Tag: Greg Roman

Chargers WR DJ Chark impressing in training camp

DJ Chark has been showing off his ability to make plays deep down the field.

The Chargers need wide receivers to step up after the losses of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and DJ Chark has been showing flashes of someone who could be counted on.

In the early stages of training camp, DJ Chark has made several eyebrow-raising plays, including a few catches deep down the field.

This is exactly why Los Angeles signed Chark in May. He possesses elite speed to serve as a vertical threat, something the Bolts haven’t had at the position in years.

“He’s doing a great job at everything,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “Great attitude, great team guy, smart, and he’s been a Pro Bowl player. I sense a hunger in him, too.”

Chark earned Pro Bowl status in his second season in the league, which came in 2019 with the Jaguars. That year, he caught a career-high 73 passes for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns.

Flashes like this from Chark are very encouraging, and the hope is that he can keep stacking up these types of practices into the regular season to provide the offense with an explosive playmaker.

Highlights: Top moments from first week of Chargers training camp

There was plenty of action during the first week of Chargers training camp, including a few highlight grabs.

Four days have passed, and the Chargers are in the thick of their training camp at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.

There was plenty of action, including a few players who stood out.

Before we move on to the second week of camp, which also marks the first time pads being worn, here are all of the top moments from Week 1, courtesy of the team’s official Twitter.

 

 

 

 

Chargers embracing physical offensive identity: ‘We want to be bullies’

The Chargers want to be bullies on the field.

The Chargers want to be bullies on the field. With the second day of training camp wrapped up, the team is embracing a new identity for their offense. 

The Harbaugh era has brought a myriad of changes to the organization and its been electrifying. The team’s new training facility, dubbed as The Bolt, being one of the neweest additions to the exciting offseason. 

As the Chargers head into the regular season, they have a chance to make a name for themselves. Safety Derwin James made it clear the Bolts have left the past in the past and they won’t be the same five-win team. 

Running back J.K. Dobbins echoed his teammate as he spoke on a new reputation for the Chargers offense—bullies. 

“We want to be bullies, you know,” Dobbins said after practice. “We want to have a run game and a pass game. We want to be able to bully people and do whatever we want to do. And it starts here, camp, and we’re gonna get that.

“We’re gonna get to it, we’re gonna work for it every single day. And we got the guys to do it. And so that’s what we’re shooting for. I know I’m shooting for it, not only as a team, but as a player as well. I want to be a bully on the field too.”

Furthermore, offensive coordinator Greg Roman also shared the idea of keeping the past in the past and welcoming a new oneness. 

“I think whatever happened in the past is that. It’s independent of what’s going to happen in the future. Every game’s going to be a little different,” Roman said. “Some days, some games, we’re going to try to ground and pound. Again, ‘medieval’ as we spoke about this spring. Some games, you know, we’re going to air it out, and some games it’s going to be a mix.

The Harbaugh mentality has always been a physical offense that can run which gives quarterback Justin Herbert some breathing room on the field. 

Offensive tackle Rashawn Slater spoke on the new mentality for the offense: “I know a big part of what he wants is physicality,” Slater said. 

“And we’re all excited about that, but it’s hard to do without pads. So haven’t quite gotten there yet, but we’re hungry and we’re gonna be ready.”

 Roman and Harbaugh are eager for the offensive line to earn the respect as one of the best units in the league this season. Roman highlighted what he’s seen so far from the five up front. 

“Just the way they go about their business,” Roman said. “Trade movement in the guard. His communication is just dogged determination to understand every little thing that goes on in that position. His communication with Joe [Alt] and Bradley [Bozeman is] huge. And then our left side, these guys are just working, working, working. Our goal is, our offensive line, their goal is to be the best unit, to be able to play together really, really well, and I think these guys are working really, really well in that direction.”

By the end of training camp, the Chargers congruence should be evident according to Roman. 

“It’ll be kind of dependent on the identity we build in training camp,” Roman added. “As we exit training camp, we should have a good feel for who we are. And I think that’ll really dictate, you know, where we really put our focus in.”

Fantasy football: Breaking down the LA Chargers backfield

Injury concerns, unproven upside, underwhelming veterans … this backfield has it all.

Perhaps no team has seen a bigger overhaul of skill players than the Los Angeles Chargers, which hired new head coach Jim Harbaugh and are in the process of adapting to his style. Among the departed are last year’s Week 1 starters at running back (Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders), tight end (Gerald Everett, Chicago Bears), and wide receiver (Keenan Allen, Bears, and Mike Williams, New York Jets). Even their No. 2 rusher, Joshua Kelly, remains unsigned and is unlikely to return.

It’s a lot of change, and yet, the top of LA’s backfield looks familiar … to Baltimore Ravens fans. With former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman now running the show for Harbaugh, the Bolts waded into free agency to pluck RBs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards on short-term deals. Both have a lot of experience in Roman’s offense, and Harbaugh’s desire to set a physical tone suggests the Chargers will be running more in 2024 than they did under the previous regime.

Of course, the caveat to such an approach is the presence of quarterback Justin Herbert, who is among the NFL’s best. It’s difficult to imagine they’ll fully marginalize the ascending superstar, but with their wideouts in a state of transition, a healthy dose of the ground game feels likely this season.

Bradley Bozeman speaks on transition to LA, playing for the Harbaugh brothers and Greg Roman

The transition for Bradley Bozeman should be seamless.

Chargers center Bradley Bozeman shared his thoughts on coming to Los Angeles and playing under a new coaching staff, specifically head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman. 

“It’s been really good jumping into this offense and be able to really lock it down,” Bozeman said. “Things are different here but in the best of ways possible. We’re grinding, we’re working hard and we’re doing things the right way. 

That’s going to pay off this season. I’ve just enjoyed everything we’ve done. I’ve been a part of systems where your offseason is a little smoother and they aren’t as hard but then it doesn’t pay off in the season. You really get out what you put into it and we’ve put in a lot of really good work.”

Although he’s in a new city, Bozeman is familiar with his offensive coordinator as well as the Harbaugh philosophy, thanks to his time playing with the Ravens, where he spent the first four seasons of his career. 

“I played under G-Ro for four years in Baltimore so I know what he’s about and what he likes to do,” Bozeman said. “I have familiarity with [Chargers offensive line coach Mike] Devlin and a bunch of the coaches over here. 

And I know what the Harbaugh family is about and how hard-nosed they are and how they are winners. I want to win a Super Bowl and do a lot of really great things. We’re only given a sliver of time to play football and I want to maximize my opportunity.”

Bozeman exudes the mentality of every player on the team—get a ring. This is no surprise since he’s played under a Harbaugh already. 

“I know that Jim played the game at a professional level so maybe some of the viewpoints change a little. But other than that, I think they’re both great coaches. I’m excited to have played under both of them and are excited to see what we can do this season.”

If it wasn’t clear before, it definitely is: Bozeman is a good fit for the Bolts because he understands the Harbaugh philosophy and Roman’s offensive scheme. 

For better or for worse: Evaluating Chargers offense ahead of training camp

A quick rundown of each position on offense and whether the Chargers are better, worse or neutral at that spot.

The Chargers lost some key starters from last season but added a few in correspondence via free agency and the draft.

But how do they compare from the end of the 2023 regular season to now?

Let’s break it down by position, starting with the offense.

Quarterback

Offseason moves: Re-signed Easton Stick.

Summary: The Chargers are locked in with Justin Herbert. Herbert is coming off a down year, as he was hit with injuries to both hands, with his throwing hand being season-ending. Another year, another offense for Herbert, marking his fourth in five seasons in the league. Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman want to run the football, so it’ll be enticing to see how they design this offense to accomplish that and allow Herbert to flourish as a passer. They brought back Stick to serve as Herbert’s backup. Stick was the backup with zero experience as a starter until last season when Herbert was sidelined with his finger injury. Stick went on to start the final four games and finished with 1,129 passing yards, three touchdowns and one interception while adding 144 rushing yards and a score on 27 carries.

Verdict: Same

Running Back

Offseason moves: Lost Austin Ekeler (signed with the Commanders). Signed Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins (previously with the Ravens). Drafted Kimani Vidal (sixth-round pick)

Summary: After playing with the Chargers for seven seasons, Ekeler departed and eventually reunited with former head coach Anthony Lynn, who is now Washington’s running backs coach. With the vision of the offense pounding the rock and wearing defenses on the ground, Los Angeles went out and got guys familiar with Roman’s gap/power scheme. Edwards is coming off a year where he set career highs in rushing yards (810) and touchdowns (13). Dobbins has struggled to stay healthy, but his most productive season came under Roman in 2020 when he rushed for 805 yards, nine scores and 6.0 yards per carry. Vidal was productive at Troy, rushing for 1,661 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns on 295 carries.

Verdict: Better

Wide Receiver

Offseason moves: Traded Keenan Allen (Bears). Lost Mike Williams (signed with the Jets). Drafted Ladd McConkey (second round), Cornelius Johnson and Brenden Rice (seventh round). Signed D.J. Chark (previously with the Panthers).

Summary: Once a strength of the Chargers, now the wide receiver room lacks top-end talent after the losses of Allen and Williams. Joshua Palmer has the most experience in the group, and he is expected to take a big step in his contract year. McConkey, who Los Angeles traded up for to get in Round 2, is expected to be a significant contributor in his rookie season. He and Herbert have already started to develop a rapport. The team is hopeful that Quentin Johnston can shake off his rough rookie campaign and provide the offense with a legitimate yards-after-the-catch threat. Chark hasn’t had a productive season since 2019 with the Jaguars when he earned Pro Bowl honors. He offers elite speed to serve as a vertical threat. Johnson and Rice will compete for roster spots.

Verdict: Worse

Tight End

Offseason moves: Lost Gerald Everett (signed with the Bears). Signed Will Dissly (previously with the Seahawks) and Hayden Hurst (previously with the Panthers).

Summary: In two seasons as a Charger, Everett was vital in the passing game with his yards-after-the-catch ability and clutchness on money downs. They found their replacement for Everett with Hurst, who played under Roman for two seasons in Baltimore. Hurst offers the upside as a receiver but can also block. In a new offense where blocking tight ends are integral, they signed one of the best in that department in Dissly. The offense hasn’t had a good blocking tight end since 2020. Parham returns for another season and should be reliable in the red zone with his 6-foot-8 frame.

Verdict: Better

Offensive line

Offseason moves: Lost Corey Linsley (likely to retire). Drafted Joe Alt (first round)

Summary: The Chargers felt the loss of Linsley throughout last season when he was sidelined with his heart issue. Filling Linsley’s void was arguably the most critical offseason move. They did so with Bozeman, who has seven years of starting experience and is familiar with Roman’s scheme, having played under him for four seasons. Los Angeles struck gold with Rashawn Slater. They hope they do the same with Joe Alt, who will start opposite Slater. Alt should make a difference in the run game from Day 1. Now it’s just a matter of how he holds up against NFL pass rushers. With Alt sliding in at right tackle, Trey Pipkins will move inside to right guard. Despite never playing the position, Pipkins has the athleticism, length and football IQ to make the transition seamless.

Verdict: Slightly better

Projecting the Chargers’ offensive line depth chart in 2024

Taking a crack at projecting what the Los Angeles Chargers offensive line room will look like entering the 2024 season.

Over the next few weeks ahead of training camp, I will continue to break down the depth chart for each Chargers position.

Quarterback

Running back

Wide receiver

Tight end

Next, I project what the offensive line room will look like heading into the 2024 season.

LT: Rashawn Slater

After missing most of the 2022 season with a torn biceps, Slater returned and started all regular-season games in 2023. Upon returning to the field, he was prolific in the pass-blocking department, allowing just three sacks and 38 pressures on 726 pass-block snaps. Along with continuing to be a dominant force at protecting Justin Herbert’s blindside, it’s imperative that he returns to form as a run blocker, something he was sharp at in his first season when he was named Second-Team All-Pro, especially as the offense will take a run-heavy approach.

LG: Zion Johnson

Selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, Johnson has yet to live up to his billing. This was even after he transitioned from right guard to left guard, the position he flourished in college. Johnson has the tools to be a dominant interior offensive lineman, so it’s a matter of whether it can materialize with the new coaching.

C: Bradley Bozeman

With Corey Linsley headed toward retirement due to medical issues, the Chargers needed a starting center, so they sought Bozeman to fill that void. With the Bolts emphasizing the running game, Bozeman’s strength is paving the way on the ground. His 71.6 run-blocking grade since 2021 is 11th among all Centers over that period.

RG: Trey Pipkins

After starting at right tackle the past two seasons, Pipkins is kicking inside to guard following the selection of Joe Alt with the No. 5 overall pick in April’s draft. Even though he is likely to be named the starter, Pipkins will have to compete with the starter at the position from this past season, Jamaree Salyer. Pipkins offers the size, length, athleticism and football IQ, but will the transition to the interior be smooth for him?

RT: Joe Alt

Alt was selected with the No. 5 overall pick. Despite never playing the right tackle position, he is a polished and physical lineman with great size/length, overall technique, and strength. Alt’s services will benefit Justin Herbert, who has been one of the most pressured quarterbacks since entering the league in 2020. He will also improve the ground game by being used in different blocking concepts.

Jamaree Salyer

Brenden Jaimes

Jordan McFadden

Alex Leatherwood

I have Leatherwood beating out Foster Sarell. Leatherwood played right tackle with the second team during mandatory minicamp and offers versatility as a tackle or guard.

Projecting the Chargers’ tight end depth chart in 2024

Taking a crack at projecting what the Los Angeles Chargers tight end room will look like entering the 2024 season.

Over the next few weeks ahead of training camp, I will continue to break down the depth chart for each Chargers position.

Quarterback

Running back

Wide receiver

Next, I project what the tight end room will look like heading into the 2024 season.

Will Dissly

Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman want an efficient running game, and signing Dissly was part of the process of achieving this goal. Dissly consistently ranked among Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded run-blocking tight ends, most recently finishing as the third-best behind George Kittle and Charlie Woerner in 2023. Dissly, a 2018 fourth-round pick out of the University of Washington, dealt with injuries in his first couple of seasons before becoming a key piece in the Seahawks’ offense. He started 55 of 62 games from 2020 to 2023. Dissly amassed 127 catches for 1,421 yards and 13 touchdowns throughout his time in Seattle.

Hayden Hurst

The Chargers continued their retooling of the positional group by signing Hurst. This is his fifth team since entering the league in 2018. He was initially drafted by the Ravens, spending two years with them, two with the Falcons and a season apiece with the Bengals (2022) and Panthers (2023). Hurst’s best season came with Atlanta, where he caught 56 passes for 571 yards and six touchdowns — all career-highs. When he played under Roman during his two-season stint with Baltimore, Hurst finished with his highest yards per reception marks of his career, 12.5 and 11.6, respectively. While Dissly will be used more exclusively as a blocker, Hurst will be a piece in the passing game.

Donald Parham Jr.

I have the Chargers starting the season with three tight ends, so there should be a battle for this spot between Parham, Smarrt and undrafted free agents Zach Heins and Luke Benson. But I give the nod to Parham. Parham has been dinged with injuries over the past couple of seasons, but when he is on the field he provides a big target with his 6-foot-8 frame, which especially comes in clutch in red-zone situations. Parham is also functional as a run blocker, as he can seal off edges.

Daniel Jeremiah: ‘If you’re getting ready for your fantasy football season, draft J.K. Dobbins’

Daniel Jeremiah is a big believer in J.K. Dobbins this season.

The NFL regular season is still months away, but the pre-draft season for fantasy football will soon be in full effect, as many people are prepping for a hopeful championship year.

For the Chargers, Justin Herbert will be one of the top quarterbacks drafted, but when it comes to other skill players, J.K. Dobbins should be on your radar, at least NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah thinks he should.

On one of the most recent segments of Move The Sticks, Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks ranked the running back groups in each division. While the Chargers were last in Jeremiah’s rankings, he had high praise for Dobbins.

“If you’re getting ready for your fantasy football season, draft J.K. Dobbins, Jeremiah said. “J.K. Dobbins, when he’s been healthy has been really good. J.K. Dobbins has zero adjustment to the offense.”

Injuries have limited Dobbins following an outstanding rookie season in 2020 when he averaged 5.8 yards per carry and totaled over 800 rushing yards. In total, he’s played in just nine games in the last three seasons.

Dobbins will share the backfield with Gus Edwards and it’s expected that he will be the lead back to start the season. But Jeremiah believes that Dobbins is the more talented back.

“I like Gus Edwards, and I know he’s another one who’s familiar with the offense, who is big and can be the vulture to go down and steal touchdowns. J.K. Dobbins, if he’s healthy, he is the most talented back on that roster and he will have a monster season, provided he can stay healthy,” Jeremiah added.

Dobbins talked about how he’s healthy and ready to dispel the injury-prone narrative. If he can stay on the field, he will supply the offense with one of the most explosive backs, with a skill set that features good elusiveness and pass-catching ability.

Evaluating Justin Herbert’s fantasy football outlook

Will Herbert rebound with a new coaching staff and weaker receiving corps?

Based purely on talent, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is near the top of the heap, boasting plus athleticism, a great arm, and the confidence to attempt just about any throw. His numbers haven’t been as impressive. After passing for 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns in his sophomore season, the former Oregon Duck saw his output dip to 4,739 yards and 25 TDs in 2022, and then 3,134 yards with just 20 TDs last year. A

finger injury cost Herbert the final four games, but even projecting his numbers comes out to a relatively disappointing 4,098 yards and 26 TDs.

The only constant throughout Herbert’s four seasons has been change, playing under a trio of offensive coordinators (Shane Steichen, Joe Lombardi, and Kellen Moore). That continues in 2024 as new head coach Jim Harbaugh has brought Greg Roman along as OC. On the personnel side, the standout receiver tandem of Keenan Allen (Chicago Bears) and Mike Williams (New York Jets) are both gone, as is tight end Gerald Everett (Bears).

On the field, Allen, who caught 380 passes over the last four seasons, is the biggest loss. It’s the change off it that could make an even bigger difference, however, as the tandem of Harbaugh and Roman have made no secret about their desire to control the line of scrimmage and run the football. It’s a philosophy that was driven home by the selection of offensive tackle Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft. LA also overhauled the running back room, signing former Baltimore Ravens J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards as the top two backs.

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At receiver, the Bolts will try to replace Allen and Williams with returning talent Joshua Palmer (38-581-2 in 2023) and last year’s first-rounder Quentin Johnston (38-431-2), free-agent signee DJ Chark Jr. (35-525-5) with the Carolina Panthers), and second-round selection Ladd McConkey. There are some interesting names here, particularly if Johnston can develop into the player that thought they were getting with the 21st overall pick a year ago, but nobody comes with the track record of Williams, much less Allen.

Fantasy football outlook

A change in coaching, a change in offensive philosophy, and a change in personnel. Add it all up and it’s a lot to overcome for anyone, especially when you consider that Herbert has already seen his numbers trend in the wrong direction the past couple of years. That’s the glass half-empty perspective.

The optimistic viewpoint centers on Herbert’s skill set and a belief that you don’t pay a quarterback north of $50 million per season to have him throw 20 passes a game. He’s a tremendous talent, and he has shown a willingness throughout his career to target whoever is on the field in any situation, so don’t expect him to be gun shy with lesser known wideouts. Whether they can deliver is yet to be known.

While he’s best viewed as a QB2, Herbert carries viable upside. He may prove to be frustrating to play in fantasy, however.