Tag: Jared Cook

Chargers Fantasy Football Week 1: Start ’em or sit ’em

Highlighting the Chargers players that you should start or keep on the bench in the season opener against Washington.

We are officially in the midst of the 2021 regular season, with the majority of the games ensuing tomorrow, which also means that fantasy football matchups will largely be determined then.

As owners are finalizing their rosters, join me as I break down the Chargers that you should start and sit to reclaim a title or dethrone last year’s champion.

QB Justin Herbert — Sit

Look, this does not mean you should drop Herbert in favor of another player. Frankly, I believe he is capable of finishing as a top-5 QB by the end of the season. But in the first game, don’t expect a lot of points from the sophomore signal-caller. Facing a fearsome front and a stout secondary that allowed the fifth-fewest points to quarterbacks last season, Herbert could be kept to one of his most quiet performances. Again, only bench him if you have another quarterback on your roster who has more of a favorable matchup.

RB Austin Ekeler — Start

While Ekeler is listed as questionable, head coach Brandon Staley expects him to play, adding that “he looked good” at practice. In this new offense under Joe Lombardi, Ekeler’s workload should be hefty considering Alvin Kamara was one of the most productive backs during their time with the Saints. Despite facing one of the best defenses, Washington still allowed 114.5 rushing yards per game last season. Ekeler’s great ability to make an impact in the passing game should also be put to use.

WR Mike Williams — Sit

The Chargers are excited for the potential of Williams in Lombardi’s offense and while he could have a breakout season, the start of that will unlikely come this weekend. Washington gave up 201.9 passing yards last season and with him expected to draw a tough matchup in cornerback William Jackson, it could be hard for Williams to rack up points. In addition, with Herbert likely to face a good chunk of pressure, the plays down the field where Williams makes his money could be kept to a minimum.

TE Jared Cook — Start

Cook was signed to replace Hunter Henry and because of his familiarity with Lombardi’s offense, which he was quite productive in. In two seasons with New Orleans, Cook had 80 catches for 1,209 yards and 16 touchdowns. Not only did Herbert and Cook develop a strong connection during the summer, the sophomore could look to make a smooth transition in a new system by heavily relying on someone who’s well-versed in it. If there’s a prediction that I’m making, it’s that Cook will lead the team in targets in Week 1.

Chargers defense — Start

Even with Washington adding Ryan Fitzpatrick coupled with the weapons around him, there’s reason to believe why the unit could struggle. Head coach Brandon Staley oversaw the Rams’ defense that ranked No. 1 in both yards and points last season. His emphasis on bringing heat from as many places and coverage disguise in attempt to create uncertainty for quarterback — combined with playmakers led by Derwin James, Joey Bosa, Linval Joseph, Kenneth Murray, Michael Davis, Chris Harris Jr. and rookie Asante Samuel Jr. — could force Fitzpatrick into some mistakes.

4 key matchups to watch as Chargers face Washington in Week 1

Breaking down key matchups to watch for in the Chargers’ opener against Washington.

The Chargers’ 2021 regular season kicks off with a road matchup against the Washington Football Team this Sunday at 10 am PT.

Here are five matchups to keep an eye on in Week 1:

Chargers offensive line vs. Washington defensive line

General manager Tom Telesco made a major investment into the line this offseason, signing Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler and Oday Aboushi and drafting Rashawn Slater to join Bryan Bulaga.

On paper, this is arguably the most talented lines that the Chargers have had in years, but what matters at the end of the day is the product that they put on the field.

Facing a Washington defensive front that largely attributed to having the second-best overall defense last season, Los Angeles will have their work cut out for them.

In particular, the battle between reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young and Slater is one of the biggest storylines.

After finishing No. 31 in pass block win rate in 2020, this matchup should set the tone early on. If the Bolts can hold their own, they’re capable of doing it against any other team.

Chargers’ wide receivers vs. Washington’s cornerbacks

Even in the face of a fearsome front, the Chargers will still likely look to put the ball in the hands of quarterback Justin Herbert. While pressure is one thing, Herbert will still have a talented pairing in the defensive backfield to be aware of.

Football Team signed William Jackson, who limited Keenan Allen to only four catches for 37 yards on eight targets last season when he was with the Bengals. Washington will also put Kendall Fuller in the slot, with Jackson moving outside.

After spending two seasons prior to with the Chiefs, Fuller re-signed with the team that originally drafted him last offseason and put together one of his better campaigns from a production standpoint – amassing 11 passes defensed and four interceptions.

Chargers CB Michael Davis vs. Washington WR Terry McLaurin

Re-signed this offseason after proving his worth in a starting role against some of the league’s top wideouts in 2020, Davis is now the No. 1 cornerback for the Chargers, and he will have the opportunity to live up to his label to kick off the season with a tough matchup in McLaurin.

Catching passes from seven different quarterbacks, including Colt McCoy, Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen and Taylor Heinicke, McLaurin still managed to be productive – eclipsing over 2,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his first two seasons.

With Curtis Samuel out of this contest due to a groin injury, veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will likely target McLaurin early and often. Davis will look to use his foot speed, length and width to challenge him as much as possible.

Chargers tight ends vs. Washington LB Jamin Davis

During the final season that offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi called plays for the Lions, QB Matthew Stafford targeted the tight end on nearly 25% of his passes. Saints’ Drew Brees relied heavily on his tight ends, as well.

This season, Jared Cook and Donald Parham will be integral pieces of the passing offense, and don’t be surprised to see them involved quite often this weekend in hopes of exploiting Davis, Washington’s first-round pick.

One of Davis’ strengths coming out of Kentucky was his ability to cover bigger tight ends, so only time will tell if that skill translates over in his regular season debut.

Other matchups to watch

Chargers EDGE Joey Bosa vs. Washington rookie OT Samuel Cosmi

Chargers LB Kenneth Murray vs. Washington RB Antonio Gibson

Chargers S Derwin James vs. Washington TE Logan Thomas

Chargers CB Asante Samuel Jr. vs. Washington rookie WR Dyami Brown

1 bold prediction for every Chargers positional unit: Offense

Making one bold prediction for each position on the offensive side of the ball for the Chargers.

The Chargers are just a week away from kicking off the 2021 regular season, and after some roster reconstruction the team is equipped with plenty of talent on both sides of the ball.

How will the positional groups shape up? Let’s take a crack at making a bold prediction for each one, starting with the quarterbacks room.

Quarterback

Justin Herbert leads the NFL in passing yards

Herbert amassed 4,336 passing yards in his rookie season, in only 15 games. Knowing that he will have a full season and Joe Lombardi’s offense will allow him to air it out often to an array of stud skill players all behind a bolstered offense, Herbert could very well sit atop of the league in this category.

Running back

Larry Rountree takes over as RB2

Despite still drawing injury concerns, Justin Jackson is set to resume his role as the primary backup to Austin Ekeler to start the season. If the preseason is any indication, Rountree’s ability to win on the ground, as a receiver and in pass protection is the perfect skillset to manage a decent-sized load. I’m predicting Rountree to go from a short-yardage specialist to being used as the compliment to Ekeler by season’s end.

Wide receiver

Josh Palmer finishes second among team’s receivers in receptions

It’s expected that Mike Williams is going to be ready for Week 1 and there’s a lot of hype with him expected to man the “X receiver” which was formerly held by Saints’ Michael Thomas. However, an injury could still hold Williams back. Tyron Johnson was released, which benefited Palmer significantly. Jalen Guyton will likely only be used as downfield threat. Nonetheless, it’s hard not to believe that a guy who consistently got open at different areas of the field and caught everything during the preseason isn’t going to emerge as one of Herbert’s top targets.

Tight end

Donald Parham outproduces Jared Cook

Cook is the first tight end on the depth chart, but that doesn’t mean his receiving production will resemble just that. Last season, Cook recorded 10 catches for 159 yards (15.9 yards per reception) and three touchdowns on 20 targets with Herbert under center. Parham’s upside is endless due to his elite physical and athletic traits and improved route-running ability coupled with Lombardi’s system which gets tight ends heavily involved. Look for him to work up the seams and in the red zone.

Offensive line

Rashawn Slater allows no more than three sacks

Making the smooth transition from the college to the pro level at the tackle position in Year 1 is not an easy task by any means. Very few are capable of maintaining the high level of play against NFL pass rushers right out the gate, but Slater’s college film and showing this summer might suggest otherwise. Despite has lack of measurable, Slater’s light feet, balance and technically-refined and heavy hands are competent enough to slow the cream of the crop.

Chargers OC Joe Lombardi impressed by TE Donald Parham’s growth

Donald Parham has taken the steps to become a complete player at the position.

The Chargers tight end room is highlighted by veteran Jared Cook, but Donald Parham will also be a valuable piece this season.

Signed last year, the 6-foot-8 Parham took advantage of his limited opportunities, recording 10 catches for 159 yards (15.9 yards per reception) and three touchdowns on 20 targets in 2020.

Used primarily as a receiver in 2020, Parham has taken the steps to become a complete player at the position – showing more toughness and blocking ability throughout training camp and preseason.

“I was very optimistic about him as a receiver based on the little bit I saw on film and I think he’s stepped up and shown that he can do that more consistently. I’ve been impressed with his willingness and aggressiveness blocking which is important for a tight end,” Joe Lombardi said.

With Lombardi’s offense heavily predicated on matchups in which he will be show a wide variety of personnel packages, Parham should be a mismatch to threaten seams and in the red zone.

During the final season that Lombardi called plays for the Lions, QB Matthew Stafford targeted the tight end on nearly 25% of his passes. In addition, Saints’ Drew Brees relied heavily on his tight ends.

This just goes to show how involved Parham should be in the passing game, but knowing that he possesses capable upside as a blocker only benefits the offense even more.

Projecting Chargers’ offensive depth chart for 2021

Predicting the Chargers’ offensive depth chart heading into the 2021 season.

The Chargers are just a little over a week away from their season opener against The Washington Football Team under new head coach Brandon Staley, and with that, the positions are set after finalizing their 53-man roster.

The team has yet to release the official depth chart, so let’s dive into how the offensive side of the ball could shape up heading into the 2021 season, highlighting who is likely to start and serve as depth pieces behind them.

Quarterback

Starter Backup Reserve
QB Justin Herbert Chase Daniel Easton Stick

Herbert is QB1 while Daniel will likely be the other active signal-caller on game days. Even though Stick will be inactive, he gives the team flexibility in case of any COVID-19 related emergency.

Running back

Starter Backup Reserve Reserve
RB Austin Ekeler Justin Jackson Larry Rountree Joshua Kelley

Ekeler will continue do it all out of the backfield, lined up in the slot and out wide. Jackson figures to get the bulk of carries behind him, assuming he stays healthy. Rountree gets the nod over Kelley after outperforming him in the summer. Nonetheless, both will be featured in short-yardage situations for the most.

Fullback

Starter
Gabe Nabers

Nabers is the only fullback on the roster. His primary responsibility will be to serve as an additional blocker and special teams ace, but he could get some targets through the air when short yards are needed.

Wide receiver

Starter Backup
WR1 Keenan Allen K.J. Hill
WR2 Mike Williams Jalen Guyton
WR3 Josh Palmer

The hope is that Williams is fully healthy by next weekend. Palmer sits above Guyton on the depth chart after proving himself as a reliable WR3 this summer, showing the ability to consistent get open and catch everything thrown his way. However, Guyton should still see the field quite a bit due to his speed. Plus, Joe Lombardi rotates his receivers on a consistent basis based on the defensive scheme. Hill will be a primary return specialist.

Tight end

Starter Backup Reserve Reserve
TE Jared Cook Donald Parham Tre’ McKitty Stephen Anderson

Nothing surprising here. Cook and Parham will be the primary pass-catching tight ends, while McKitty serves as an in-line blocker. Anderson brings receiving and blocking chops, but he was kept on the roster to be a key special teamer.

Offensive line

Starter Backup Reserve
LT Rashawn Slater Trey Pipkins
LG Matt Feiler Brenden Jaimes
C Corey Linsley Scott Quessenberry
RG Oday Aboushi
RT Bryan Bulaga Storm Norton

The starting five have been set in stone for awhile, so there aren’t any changes here. Norton will be the primary swing tackle, which means that he will slide in at the left or right tackle should an injury occur to Slater or Bulaga. Pipkins is still developing. Jaimes is the swing guard. Quessenberry is the swing center, with the ability to play any of the guard spots if needed.

These 8 Chargers players will not play any preseason games

There are eight confirmed Chargers players that will not play this preseason.

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The Chargers are set to begin a three-game preseason slate that starts this Saturday night against the Rams.

While fans are eager to see some of their favorite players hit the field again, the wait might have to extend into next month when the regular season begins.

Following Thursday’s practice, head coach Brandon Staley said that Justin Herbert, Derwin James, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Corey Linsley, Bryan Bulaga, Linval Joseph, and Jared Cook will not play any preseason games.

The list of players mentioned is comprised of some of the top guys that they can’t afford to lose to an injury. For a team that has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, it has been one of Staley’s top priorities since taking over.

There will be some notable players that hit the field, but likely in a limited capacity. Instead, the preseason will primarily consist of the rookies and those who are fighting for playing time or a spot on the 53-man roster.

QB Justin Herbert shines in first action in front Chargers fans at SoFi Stadium

Over 30,000 were in attendance to see the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Last year, the worldwide pandemic kept Chargers fans from experiencing at first hand quarterback Justin Herbert put together one of the best rookie seasons in NFL history.

At the team’s Fan Fest on Sunday, it marked the first time fans were able to witness the star signal-caller in person in Los Angeles’ new home, SoFi Stadium.

In front of over 30,000 in attendance, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year did not disappoint during the live-game situations that the coaching staff implemented.

Displaying incredible arm strength, talent and placement, Herbert connected with his array of weapons, which included touchdowns to wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and tight end Jared Cook.

Herbert also made sure to get the running backs, TE Donald Parham and WRs Jalen Guyton and Josh Palmer involved.

The team’s new and improved offensive line kept Herbert clean for the most part and Joe Lombardi’s play-calling had the offense churning all afternoon, even against Brandon Staley’s fearsome defense.

“It was a lot of fun,” Herbert said. We had a great time. It was just good to be back out there and, thank you to all of the fans that showed up and supported. It’s just good to be back to playing football. [Having the fans present] means everything to us, to see them line up and support us.”

It remains to be seen if the starters will play in the preseason opener against the Rams this Saturday but if they do, Herbert will be back in action at SoFi Stadium at 7:00 pm PT.

Chargers 53-man roster prediction after 10 days of training camp

Taking a crack at projecting the Los Angeles Chargers 53-man roster after 10 practices.

The Chargers have officially been on the practice fields for a little over half of training camp now. There have been players expected that are standing out and some unexpected that are raising eyebrows.

Even though there is still some time remaining and plenty of things can happen between now and the roster deadline, I’ve done my best to anticipate what moves Los Angeles ends up making.

Using the insight we’ve learned from practice, here’s a look at the players that I believe make the 53-man roster.

Quarterbacks (2): Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel

Misses the cut: Easton Stick

Running backs (4): Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree III

Misses the cut: Darius Bradwell

Fullbacks (1): Gabe Nabers

Misses the cut: Hunter Kampmoyer

Wide receivers (6): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Jalen Guyton, Tyron Johnson, Josh Palmer, Austin Proehl

Misses the cut: Joe Reed, K.J. Hill, Jason Moore, Josh Hurst

Tight ends (4): Jared Cook, Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty, Stephen Anderson

Offensive linemen (9): Rashawn Slater, Matt Feiler, Corey Linsley, Oday Aboushi, Bryan Bulaga, Trey Pipkins, Brenden Jaimes, Storm Norton, Scott Quessenberry

Misses the cut: Tyree St. Louis, Nate Gilliam, Ryan Hunter, Kyle Spalding

Defensive linemen (6): Linval Joseph, Justin Jones, Jerry Tillery, Christian Covington, Breiden Fehoko, Cortez Broughton

Misses the cut: Joe Gaziano, T.J. Smith

Edge defender (4): Joey Bosa, Uchenna Nwosu, Kyler Fackrell, Chris Rumph II

Misses the cut: Jesse Lemonier

Linebackers (5): Kenneth Murray, Drue Tranquill, Kyzir White, Nick Niemann, Amen Ogbongbemiga

Misses the cut: Cole Christiansen

Defensive backs (9): Michael Davis, Asante Samuel, Jr., Chris Harris, Jr., Donte Vaughn, Brandon Facyson, Derwin James, Nasir Adderley, Alohi Gilman, Mark Webb

Misses the cut: Tevaughn Campbell, John Brannon, Ryan Smith

Specialists (3): Tristan Vizcaino, Ty Long, Ryan Langan

Misses the cut: Michael Badgley, Alex Kessman, Cole Mazza

Notes

No changes to the quarterback position. If Easton Stick or K.J. Costello do not make the 53-man roster, I believe they will be battling it out for a spot on the practice squad.

Austin Ekeler is RB1 and Justin Jackson has received the majority of the load as RB2. Joshua Kelley has the slight leg up over Larry Rountree, but we will be able to gauge this battle more when preseason games begin. Nonetheless, I’m still leaning towards the team keeping four backs.

I still see Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Jalen Guyton, Tyron Johnson and Josh Palmer as locks. My pre-training camp roster projections had Joe Reed, but Austin Proehl has been a special teams standout as a return specialist.

I didn’t see Stephen Anderson making the roster prior to training camp, but he’s been providing the ability to play multiple positions (tight end, fullback, special teams). Plus, the offense incorporates plenty of three- four-tight end sets, which is why they might elect to keep him.

Ryan Smith was signed to be a special teams ace, but he hasn’t seen the field due to a lingering injury. Instead, I’m predicting former UDFA Donte Vaughn to earn a spot because of his high level of play up to this point and the position versatility he offers.

I had Alex Kessman penciled in as the starting kicker, but he hasn’t done anything to separate himself from the pack, nor have Michael Badgley or Tristan Vizcaino. However, Vizcaino has made a handful of promising kicks, he was with the first team kickoff unit early on and he was one of special teams coordinator Derius Swinton’s guys.

Chargers tight ends quietly making noise at training camp

The tight end group could be a real strength for the Chargers.

Lost in the spotlight of quarterback Justin Herbert, the battle at the running back and wide receiver positions have been the Chargers tight ends.

Jared Cook, Donald Parham, rookie Tre’ McKitty and Stephen Anderson, who have been working with the first-team offense, depending on the package, have all flown under the radar.

Expected to provide a big frame in the middle of the field and in the red zone, Cook and Herbert have connected a handful of times thus far. His knowledge with offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s system is paying dividends to aide with Herbert’s transition.

Known for his mismatch ability down the seam, Parham has steadily improved his game, showing refinement as a route-runner and the strength to be an asset in the blocking department. Like Cook, Parham has been one of Herbert’s favorite targets in practice.

While he’s seen primarily as an in-line blocker, McKitty is showing upside as a pass-catcher, with excellent quickness and agility to get open and reliable hands to get to balls away from his body naturally.

Anderson, on the other hand, was seen as the guy in the group that was likely to be on the outside looking in heading into camp. However, he’s made a few plays and has displayed the versatility to line up at fullback and possesses special teams upside.

The fact that the tight ends are standing out at camp is a good sign. Given the fact that Lombardi incorporates a handful of three- and four-tight end sets to create mismatches, each player should be beneficial in this offense, especially with how they’ve looked at practices.

Chargers’ Justin Herbert, Jared Cook building strong connection

Jared Cook is establishing himself as one of Justin Herbert’s go-to targets.

Last season, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert heavily targeted tight end Hunter Henry. Despite no longer being a part of the team, Herbert appears to be building a solid connection with Henry’s replacement, veteran Jared Cook.

Through two days at camp, Herbert has found Cook on multiple occasions during team drills. Yesterday, the two connected twice. Today, Herbert hit Cook for a 50+ yard touchdown pass.

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi is not surprised they have already started intertwine with one another.

“Jared’s a very easy guy to throw to,” Lombardi said.

Cook spent the last two seasons with the Saints alongside Lombardi, who served the quarterbacks coach then. He had 80 catches for 1,209 yards and 16 touchdowns.

This season, Cook will provide a big frame in the middle of the field and in the red zone for Herbert. Given his familiarity with the offense and how much tight ends are catered to, Cook should some a high volume of targets.