Tag: Gus Bradley

5 storylines to follow when Chargers face Raiders in Week 4

There are a few narratives ahead of Monday’s game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders.

Following a statement win on the road against the Chiefs, the Chargers will look to carry that momentum back at home in primetime, as they take on the undefeated Raiders on Monday.

With that being said, here are five things to watch for in Los Angeles’ Week 4 bout with Las Vegas:

How will Gus Bradley fare against Justin Herbert

After practicing against him all of last season, Bradley is now faced with going up against Herbert as rival opponents. However, the signal-caller may have a slight advantage heading into the matchup, given the fact that the Chargers offense is an entirely new system.

Averaging 307 passing yards per game, Herbert has been money against zone coverage (third in completion percentage and eighth in yards per attempt), which is what Bradley primarily plays in. Meanwhile, he is 14th in completion percentage and 16th in yards per attempt against man coverage.

While offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi could see Bradley mixing up his coverage looks to keep Herbert guessing, he still expects him to stick to his guns for the most part. “They’re not trying to out-trick you. They’re trying to out-execute you,” Lombardi said.

Can Maxx be minimized?

If there’s one way of slowing down Herbert, it’s by getting pressure on him in a hurry. Even for an offensive line that has only allowed pressures on just 20 percent of their dropbacks (tied for sixth) and a sack rate of 3.8 percent (fifth) this season, the group could have their hands full.

The Raiders have seven sacks (tied for 12th), 57 hurries (tied for first), 22 quarterback hits (tied for seventh), and 40 pressures (tied for eighth). This has all come primarily when rushing four, with Maxx Crosby leading the charge. Yannick Ngakoue has been a solid asset, as well.

Rashawn Slater has been playing like a veteran, while Storm Norton has been up and down. The offense should cook if Norton plays like he did against Washington’s Chase Young and Montez Sweat. However, if he plays as he did against Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, there might be some bumps.

Can the defense neutralize Derek Carr?

The Chargers faced and fared well against two of the league’s best passing offenses, the Cowboys and Chiefs. Now, Los Angeles is tasked with Carr, who is playing some of the best football in his career.

Carr is leading the NFL in passing yards (1203) and passing yards per game (401). Four of his pass-catchers have already surpassed 200 receiving yards: Darren Waller, Henry Ruggs, Bryan Edwards, and Hunter Renfrow.

As for L.A., the defensive unit ranks seventh in passing yards allowed (201.7), fourth in interceptions (3), seventh in points allowed (20.0).

Combined with a strong secondary and pass rush and Staley’s philosophy to limit big gains in the passing game, the Chargers will look to make Carr, who is atop the leaderboard in explosive plays, a non-factor.

Can the run defense get on the right track?

While strong against the pass, the Chargers are dreadful against the run. The team has allowed 5.8 yards per rush (last) and 170 rushing yards per game (last). However, the Raiders aren’t particularly a threat on the ground, but if there’s one game to get going in that department, it’s this one.

Joshua Jacobs, the team’s primary back, is a game-time decision. Having him back would be huge for Las Vegas. If he can’t play, Peyton Barber and Kenyan Drake will man the backfield. While not imposing, they could be in for monstrous performances, given how weak Los Angeles is at stopping the run. 

I mentioned that having defensive tackle Justin Jones would aid in that area, but he was ruled out for the third consecutive week with a calf injury. Breiden Fehoko or Forrest Merrill could get promoted from the practice squad, which would be beneficial. Even then, players at the second and third levels need to keep everything in front.

Former teammates, now opponents

When making the move to Las Vegas, Bradley brought some of his former players, five of which suited up for the Chargers, with the most notable being starting cornerback Casey Hayward and linebacker Denzel Perryman.

Following an up and down season, Hayward is playing some great football. His 82.8 Pro Football Focus overall grade ranks second among corners, and he is third with an 85.0 coverage grade. In addition, he has a passer rating of 42.4 this season, third-best at the position.

Can his excellent play continue against the dynamic duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams?

Starting at middle linebacker, Perryman has looked like his old self, playing a physical brand of football and head-hunting. He produced double-digit tackles every game for a total of 36 so far. In addition, he appears to be improved in pass coverage.

Can he minimize the production of running back Austin Ekeler and tight ends Jared Cook and Donald Parham?

Raiders DC Gus Bradley holds high praise for Chargers QB Justin Herbert

Gus Bradley prepares to face a Chargers offense with players he’s familiar with, including Justin Herbert.

In his rookie season, two of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s most productive performances came against the Raiders. Herbert chalked a combined stat line of 640 passing yards and four touchdowns, as well as a passer rating of 113.5.

Then, Las Vegas was 30th in points allowed.

Fast forward to now and Los Angeles’ former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who is now calling the plays for the Raiders, has made positive changes to that side of the ball.

Bradley has guided a unit that’s allowing only 24 points (15th in the NFL) and 355.7 yards (14th) per game.

Heading into the Monday night showdown, however, this will be Bradley’s toughest test yet.

Herbert appears to be far from a sophomore slump. The former Oregon product ranks fourth in the league in passing yards, averaging 318.7 per game, and owns a 69.8 completion percentage. 

Furthermore, the second-year signal-caller added an impressive four-touchdown performance to his resume last week against the Chiefs, which saw him outperform QB Patrick Mahomes.

“We’ve faced really different styles of quarterbacks,” Bradley said on Herbert. “He’s kind of a combination now. He’s big, tall, strong, very accurate, completion percentage is high, quarterback rating is high.

He doesn’t get rattled much, is very good against the pressure. Can run when needed, extends plays looks downfield to make big plays. Receivers know him and they understand that part of it. We got a lot of respect for him now.”

Herbert may have an advantage because while he did practice against Bradley’s defense in their lone year together in L.A., the 23-year old is in a new offensive system under Joe Lombardi.

Regardless, Herbert is well aware of what Bradley brings to the table in terms of his defensive philosophy and knows that the offense could have their work cut out for them.

“He’s done a good job with those guys, they are playing good football and they are really well-coached,” Herbert said. “They are really solid in their assignments, and they’ve got some pretty athletic guys, so they’re tough.”

The Chargers will look to stay hot in the passing game, especially when Herbert is third in completion percentage and eighth in yards per attempt against zone, the primary coverage Bradley plays in. He may choose to mix up his looks to keep Herbert on his toes, however.

At the end of the day, slowing down Herbert will not be an easy task for Bradley and the Raiders defense that boasts former Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman and cornerback Casey Hayward, who have both been impressive this season.

Raiders LB Denzel Perryman prepares to face former team

Raiders LB Denzel Perryman talks about facing his former team ahead of the Monday night matchup.

After spending six seasons with the Chargers, Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman prepares to face his former team.

Perryman was an integral piece in the middle of the defense for the Bolts, and he has carried over his playmaking skills to Las Vegas under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

Perryman has earned double-digit tackles each game for a total of 36 thus far. Last week, Perryman produced a season-high 14 tackles in the Raiders’ overtime win over the Dolphins.

The familiar faces may prove to be an advantage for both teams; however, Perryman spoke on what the Las Vegas defense is up against, specifically highlighting the dynamic duo of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.

“I consider Keenan to be a quick twitchy guy, playmaker,” Perryman said. “Obviously, Mike is a playmaker too, but Mike’s more of a jump ball, deep ball kind of guy, and Keenan’s all over the place. It’s going to be a challenge. As far as a defense, we need to do our job and play as one.”

While stout against the run, Perryman has made strides in pass coverage. Perryman, who has been targeted 19 times, has allowed a completion rate of 73.7 percent (tied for 12th among 29 linebackers with at least 10 targets).

The 28-year old should have a tough test, as Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will look to get running back Austin Ekeler and tight ends Jared Cook and Donald Parham involved through the air.

Chargers WR Keenan Allen talks about facing former teammate CB Casey Hayward

Keenan Allen is looking forward to facing his friend and former teammate Casey Hayward as the Chargers take on the Raiders.

After going one-on-one on the practice field the past five seasons, wide receiver Keenan Allen and cornerback Casey Hayward will now line up across from each other in an actual live game, in different uniforms.

After suiting up in the blue and gold, Hayward now dons the Raiders’ silver and black following him brought in by former Chargers and current defensive coordinator Gus Bradley for Las Vegas.

Allen spoke highly of his former teammate while looking ahead to Monday’s game.

“Great guy, great teammate, great competitor, so it’s going to be fun,” Allen said. “When Casey is ready to play, he goes pretty good. Last year, he just happened to have injuries.”

Hayward played a vital role in the success of Los Angeles’ defense after he signed in 2016. He defended 66 passes and picked off 14 en route to earning two trips to the Pro Bowl and being named All-Pro twice.

However, 2020 marked Hayward’s most underwhelming campaign, largely due to injuries, which led to the decision to release him rather than letting him go into the final season of his contract.

Now the veteran presence in a young Raiders secondary, Hayward has been playing some great football for his new team.

Hayward’s 82.8 overall Pro Football Focus grade ranks second among corners, and he is third with an 85.0 coverage grade. In addition, he has a passer rating of 42.4 this season, third-best at the position.

Allen will look to get the best of Hayward and continue his dominance against Las Vegas altogether. In 13 games, Allen has 80 receptions for 904 yards and five touchdowns.

How Gus Bradley, former Chargers players have fared with Raiders

Checking in on some former Chargers, who are now on the Raiders ahead of the Week 4 matchup.

Along with letting go of Anthony Lynn earlier this offseason, the entire band of the past few seasons parted ways, including former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

It wasn’t long until Bradley was hired for the same role for AFC West rival Las Vegas Raiders.

After finishing in the top 10 in points allowed twice and the top 10 in yards allowed three of the four seasons with the Chargers, Bradley has played a vital role in improving the overall success of the Raiders defense.

Las Vegas was 30th in points allowed in 2020 and hadn’t been under No. 20 since 2006. But Bradley has led a unit that’s allowing only 24 points (15th in the NFL) and 355.7 yards (14th) per game.

Part of Bradley’s vision involved reuniting with some of his former players, five of which suited up in the blue and gold: Casey Hayward, Denzel Perryman, Darius Philon, Roderic Teamer, and Damion Square.

Hayward has been the best of all. His 82.8 overall PFF grade ranks second among corners, and he is third with an 85.0 coverage grade. In addition, he has a passer rating of 42.4 this season, third-best at the position.

Starting at middle linebacker, Perryman has looked like his old self, playing a physical brand of football and always head-hunting. He has produced double-digit tackles every game for a total of 36 so far.

Philon has been a critical rotational piece along the defensive line, contributing to seven total pressures and three run stops.

Teamer has been hampered by an injury, while Square has yet to make his regular-season debut in the silver and black.

Bradley’s defense, which most notably stymied the Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson, will now have the task of slowing quarterback Justin Herbert and company next Monday night.

Raiders host veteran LB KJ Wright on free-agent visit

Raiders host veteran LB KJ Wright on free-agent visit

We have now officially reached the aged former great NFL players portion of the program. Wednesday it was the team signing former Pro Bowl DT Gerald McCoy and today the Raiders are meeting with longtime Seahawks LB KJ Wright according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Wright has been a mainstay at linebacker for the Seahawks for the last ten years. The first two years of his career he had Gus Bradley as his defensive coordinator.

Wright just turned 32 years of age and with camps about a week in across the league, it’s time to try and get in one.

What it means for the Raiders’ linebacker corps that they are looking out Wright is hard to say. Currently, the expected starters for the Raiders are Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski, and Nicholas Morrow. Wright is an inside linebacker and Morrow has been handling those assignments lately due in part to his familiarity with Bradley’s scheme. Well, Wright is quite familiar with it as well, hence the interest.

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Raiders new ‘defensive culture’ under new DC Gus Bradley ‘fun to watch’

Raiders new ‘defensive culture’ under new DC Gus Bradley ‘fun to watch’

One of probably the more underrated moves the Raiders made this season may not be a player on the field. It could be the hiring of new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

Bradley is credited with coaching the Chargers defense into a top ten pass defense over the past four years. His influence on the team is already showing.

“Well, it’s been fun to watch,” Jon Gruden said of Bradley’s interaction with the defense. “No disrespect to Paul [Guenther], but we have a completely different group of players too. Gus is a high-energy coach. He’s a high-energy coach. He’s upbeat, positive, he’s philosophical, he’s fun to be around, he makes you laugh, but he also pushes you.”

Gruden is an offensive-minded coach. He is banking on Bradley offering up an improved pass defense this season. Gruden’s top weapon on his offense has seen a difference this offseason in what the defense is doing to defend him.

“From day one of being out on the practice field in OTA’s the defensive culture was different,” tight end Darren Waller told RaidersWire this week. “You could see there was an energy, there was a looseness amongst them, just an excitement to be out there playing. Those guys are out there running around with their hair on fire during walk-thrus. It’s a good sign because they want to be there and they are excited about what’s to come so I’m expecting a great camp, continued development from those guys on that side of the football.”

There are some new additions to the Raiders defense, but it became clear over the past three years under Paul Guenther, that this defense will only go as far as their defensive coordinator can take them. It’s one thing to have good players, it’s another to get the most out of them.

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Chargers LB Drue Tranquill throws shade at former defensive coordinator

Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill is eager to play in Brandon Staley’s defense.

Tuesday marked the first time that Chargers linebacker Drue Tranquill spoke to the media since he suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the 2020 campaign.

After enjoying a solid rookie season, it was expected that Tranquill was going to take another step in Year 2, but the injury put everything to a halt.

Now heading into his third year, Tranquill will be one of the starting linebackers alongside Kenneth Murray in new head coach Brandon Staley’s defense.

When asked about what’s different with this defensive scheme, Tranquill made a not-so-subtle jab at former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.

Tranquill brought up a play towards the end of his first year against the Chiefs where he was tasked with running up the middle of the field with speedy wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

Bradley’s defense required linebackers to match up with even the fastest skill players in coverage, whereas Staley’s scheme is going to put players in the right position to win.

While there will still be coverage responsibilities, Tranquill said that Staley’s defense is going to allow them to be more “downhill” on run action and really play linebacker, reiterating what Murray talked about last week.

Ex-Chargers CB Casey Hayward signing with Raiders

A familiar face of the Chargers is joining one of the team’s division rivals.

A familiar face of the Chargers is joining one of the team’s division rivals.

Cornerback Casey Hayward is signing with the Raiders on a one-year deal.

Hayward was set to be entering the final year of his original contract with Los Angeles, but the team released him in March to clear up some cap space after an underwhelming 2020 season.

In five seasons with the Bolts, Hayward defended 66 passes and picked off 14. Along the way, he earned two trips to the Pro Bowl and was named All-Pro twice.

Hayward reunites with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who took the position earlier this offseason.

Report: Chargers OC Shane Steichen expected to receive interest from Seahawks

The Seahawks could be eyeing Shane Steichen to fill the offensive coordinator spot.

The Seahawks recently fired offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

Seattle does not plan on wasting any time to fill the vacancy, and one candidate they could be eyeing is Chargers OC Shane Steichen.

According to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, it’s expected that Steichen will be on the list of possible replacements.

After serving as Los Angeles’ quarterbacks coach, Steichen was promoted to offensive coordinator after the team parted ways with Ken Whisenhunt midway through the 2019 season.

With his first full season calling the plays, L.A. averaged 382.1 yards per game (9th), 270.6 passing yards per game (6th) and 24.0 points per game (18th).

Steichen along with QBs coach Pep Hamilton are credited for some of the success of rookie sensation Justin Herbert.

If Steichen isn’t back, they will be looking to fill his void along with the defensive coordinator spot after Gus Bradley found a new home with the Raiders.

Update: According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Seattle may consider Hamilton for the role.