 26 targets for 117 yards.

With McKitty gone, Gerald Everett, Donald Parham and Stone Smartt make up the tight end room. To fill the void, L.A. could call up Nick Vannett from the practice squad.

A third-round pick by the Seahawks in 2016, Vannett has 90 receptions for 874 yards and six touchdowns in his career.

If they don’t promote Vannett, that empty roster spot could be for either wide receiver Jalen Guyton or defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia, who will soon be activated off the PUP (physically unable to perform) list.

Chargers TE Gerald Everett’s hip injury could prove costly

Gerald Everett is a key piece of the offense.

Gerald Everett initially was given a groin injury diagnosis in an official mid-game communication against the Chiefs on his status. Later on, head coach Brandon Staley revealed that Everett was actually dealing with a hip injury. On Wednesday’s practice report prior to the Sunday night matchup against the Bears, Everett was a non-participant with the aforementioned hip designation.

Not having Everett this week or for an extended period would prove costly from a blocking perspective for the Chargers. Tre’ McKitty and Stone Smartt rank 82nd and 84th, respectively, of 87 graded tight ends on Pro Football Focus. Donald Parham, traditionally a decent blocker, has also declined in performance this year as the 73rd-ranked tight end. It’s worth noting that he is specifically playing through his wrist injury recovery.

In Parham’s defense, he has been a big part of the Chargers’ red zone identity, as Kellen Moore has given him quality targets. Using his size and leverage in that area is huge for LA. But between the 20-yard lines, Everett is the team’s best receiving tight end in space. That’s in addition to being their best blocker.

McKitty was a healthy scratch last week against Kansas City. Asked about that as his media availability, Staley said the decision was more of a matchup-specific issue than anything regarding the former third-round draft pick. If Everett can’t go, McKitty would have to be active. It’s also possible that Nick Vannett could be activated off of the practice squad for the first time this season.

We’ll have to monitor Everett’s progress throughout the week to see if he can contribute for the Chargers on Sunday Night Football against Chicago.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 7 loss to Chiefs

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest-graded Chargers players from the loss to the Chiefs.

In Week 7, the Chargers fell short to the Chiefs, 31-17.

Outcome aside, there were some standout performers and others that were duds.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who played at least 35% of the snaps on offense (63) or defense (68).

Top 5 Offense

WR Joshua Palmer – 87.8

RB Joshua Kelley – 75.6

OT Rashawn Slater – 75.2

OL Jamaree Salyer – 70.9

QB Justin Herbert – 70.6

Top 5 Defense

LB Eric Kendricks – 81.9

EDGE Joey Bosa – 77.1

EDGE Khalil Mack – 71.5

DT Nick Williams – 67.8

S Dean Marlowe – 67.3

Bottom 5 Offense

TE Donald Parham – 58.4

OT Trey Pipkins – 58.2

TE Stone Smartt – 56.6

C Will Clapp – 54.1

OL Zion Johnson – 45.8

Bottom 5 Defense

CB Asante Samuel Jr. – 58.3

S Derwin James – 50.9

DT Sebastian Joseph-Day – 46.0

EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 45.0

DT Austin Johnson – 42.7

Chargers Highlight: Joshua Palmer’s deep catch sets up TD to Gerald Everett vs. Chiefs

The Chargers put together an excellent drive that was capped with a Gerald Everett touchdown.

The deep shots are starting to connect for Los Angeles.

On a second and four from their own 31, the Chargers dialed up a play-action pass for Justin Herbert. As he uncorked it downfield, it looked as though he had essentially thrown it away, the ball sailing over the only receiver in the frame.

What the camera didn’t show is that Joshua Palmer had beaten his man, with no safety help over the top. Palmer was wide open down the field, Herbert hit him, and then Palmer maneuvered his way down to the 9 on a weaving run after the catch.

A few plays later, Herbert rifled a throw to Gerald Everett over the middle to tie the game at 17.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 6 loss to Cowboys

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest-graded Chargers players from the loss to the Cowboys.

In Week 6, the Chargers fell short to the Cowboys, 20-17.

Outcome aside, there were some standout performers and others that were duds.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who played at least 35% of the snaps on offense (72) or defense (64).

Top 5 Offense

WR Keenan Allen – 87.8

WR Joshua Palmer – 68.2

QB Justin Herbert – 62.5

OT Rashawn Slater – 61.4

OL Zion Johnson – 61.0

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu – 90.0

LB Eric Kendricks – 86.2

DT Nick Williams – 85.3

EDGE Khalil Mack – 85.0

DT Sebastian Joseph-Day – 81.7

Bottom 5 Offense

TE Donald Parham – 51.4

TE Gerald Everett – 50.6

WR Quentin Johnston – 48.6

C Will Clapp – 48.2

OL Jamaree Salyer – 46.4

Bottom 5 Defense

S Derwin James – 51.4

CB Michael Davis – 50.2

DL Morgan Fox – 48.4

DT Austin Johnson – 41.9

CB Ja’Sir Taylor – 29.7

No excuses from Chargers QB Justin Herbert in loss to Cowboys: ‘That was on me’

After the Chargers’ loss to the Cowboys, Justin Herbert owned up to his struggles.

More often than not, Justin Herbert has shined under the lights in prime time. However, it was not his night in the Chargers’ loss to the Cowboys on Monday.

Herbert has been lauded for his ability to make dazzling throws, but he missed a few, including two to Keenan Allen, that would’ve put Los Angeles in a good position.

The first came right before the half when Herbert misfired to a wide-open Allen down the left sideline. He airmailed it and the ball ended up going out of bounds. A completion would’ve put them in field goal range to tie the game at 10 apiece.

The second missed opportunity came near the start of the fourth quarter. Allen ran a silky smooth out-and-up that put Cowboys cornerback Daron Bland on skates. It resulted in Herbert overthrowing Allen. Had he completed the pass, Allen would’ve likely been in the end zone.

“Keenan ran two great routes and that’s on me as a quarterback,” Herbert said. “We had those explosive opportunities. We have to capitalize on those. That’s on me as a quarterback.”

Herbert finished with 22-of-37 passing for 227 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. His passer rating was 84.0, his second-lowest mark of the season.

Dallas had a 47.6% pressure rate on Herbert, the highest against Herbert this season. It definitely factored into how he played, as Herbert looked uncomfortable and forced many throws, including his interception to Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore that sealed the game.

“I missed a couple receivers, threw some bad passes,” Herbert said. “A lot left out there … so there’s a lot to work on and improve on.”

5 Chargers players who need to step up vs. Cowboys

The Chargers could use a push from these five players when they face the Cowboys.

Following the bye week, the Chargers will now face the Cowboys with a chance to go over .500 on the season. 3-2 would certainly feel like a step in the right direction after the team’s 0-2 start.

Winning against Dallas will not be easy, though. After a 42-10 loss to the 49ers on Sunday night, the Cowboys will be under intense pressure to get back on track offensively and defensively. Here are some players who need to perform to prevent a rebound game for Big D.

CB Michael Davis

The story that dominated Chargers headlines during the bye was cornerback J.C. Jackson being traded to the Patriots. With that trade completed, Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. are officially locked in as the outside corners for the rest of the year. Unlike Weeks 1 and 2, there is no more three-man rotation to deal with on the outside.

That’s why there’s even more pressure on him to perform. To this point, the former BYU product has struggled. Davis has allowed 286 receiving yards and a 71% completion percentage when targeted, both on pace to shatter records for a single season in his career. The most penalties he has given up in a season is six. He’s already at five penalties committed in 2023.

Quarterbacks are throwing for a 138.8 passer rating on Davis targets. The sledding does not get any easier for this defense with Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes coming up in their next games. As he nurses an ankle injury, Davis will need to find a way to get back to his form from the end of the 2022 season in order to stabilize the secondary.

C Will Clapp

Corey Linsley remains on the NFI list with a non-emergent heart condition. Until there are more details on the situation, it should probably be assumed that Linsley is out for the foreseeable future with the Chargers not giving him a four-week injured reserve distinction.

Linsley coming back feels much more like an if than a when at this point. Clapp had a decent game against the Raiders in relief. He only allowed one pass pressure on 68 snaps played. There will likely be some communications and tweaks on the offensive line that need to be ironed out, but so far Clapp is off to a good start.

The Dallas defensive line will bring its own set of challenges. They have been the best front in the league when it comes to creating pressure and have the third-highest sack percentage. A lot of the offensive lines’ responsibilities in pass and run blocking will fall on Clapp without Linsley.

WR Joshua Palmer

Palmer will enter the last 13 games of the season in the team’s WR2 spot. The three main sets will likely be Keenan Allen, Palmer, and Quentin Johnston for the rest of the season (barring injury).

He’s been in this position before. Last year, Palmer was effectively the team’s first receiver on the depth chart in several games that Allen and Mike Williams missed.

If this Chargers’ offense is to remain a potent threat, they cannot lose the efficiency they’ve had on the field this year with both Williams and Allen in the lineup. Palmer doesn’t necessarily have to replace Williams’ production by himself, but the Chargers have to hope that he and Johnston can at least come close on a per-game basis.

The tight end room

Gerald Everett has not had the receiving production that most expected this year. He stands at 107 yards over four games. That puts him almost 10 yards per game behind his 2023 pace. In filling the Williams’ load this offense will be missing, Everett probably has to be one of the more consistent sources of offense for the team.

Donald Parham has a wrist injury that will likely take a few weeks to heal in terms of using him as a red-zone scoring threat. What really concerns me with this unit though is the below-average blocking. Stone Smartt and Tre’ McKitty both have PFF run-blocking grades under 35.

The tight end group needs to get a little more resolved from a receiving standpoint, but the blocking is the more important aspect that needs to get better in running Moore’s multi-tight end formations.

EDGE Khalil Mack

Mack had his best game as a Charger which earned him a 92.3 PFF grade against the Raiders. A six-sack, nine-pressure game was an effort that was much needed after an underwhelming first three weeks of the season.

Mack will need to have premium performances against good offensive lines as well, and that starts with Dallas. The former Bear is also increasingly more important with how banged up Joey Bosa is. It’s likely that Bosa will be able to return against Dallas in Week 5, but who knows how many snaps he’ll be able to play after dealing with nagging toe and hamstring injuries.

Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Bosa continuing to rack up pressures would put the Chargers’ in a really solid position with their EDGE room. But Mack regressing a bit to his average level in his LA career would be tough considering the state of the secondary behind him.