Tag: Greg Roman

Chargers TE Stone Smartt primed for bigger role

With Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst out, Stone Smartt sits atop the tight end depth chart.

Will Dissly suffered a shoulder injury on Sunday night in the Chargers’ loss to the Chiefs, likely sidelining him for a couple of weeks.

Hayden Hurst is still on injured reserve with a hip injury and won’t be eligible to return until Week 16,

That means the next man up for Los Angeles’ tight end group will be Stone Smartt, who sits atop the depth chart for this upcoming game against the Buccaneers.

Smartt stepped up when Dissly went down in the second quarter in Week 13. He played 22 snaps and turned them into three receptions for 54 yards, providing a second-half offensive spark.

“Guy has an opportunity, it’s there. He’s been chipping away at it-gets it, excels,” Jim Harbaugh said on Smartt.

Smartt has primarily been a special teams player this season, but he’s made the most of his opportunities when he’s been on offense. He has caught six passes for 98 yards (16.3 yards per catch).

Rookie Kimani Vidal expected to receive more playing time vs. Falcons: ‘Everybody feels great about him’

Kimani Vidal is expected to see his workload increase with J.K. Dobbins sidelined.

The Chargers will be without running back J.K. Dobbins this Sunday against the Falcons. Dobbins was ruled out with a knee injury he sustained in the Week 12 loss to the Ravens.

Los Angeles will lean on Gus Edwards and rookie Kimani Vidal without its top back. Greg Roman indicated that the sixth-round pick of this year’s draft will have an expanded role this weekend.

“He’s been in there before,” Roman said about Vidal. “Might get a little bit bigger workload, we’ll see. We have full confidence in him and where he’s at. It’s past the midway point of the season, so there are no rookies anymore. Everybody feels great about him.”

Vidal has been active for four games this season. In his regular season debut against the Broncos in Week 6, when Edwards was sidelined, he caught a 38-yard touchdown. On the ground, Vidal has only amassed 44 yards on 18 carries (2.4 YPC).

The former Troy product exemplified a back with a skill set that could translate at the pro level, and the numbers backed it up. In his final collegiate season, Vidal posted 1,661 yards and 14 touchdowns on 295 carries, with 94 forced missed tackles and 19 carries of 15+ yards.

The Chargers hope he and Edwards can step in and provide positive production against a Falcons defense that ranks 19th against the run.

Lamar Jackson wasn’t implying frustration with ex-OC Greg Roman with his awkwardly long pause

Lamar Jackson wasn’t holding anything mean back. He was just considering his thoughts.

Once again, I know this sentiment goes against the grain of a collective internet community hungrily eyeing even any potential drama like Homer Simpson watching a rotating tube of meat at his local corner store, but let’s not turn Lamar Jackson into something he’s not. Please?

On Thursday, with Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens set to square off the Los Angeles Chargers in the latest “Harbaugh Bowl,” the reigning MVP was asked about his time with former offensive coordinator Greg Roman. These days, Roman is on the Chargers’ staff in the same role to help Justin Herbert become a more efficient quarterback.

Given some of the Ravens’ struggles toward the end of Roman’s tenure — Baltimore was eliminated in the wild-card round in 2022, while Jackson floundered (by his high standards) — a common misconception might be that Jackson harbors some kind of resentment toward Roman.

When Jackson took a long pause before answering the Roman question, the assumption was, of course, that he didn’t have anything nice to say at all.

You know what they say when you assume. You make an … oh, you know.

Why would Jackson be bitter with Roman? This duo won a lot of ballgames together over four seasons. Jackson was one of the only unanimous MVPs in NFL history in Roman’s scheme and under his guidance. Unless there’s something I’m missing, I actually think it’s quite fair for a thoughtful human being — like Jackson appears to be — to take their time to respond to a question in a proper manner.

Plus, when has Jackson ever been one to air out his dirty laundry like this? Provide wholesale examples. Don’t worry, I’ll wait.

The sequel to the Harbaugh Bowl, which is on the Monday night of Thanksgiving week between two of the NFL’s best coaches, is cool and fun enough. In the case of Jackson and Roman, we don’t need to foresee and manufacture more drama than there already is.

Where Chargers OC Greg Roman ranks among NFL play callers through 4 weeks

Greg Roman was an interesting hire by the Chargers this last offseason. Through four games, the results have been mixed for the longtime OC.

The Chargers completely revamped their coaching staff this past offseason, which included the offensive coordinator position. Greg Roman, who spent four years in Baltimore as offensive coordinator, was hired by general manager Joe Hortiz.

Roman resigned from the Ravens after the 2022 season and has always been known as a specialist in the run game. Four games into his tenure with the Chargers, and it’s been a mixed bag of results thus far.

The Chargers have run the ball on 53% of plays, a blueprint of both Roman and Jim Harbaugh. That number would be even higher if they led more in the second half of each of their last two games as well. It’s the fifth-highest rate in the NFL just a month into the season.

Steven Patton ranks all 32 NFL play callers based off several metrics and after four weeks, he has Roman ranked 23rd. Noticeably, he dropped 13 spots after the Chargers’ disappointing Week 4 loss to the Chiefs.

Roman hasn’t exactly dialed up many innovative passing plays, which is likely a large reason for his low ranking. The Chargers rank 31st in the NFL in passing through four weeks, as they average just 136.0 passing yards per game.

The team’s lack of talent on the perimeter is a large reason for those struggles in addition to Justin Herbert’s lingering ankle injury. Still, Roman is responsible for these issues at the end of the day.

It’s been a primary criticism for Roman throughout his coaching career, specifically with Lamar Jackson and that passing offense in Baltimore. The running game has been slowed down in the last two weeks after a hot start to the season.

Herbert’s inability to move very well has certainly limited some of what Roman can do and call. There is still plenty of time for improvement, and it’s still a bit early to determine how good (or bad) of a job Roman is doing.

Top 5 burning questions Chargers must answer after Week 5 bye

The Chargers have some things to fix during the Week 5 bye. In the meantime, Jim Harbaugh has some questions to answer about his team.

The Chargers have a lot to figure out during their Week 5, something that Jim Harbaugh acknowledged after the team’s loss to the Chiefs on Sunday. The first-year head coach mentioned that they would use the bye week as a time for improvement rather than rest.

There are a lot of questions to be answered, particularly after they have lost the last two games.

How healthy will Justin Herbert for the rest of 2024?

The truth is, no one may know the true answer to this question. He’s played through several injuries in his career, but this season, it’s limited him more than ever. It forced him to leave the team’s Week 3 contest, but he was able to return and start in Week 4.

The early season bye week specifically helps Herbert in a big way and will hopefully help heal him up. Without a fully healthy Herbert, the upside of this offense is significantly limited. He’s thrown for just 578 yards on the season, which is on pace to be the worst statistical season in his career by a wide margin.

Will the interior offensive line hold back the team’s running game?

We know just how elite the Chargers’ tackle duo is, but the interior part of the line remains a concern. Specifically, center Bradley Bozeman has been less than stellar through four weeks. The team’s running game has slowed down significantly in the last two games, albeit each of which came against elite defenses.

Still, Jim Harbaugh’s squad needs to return to their ways in that aspect of the game. The right guard spot with Trey Pipkins III has been an issue as well, which has led to opposing defensive lines exposing the Chargers. If things don’t improve, Los Angeles will have to find reinforcements at these spots along the line.

Will anyone step up in the tight end room?

The easy answer to this would be no. Based on the opening few weeks, there’s nothing that would suggest that this will change. It was seen as a weakness of this team before the season, and the two veterans that were signed this offseason haven’t provided much of a spark. Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst have combined for just 15 catches and 144 yards without a touchdown.

Can they make the playoffs with an underwhelming cast of weapons?

This was arguably the most significant question heading into the season, and the first few weeks didn’t answer much. Quentin Johnston has shown some improvements, but the offense remains underwhelming overall.

That’s been due to a few different factors, but the Chargers lack top-end talent at the wide receiver and tight end positions. Rookie Ladd McConkey leads the team in catches (15) and receiving yards (176). The team lacks a true No. 1 wideout, which should be the top priority for general manager Joe Hortiz next offseason.

Who will continue to build off the first four weeks of season?

Through the first month of the season, a few players have stood out in impressive fashion for the Chargers. Most notably, guys like J.K. Dobbins, Quentin Johnston, Daiyan Henley, and Kristian Fulton have been the most surprising standouts.

They have all shown vast improvements from last season, which has helped the team be more competitive than some may have thought they would be. Coach Harbaugh will need more of the same from these guys if the team wants to make a run at the playoffs.

4 crazy stats for Chargers after 4 weeks of regular season

The Chargers have been superb on the defensive side of the ball, while the passing offense has been poor.

The Chargers enter the bye week with a 2-2 record.

There have been a lot of good things on both sides of the ball, but one thing has hindered them up to this point in the season.

Here are four notable numbers after four weeks of the regular season:

136.5

When Greg Roman was hired as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, everyone knew that Justin Herbert and the passing game would likely take a backseat while the running game would become more of a priority. However, we weren’t expecting that department to be as inefficient as it is. The Bolts are averaging 136.5 passing yards per game, which ranks 31st in the NFL. He’s had four consecutive games with fewer than 200 passing yards. It doesn’t help that Herbert has been dealing with his high ankle sprain and the team was without Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt in Week 4, but it’s concerning that they haven’t been playing to their best player’s strengths.

7

Even though there isn’t a lot to write home about the Chargers’ passing offense, Ladd McConkey’s rookie season has been very encouraging. According to CBS Sports’ Jacob Gibbs, McConkey is seventh among 102 qualified players in targets per route run. He is averaging more PPR points per route (0.53) than Marvin Harrison Jr. (0.52). A.J. Brown averaged 0.54 through his first four games as a rookie. McConkey had his most productive performance in the season in Week 4, finishing with five catches on seven targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. Don’t be surprised if he continues to grow as Herbert’s primary target moving forward. He has proven himself to be a slick separator with reliable hands.

6.1

Ahead of the season, J.K. Dobbins said he was ready to remove the “injury-prone” label and return to his old ways. Dobbins has stuck to his word, as he’s been one of the most productive running backs thus far. He is averaging 6.1 yards per carry, the most among backs with at least 30 rushes.

12.5

Jesse Minter’s defense is playing at a high level. They have only allowed 12.5 points per game, which ranks No. 1 in the league. Minter’s pressure packages have had a positive impact. Up front, they have been stout against the run, only allowing 94 yards per game (5th). The players in the middle and on the back end have done a great job of rallying to the football and making plays in the open field.

Greg Roman believes Joe Alt’s career can pan out like Hall of Famer

Greg Roman heaped high praise on Joe Alt.

Would it be too premature to say that Joe Alt will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after two games? Yes. But Greg Roman would not be surprised if that’s how it all pans out for Alt.

Roman compared Alt’s career path to Jonathan Ogden, one of his players when he was the Ravens’ assistant offensive line coach in 2006.

The potential is limitless. I was with Jonathan Ogden many years ago, and he has a chance to touch that stratosphere. But that’s a lot of work, a lot of time, a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience away. Right now he is battling every day to get everything down, learn — empirical data is the best data and his ability to learn from experience has been great so far. His ability to file things away and move on to the next thing is very big.

Ogden was a cornerstone of the Ravens over 12 seasons. Except for his rookie year, he was named to the Pro Bowl in every season of his career. Ogden helped Baltimore to a Super Bowl victory in 2001.

You couldn’t have asked for a better start to Alt’s professional career.

Alt was tasked with blocking Maxx Crosby in his first regular season game, and he exceeded expectations. Alt allowed zero quarterback pressures in 11 pass-block snaps against Crosby, who had not been held to zero pressures against an offensive lineman since Week 9 of the 2022 season.

In Week 2, Alt gave former first-round pick Jadeveon Clowney the lowest overall game grade by Pro Football Focus of his decade-long career.

Now, Alt will get another premier edge rusher in T.J. Watt this weekend.

“Crosby Week One, now you’ve got T.J. Watt, Merry Christmas,” Roman said.

Chargers OC Greg Roman, two former Ravens’ players were key vs. Raiders in week 1

The Baltimore Ravens can use the strategy of Los Angeles Chargers OC Greg Roman to attack the Las Vegas Raiders defense in week 2.

In week 2, the Baltimore Ravens can use the strategy of Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman to attack the Las Vegas Raiders defense.



Last weekend, the Raiders surrendered 176 total rushing yards to the Chargers, who relied on running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. Roman, Edwards, and Dobbins were all formerly with the Ravens and worked as key components in bringing quarterback Lamar Jackson’s potential to fruition.

Unlike Roman, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken prefers to throw the football, and his 41 pass play installment did not pan out against the Kansas City Chiefs in week 1. The Ravens have proven in recent history to be a prolific team when they commit to running the ball but often defer to the passing attack.

After parting ways with Roman, the Ravens had their best offensive season in a long time in 2023. However, unlike the Chargers, the Ravens have begun the 2024 regular season in the loss column, and they cannot afford an upset in week 2.

Chargers 53-man roster projection: Final prediction before cutdown day

Here’s one final guess at what the initial Chargers 53-man roster will look like.

Training camp and preseason play are over, so now the Chargers coaching staff will use them as their resources to get the roster from 91 players to 53 ahead of the 2024 regular season.

The team will have until 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday to make their cuts.

With that being said, here is our final projection of what we believe the initial roster will look like.

Quarterback (2): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick

Stick had the opportunity all summer to show he’s a serviceable backup, but he failed to do so. I believe he will make the initial roster, but Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh will see which quarterbacks are available once cuts are made and end up signing one and letting go of Stick.

Running back (4): Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Jaret Patterson, Kimani Vidal

No changes from my last projection. Despite being a mainstay on special teams, Isaiah Spiller did not do much on the ground. Patterson was a summer standout. Vidal was productive upon returning from his injury, rushing for 49 yards on 11 carries against the Rams in Week 2.

Wide receiver (6): Josh Palmer, Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, D.J. Chark, Derius Davis, Simi Fehoko

No changes. Fehoko capped off an impressive summer with a 78-yard touchdown against the Cowboys. Brenden Rice stood out in training camp, but the same thing can’t be said about his performances in the preseason, mainly due to the lackluster quarterback play. Rice is worthy of a spot. He is a sharp route runner who blocks his tail off. But I can’t see the Chargers rostering seven wideouts.

Tight end (3): Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Stone Smartt

Sometimes the best ability is availability, and that does not apply to Donald Parham, who’s struggled to stay healthy. He has also not improved as a blocker, something the Chargers want from their tight ends. Meanwhile, Smartt has improved in this department. He will also make his money on special teams.

Offensive line (9): Rashawn Slater, Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, Trey Pipkins, Joe Alt, Brenden Jaimes, Jamaree Salyer, Jordan McFadden, Foster Sarell

No changes.

Edge rusher (5): Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Tuli Tuipulotu, Bud Dupree, Tre’Mon Morris-Brash

I have the Chargers starting the season with five edge rushers. Chris Rumph II would’ve been given the nod after having a great summer. Unfortunately, he is dealing with a foot injury and I believe he will begin the season on the injured reserve. Morris-Brash showed some real juice as a pass rusher in training camp and preseason. He capped off his summer with a pick-six against the Cowboys.

Interior defensive line (6): Poona Ford, Morgan Fox, Teair Tart, Scott Matlock, Otito Ogbonnia, Justin Eboigbe

No changes. Eboigbe was practically nonexistent during camp and preseason. But the team used a fairly high draft pick on him, and playing defensive tackle in this league as a rookie is a learning curve so I believe he is safe.

Linebacker (5): Denzel Perryman, Junior Colson, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Troy Dye

No changes.

Cornerback (6): Asante Samuel Jr., Kristian Fulton, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart

No changes.

Safety (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, AJ Finley, JT Woods

Tony Jefferson had the best performance of the preseason against the Cowboys, finishing with 14 tackles, two interceptions, a sack and a forced fumble. But I believe it was a little too late to warrant a roster spot. I expect him to land on the practice squad as he is not subject to waivers if he’s released. Finley played his way to being the third safety. Woods makes the squad, as he showed signs of improvement and intrigued as an outside cornerback, the position he transitioned to toward the end of the summer.

Specialists (3): K Cameron Dicker, P J.K. Scott, LS Josh Harris

No changes.

Luis Perez living out dream playing for Chargers

Luis Perez is a San Diego native.

For anyone, it’s a dream to play for the team you’re a fan of growing up.

Quarterback Luis Perez, the San Diego native, is experiencing that feeling after signing with the Chargers a week ago.

“It’s awesome. I grew up a Charger fan my whole life so being able to be here and wear the Chargers uniform, it’s a great feeling,” Perez said. “Not only for myself, but for my family.”

Perez was brought in just days before Los Angeles’ preseason opener against the Seahawks and had to get familiar with the playbook quickly.

“Yeah, just enhanced times ten because I only had two practices and then played,” Perez said. “The coaches did a great job helping me, staying after and giving me stuff that I was comfortable with. They didn’t go out and give me stuff right before or stuff I wasn’t comfortable with.”

Perez threw for 61 yards, the most in the game. His highlight throw was a 36-yarder to rookie wide receiver Jaylen Johnson.

After coming in on short notice before his performance in the preseason game, the coaches praised Perez.

“He’s in here late every day trying to pick it up,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “Ended up going out there and doing a pretty good job. He’s got a lot to learn, a lot to catch up on. He’s sprinting to do it and really feels the sense of urgency. Been really impressed by that.”

Head coach Jim Harbaugh: “For a guy who’s been here [since Tuesday], pretty outstanding. Now we want more. But he’s attacking it. He’s here early, staying late. Doing everything in his power.”

Despite being on the roster for only a little over a week, Perez has garnered the coaches’ attention, and if he continues to play well, he could make a push for the backup spot.