Tag: Joshua Palmer

Chargers’ biggest position needs ahead of 2023 NFL draft

Identifying six positions that the Los Angeles Chargers must address in the 2023 NFL draft.

With most of free agency in the rearview, the attention has turned to the quickly approaching 2023 NFL draft.

The Chargers addressed a positional need by signing Eric Kendricks and the bulk of it by retaining a few of their own players. However, there is still more work to be done.

With the draft a little over two weeks away, here are the positions that Los Angeles needs to hone in on.

Wide receiver

The tandem of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams returns after injury-hampered seasons. When they weren’t on the field, their absences were felt significantly. Joshua Palmer made strides from his rookie to sophomore season, enough to warrant a more prominent role in Year 3. However, the Chargers need speed at receiver, and they must address it to create more explosive plays in the passing game, something they lacked this past season, and get the most out of Justin Herbert’s cannon of an arm.

Tight end

Gerald Everett supplied the offense with a consistent piece in the passing game, finishing with career-highs in receptions (55) and receiving yards (555). But the other guys in the tight end room were mostly absent. Donald Parham appeared in six games after dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained in training camp and a concussion. Tre’ McKitty was drafted in 2021 as an in-line blocker, but he was underwhelming in that department and did not offer much value as a receiver. With Parham’s injury concerns looming and McKitty not developing into the player they were hoping, the Chargers would benefit from a complete player at the position to complement Everett in 2023 and take over as the No. 1 option when Everett hits the free agency market after the upcoming season.

Edge defender

Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack’s time on the field in their first year together was short-lived after Bosa sustained a groin injury that kept him out for most of the season. While Bosa was out, the pass-rush production from the position group took a dip. Looking ahead, Mack will be 32 when the 2023 season starts. Chris Rumph has not made much of an impact in his first two seasons to suggest he is ready to be counted on in an expanded role. In a pass-happy league, you need players to disrupt quarterbacks consistently. And that’s why the Chargers would benefit from another capable pass rusher.

Safety

Nasir Adderley called it quits, announcing his retirement. 2022 third-round pick JT Woods was taken with the idea of playing him as the deep safety to allow Derwin James to move all over the field. But that never came to fruition as Woods struggled as a tackler in the limited defensive snaps he played and was a non-factor defensively. As it stands, Alohi Gilman, who played well in 2022, is slated to be the starter alongside James. Nonetheless, they still need more talent in that positional room.

Cornerback

J.C. Jackson’s status is unknown, as he is still recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon in Week 7. So with Jackson out of the action, Michael Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. will be the starters on the outside. Ja’Sir Taylor is currently set to be the starting slot corner. Taylor showed promise as a rookie, but he also experienced growing pains. Additionally, Brandon Staley said last year that as long as he is the head coach, the Chargers will always be looking to add players to the positional room.

Interior offensive line

The Chargers released former left guard Matt Feiler. Taking his spot will be second-year Jamaree Salyer, who played really well in the absence of Trey Pipkins. They return Corey Linsley and Zion Johnson. Will Clapp was re-signed to back up Linsley. But they need more depth at guard to compete with Brenden Jaimes for the swing spot.

Chargers’ Tom Telesco says he has no plans to move Keenan Allen

Chargers GM Tom Telesco put all the speculations regarding WR Keenan Allen to bed.

With the Chargers currently $20.39 million over the salary cap, there’s been speculation that Keenan Allen could be moved to clear some up. But general manager Tom Telesco all but put the murmurs to bed.

“Keenan Allen isn’t going anywhere,” Telesco told reporters at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, IN, on Wednesday.

Allen is scheduled to earn $15.5 million in 2023, with $21.7 million charged against the salary cap. If he were released before June 1, Los Angeles would save $14.8 million against the cap.

In 2022, Allen missed seven games due to a hamstring issue, finishing with 66 catches for 752 yards and four touchdowns.

The 10-year wideout has been vital to the Bolts’ offense throughout his professional career. During that span, Allen has caught 796 passes for 9,287 yards and 52 touchdowns.

“Keenan Allen, to me, he’s our Andre Reed. He’s our Charlie Joiner,” Telesco said. “He’s an incredible football player. We have a great quarterback, we need weapons around him, there’s never been any thought of that.

While he is getting up in age, set to be 31 this season and coming off an injury-riddled campaign, Allen is productive when healthy. He is still one of the best route runners in the league. He is a safety blanket to third down.

The Chargers need to add speed to their wide receiver room, but letting go of Allen would do more bad than good to the state of the offense.

Telesco will have some wheeling and dealing to do, as the Chargers must comply with the salary cap at the start of the new league year on March 15. But that will likely be without moving their top wide receiver.

“It’s not tempting to me,” Telesco said at his end-of-season press conference. “Good players make money, and I would rather have a lot of good players on our roster than a lot of cap space.”

Chargers found these 23 prospects at Senior Bowl in past six years

Chargers GM Tom Telesco has a track record of drafting players that have been a part of the event.

For the 32 NFL teams in attendance, the Senior Bowl is a chance to see some of college football’s top players square off in a week of practices and a full game to wrap things up to prove to them that they can prepare, practice and compete like pros.

Within all of the action on the football field, this is the team’s first opportunity to sit down and get to know the prospects after watching them for years at their perspective school and talking to their coaches to gain more information on them.

While many clubs view this as just the first step of the pre-draft process, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco sees it as more than just that, given his track record of drafting players that have been a part of the week’s long event.

Since 2017, Los Angeles has drafted 23 former and current players who have participated in the Senior Bowl: 

G Forrest Lamp, Western Kentucky — 2017

G Dan Feeney, Indiana  – 2017

S Rayshawn Jenkins, Miami – 2017

DB Desmond King, Iowa – 2017

DE Isaac Rochell, Notre Dame – 2017

DT Justin Jones, NC State – 2018

LB Uchenna Nwosu, USC – 2018

C Scott Quessenberry, UCLA – 2018

LB Drue Tranquill, Notre Dame – 2019

S Nasir Adderley, Delaware  – 2019

QB Justin Herbert, Oregon — 2020

RB Joshua Kelley, UCLA — 2020

S Alohi Gilman, Notre Dame — 2020

WR K.J. Hill, Ohio State — 2020

WR Josh Palmer, Tennessee — 2021

TE Tre’ McKitty, Georgia — 2021

OL Brenden Jaimes, Nebraska — 2021

RB Larry Rountree, Missouri — 2021

S Mark Webb, Georgia — 2021

OL Zion Johnson, Boston College — 2022

S JT Woods, Baylor — 2022

DT Otito Ogbonnia, UCLA — 2022

OL Jamaree Salyer, Georgia — 2022

Since he took the job in 2013, some of Telesco’s most significant values when evaluating players are production, statistics, and time spent at school. Another thing that he covets is not only good players but good people.

It’s rare that any of the guys brought in have issues or are constantly in trouble with off-the-field stuff. Instead, Telesco brings in good football players that are tough and competitive and fits the culture of what the Chargers want to be both on and off the field.

There will be plenty of players that should draw the attention of Telesco and the rest of the staff on hand, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

5 things to know about new Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore

Highlighting important things about Kellen Moore and what the hiring means for the Chargers.

The Chargers agreed to terms with Kellen Moore to become their next offensive coordinator.

To get familiar with the new play-caller, here are some key things to know about Moore.

Top Twitter reactions from Chargers’ loss to Raiders

How the internet reacted to the Chargers’ loss to the Raiders on Sunday.

[sendtonews_embed video_id=”IWjwYAVgwq-2403130-7498″]

The Chargers’ playoff hopes are tainted after their 27-20 loss to the Raiders. Justin Herbert and company could not make a comeback in the final two minutes of the game after being down by a touchdown.

Las Vegas star receiver Davante Adams had two second-half touchdowns that helped the Raiders seal the win and complicate the Bolts’ chances of making the postseason even more.

Here’s what Twitter had to say about the tough loss for Los Angeles:

5 final takeaways from Chargers’ loss to Chiefs

Before switching gears to this weekend’s matchup with the Cardinals, here are the final takeaways from the Chargers’ loss to the Chiefs.

The Chargers lost to the Chiefs on Sunday night.

Before switching gears to this weekend’s matchup with the Cardinals, here are my final takeaways from the divisional bout.

 

Top Twitter reactions from Chargers’ loss to Chiefs

How the internet reacted to the Chargers’ loss to the Chiefs on Sunday night.

For the third straight year, the Chargers had a late lead at home against the Chiefs and could not finish.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Los Angeles’ loss:

Studs and duds from Chargers’ 30-27 loss to Chiefs

Here’s who showed up and who disappointed in the Chargers’ loss to the Chiefs.

The Chargers proved once again that they have been forsaken by the football gods on Sunday night, dropping a heartbreaking 30-27 loss to the Chiefs.

The result essentially knocks Los Angeles out of division contention, but a playoff spot is still within reach if the powers that be find it within themselves to be merciful to the powder blues.

Here’s who showed signs of encouraging development and who struggled in the loss.

Stud: Joshua Palmer

Everyone and their parents knew Keenan Allen and Mike Williams would be back in the lineup this week, but that left us with the question of Palmer. His contributions in this offense with Allen and Williams out went beyond what the box score was capable of showing. With Allen on a pitch count and Williams leaving in the first quarter after aggravating his ankle injury, the onus was again on Palmer to perform like a WR1. He did an admirable job on Sunday, hauling in 8 receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns. It’s the deep touchdown in the first quarter that shows the most promise: it came with Allen and Williams on the defense’s mind. Palmer now has a taste of what it’s like to be the No. 1 option, but he’s running downfield with little to no attention on him while defenses key in on 13 and 81. On Sunday, No. 5 proved he’s not to be ignored either.

Dud: Run defense

The Chiefs, before Sunday night, had not had an individual player run for over 100 yards in 413 days. That was Week 4 of the 2021 season. This is a team virtually allergic to running the ball – even in the first half, Andy Reid continued to avoid the ground game even as Isiah Pacheco continued to gash the Chargers depleted defensive line. In the second half, Reid adjusted and Los Angeles did not – Pacheco finished with 107 rushing yards on just 15 carries, a 7.1 yards per carry average. I get that injuries have impacted the defense – Joey Bosa, Austin Johnson, Otito Ogbonnia, and Christian Covington all missed this game and Kenneth Murray left early with a neck injury. But at some point, you have to make do with what you have, and the Chargers couldn’t do that on Sunday night.

Stud: Justin Herbert

It pains me that this game ended with a Herbert interception, which his detractors will point to as proof that he’s simply an interception thrower, despite the, well…everything else that says otherwise. Herbert looked comfortable and healthy for the majority of this game, flashing some of those downfield eye-poppers that we haven’t seen for weeks. Having Allen and Williams helped, certainly. But the deep shot to Palmer to open the game was picture-perfect. The sideline bomb to Keenan Allen to keep LA in the game in the fourth quarter was a throw fitting of an All-Pro quarterback. Herbert was his stellar self on Sunday, and the return of his playmakers, if only partially and in name, did wonders for his confidence.

Dud: Pass protection

What did not help Herbert was the pass protection this week. Coming into the game, the Chargers had only allowed 13 sacks, the fewest in the NFL. Part of that was an offensive line that’s played well above expectation, and part was Herbert’s uncanny ability to navigate the pocket and avoid negative plays. On Sunday, the collapse of the former put more bearing on the latter, and Herbert could only do so much to avoid the rush. Los Angeles allowed five sacks in just about every way imaginable. Jamaree Salyer and Matt Feiler failed to pass off a stunt correctly, resulting in a Mike Danna sack. The line shifted away from a blitzing Willie Gay to give him an untouched sack. Herbert tried to scramble and was swallowed by a hyper-aware Chris Jones. It’ll be a rough week of tape study.

Stud: Troy Reeder

Reeder was forced to come in off the bench after Kenneth Murray left with a neck injury, and he immediately made his presence felt with a pass breakup late in the third quarter that put Kansas City behind the sticks. In the fourth quarter, Reeder forced the Jerick McKinnon fumble to give the Chargers the ball back after Keenan Allen’s fumble seemed like it would be the ballgame for LA. It’s nearly impossible to play better in relief than Reeder did, and he deserves his flowers for keeping the Chargers in it.

Dud: Second-half execution

Yet again, the Chargers could not put together a full 60-minute performance. After jumping out to a 20-13 lead in a first half where Los Angeles scored ten points in each of the first two frames, they were outscored 17-7 in the second half. The third quarter especially was ugly for LA, who could not move the ball on offense nor stop the run on defense. A sack of Herbert killed the opening drive after penalties mortally wounded it. Pacheco ran wild to get the Chiefs into field goal range for the only points of the quarter. Herbert missed a wide-open Josh Palmer on a crossing route and threw it to an open patch of grass to avoid incoming pressure. Brandon Staley punted on fourth and inches. It was a huge letdown after a thrilling first half that had you believing the Chargers could hang with anyone now that their health was up and up.

Stud: Morgan Fox

Everybody knows this defensive line is shorthanded after losing Otito Ogbonnia, Christian Covington, and Jerry Tillery over the last week. Everybody knew that Sebastian Joseph-Day and Fox, the two remaining players of the six on LA’s roster heading into the bye, would have to play a huge role. Everybody, including the Chiefs, did everything they could to make someone else beat them. And time after time, it was Joseph-Day and Fox who were making plays for the Chargers. Fox, in particular, seemed to always be in the backfield, whether it was pressuring Patrick Mahomes into throwaways or penetrating rushing lanes to shut down short-yardage opportunities.

Dud: Coaching

Circling back to the second-half execution, at some point, you can’t hide behind injuries as an excuse for why this team suddenly loses steam at any given point in a game. LA hasn’t put together a complete game the entire year, but Sunday’s first half was the best they’ve looked in ages. The defense was battling, forcing Kansas City into field goal after a field goal by stiffening up in critical situations. The offense was flowing – Austin Ekeler was feasting, Isaiah Spiller had a few nice plays to keep him fresh, Justin Herbert looked like the Justin Herbert we remember from his dazzling 2021 season. And then, in the second half, they just…stopped. The defense couldn’t find answers for Travis Kelce. The run game stopped generating yards. Herbert was forced to shoulder more and more of the weight as pass concepts failed to get open.

There is a no bigger condemnation of this than Staley’s decision to punt on fourth and inches with 5 minutes left in the third quarter. The defense had just gotten off the field after an exhausting nine-play, 56-yard drive that they had managed to stop at just a Harrison Butker field goal. The offense, while struggling in the second half, showed at multiple points all game that they could get half a yard against Kansas City’s defense. Being aggressive on fourth down is supposed to be Staley’s calling card. Yes, the offense was a grind. Yes, the defense was playing well. Yes, injuries are mounting up. But I do not think you can make that call to punt and not have your players feel like you’re losing faith after the way you’ve called plays like that your entire head coaching career.

You can see it in the drive chart that follows: LA punts and Kansas City immediately goes on a 10-play, 86-yard drive that results in the touchdown to give them the lead in 4 minutes, 55 seconds. LA comes back out and fumbles on an excruciating drive whose yardage is buoyed by two gains of 11 yards each on its final two plays. It’s not until Reeder forces the fumble to turn the momentum back in the Chargers’ favor that things turn around.

Kansas City is a good team, one of the best. But this has been a season-long issue. If the first half isn’t flat, then the second half is. Is that a preparation issue, a scheme issue, or a coaching issue? We’ve proved it’s not a player issue. Replacements have come in and done their jobs as well as you can possibly ask for this season all over this roster. That should be a rallying cry, not an excuse. And through ten games, it feels like Brandon Staley and his staff are using it as an excuse.

Tunnel Vision

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Joe Burrow 355-2 4
 Daniel Jones 341-50 2
 Jacoby Brissett 324-29 3
 Jalen Hurts 190-86 2
Patrick Mahomes 329-23 3
Running Backs Rush-Catch TD
Tony Pollard 15-80
6-109		 2
Samaje Perine 11-30
4-52		 3
Najee Harris 20-90
4-26		 2
Derrick Henry 28-87
2-45		 2
Jamaal Williams  17-64 3
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Davante Adams 7-141 2
Amari Cooper 8-113 2
Tee Higgins 9-148 0
Demarcus Robinson 9-128 0
Josh Palmer 8-106 2
Tight Ends Yards TD
Austin Hooper 4-36 2
Pat Freiermuth 8-79 0
Dawson Knox 7-70 0
Juwan Johnson 3-47 1
Travis Kelce 6-115 3
Placekickers XP FG
Brett Maher 4 4
Tyler Bass 1 6
Evan McPherson 4 3
Daniel Carlson 1 3
Brandon McManus 1 3
Defense Sack – TO TD
Patriots 4-0 1
Ravens 4-3 0
Cowboys 7-1 0
Commanders 5-2 1
Falcons 4-1 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

QB Matt Stafford (LAR) – Concussion
QB Justin Fields (CHI) – Shoulder
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) – Ankle
RB Jaylen Warren (PIT) – Hamstring
RB Chase Edmonds (DEN) – Ankle
RB Joe Mixon (CIN) – Concussion
WR Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) – Knee
WR Kadarius Toney (KC) – Hamstring
WR Mike Williams (LAC) – Ankle
TE Kyle Pitts (ATL) – Knee|

Chasing Ambulances

QB Matt Stafford – Was pulled from the game to test for a concussion and did not return. Bryce Perkins replaced him because John Wolford was out with a neck injury. This is the second concussion this season, so the Rams may be very cautious with their star quarterback. This downgrades the Rams fantasy starters even more.

QB Justin Fields – Injured his shoulder on the final drive and was carted to the locker room. He spoke to reporters after the game but was in obvious pain and admitted as much. He is initially considered day-to-day until more is known.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire – Suffered a high-ankle sprain, the second of his young career. He could  miss several weeks and strengthen the hold that Isiah Pacheco has on the starting job.

WR Kadarius Toney – Was limited to just one catch because his hamstring tightened up on him and they held him out. It wasn’t initially described as serious but is bothersome since his hamstrings have been an issue for the two years that he’s been in the NFL.

RB Jaylen Warren – Left the loss to the Bengals with a right hamstring strain.  Warren had worked his way into the lineup but could miss time. More should be known by Wednesday but any time he misses helps Najee Harris reassert his role in the backfield.

RB Joe Mixon – Left the win over the Steelers with a head injury and was ruled out, while Samaje Perine had a career day. The severity of the concussion will be determined on Monday.

WR Wan’Dale Robinson – Had a breakout game with nine catches for 100 yards but injured his knee and was ruled out.  He was in much pain after his leg twisted during his final catch. There is concern that it was a serious knee injury which would mean missing time and potentially many weeks. More will be known no later than the injury report on Wednesday.

WR Mike Williams – Missed four weeks with an ankle injury and had a beautiful 15-yard toe-tapper against the Chiefs in his first game back. And he hobbled back to the sideline with a reaggravation of the injury. An MRI on Monday should yield more information.

TE Kyle Pitts – Left the win over the Bears after taking a nasty low-helmet hit to his knee. Initial reports are that he did not tear any ligaments and just sprained the knee. He’s due to get an MRI on Monday to confirm the prognosis and recovery expectations.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

RB Ronald Jones (KC) –  The high-ankle sprain to Clyde Edwards-Helaire means that the Chiefs will likely move Ronald Jones to being active for game day. That’s no guarantee he even has a touch, but it gets him closer to the field and of interest if Isiah Pacheco or Jerick McKinnon are injured.

QB Zach Wilson (NYJ) – Ended the loss to the Patriots with 9-of-22 completions for 77 yards, and the offense combined for only two yards in the second half. HC Robert Saleh said after the game that Wilson is their quarterback and that they need “to make him better.” Whatever that process is does not work, and Wilson is killing their chance to win when defense and running the ball are not enough. No receiver caught more than two passes or gained more than 35 yards. Garrett Wilson’s rookie season is being wasted while waiting on a second-year quarterback to show that he belongs in the NFL.

RB Damien Harris (NE) – He started the win over the Jets and while Rhamondre Stevenson ended with 15 carries for 26 yards, Harris used his eight runs to gain 65 yards with several impressive chunk plays. Stevenson was also the lead receiver with six catches for 56 yards but Harris ended with 28 yards on two receptions for 93 total yards. It was Harris’ first playing time since Week 8.

WR TuTu Atwell (LAR) – First game without Cooper Kupp and Atwell netted his first NFL touchdown on a 62-yard bomb. That gives him two catches on the year including the 54-yard catch in Week 5. His 58-yard average catch is the highest in the NFL though his volume certainly lacks.

WR Allen Robinson (LAR) – His first game as the No. 1 wideout for the Rams resulted in four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. It was in line with all his other games, and the chance that Matt Stafford could miss time with his second concussion would reset any expectations.

WR DJ Chark, Jameson Williams (DET) – Chark was activated from injured reserve and was active on Sunday though he failed to catch his lone target in the low-volume passing game at the Giants. Williams is looking at coming off injured reserve after this week and could be available for Week 13 against the Jaguars or Week 14 versus the Vikings. It’s all an indicator that the passing game should be changing in Detroit with two players being added.

RB Samaje Perine (CIN) – Joe Mixon was injured in the middle of the second quarter and Perine took over as the primary back. He ended with 11 runs for 30 yards at the Steelers but caught four passes for 52 yards and three touchdowns, second to only Tee Higgins. He’s a needed backup for the Mixon owner and could be the starter this week at the Titans if Mixon doesn’t pass the concussion protocol.

RB Najee Harris (PIT) – Jaylen Warren was making inroads to a bigger share of the backfield but Najee Harris ran for 99 yards on 20 carries in Week 10 against the Saints while Warren gained 37 yards on nine carries. On Sunday, Warren injured his hamstring and was forced from the game. Harris turned in 20 rushes for 90 yards and two scores against the Bengals and added four catches for 26 yards. He’s finally looked more in 2021 form for the last two weeks.

RB Isiah Pacheco (KC) – Was given the start in Week 10 when he rushed for 82 yards on 15 carries and again on Sunday when he gained 107 yards on 15 carries. Pacheco is the clear primary back and could see even more work with Clyde  Edwards-Helaire out with a hamstring issue.

WR Joshua Palmer (LAC) –  Mike Williams missed four weeks with an ankle injury and returned Sunday to catch a pass and re-injure himself. Palmer stepped up with a season-best eight catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns. He’s in line to start again at the Cardinals next week if Williams remains out.

Huddle player of the week

Tony Pollard  –  The Cowboys “No. 2” back turned in a career-best performance at the win in Minnesota over the Vikings. He rushed for 80 yards on 15 carries and added a team-high six catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns. There was plenty left over for Ezekiel Elliott who also scored twice, but Pollard’s speed and talent now have him with the bigger share of the Dallas workload.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Jacoby Brissett 353 3 QB Kirk Cousins 105 0
RB Samaje Perine 82 3 RB Saquon Barkley 35 0
RB Matt Breida 29 1 RB Dameon Pierce 17 0
WR D. Robinson 128 0 WR Adam Thielen 25 0
WR TuTu Atwell 62 1 WR Justin Jefferson 33 0
WR Richie James 48 1 WR CeeDee Lamb 45 0
TE Austin Hooper 36 2 TE Dalton Schultz 22 0
PK Tyler Bass  1 XP   5 FG PK Greg Joseph  1 FG
Huddle Fantasy Points = 135 Huddle Fantasy Points = 23

Now get back to work…

Long pass to Keenan Allen sets up go-ahead TD for Chargers

The Chargers take the lead over the Chiefs on a Justin Herbert TD pass

Keenan Allen was seeing spot duty on Sunday as he returned to action after missing multiple weeks with a hamstring injury.

In the fourth quarter, Justin Herbert needed a big play and went to his top wideout.

Forty-six yards later, the Chargers were set up to take the lead over the Kansas City Chiefs.

And the Bolts did just that with less than two minutes left as Herbert found Joshua Palmer with a 6-yard TD pass.

The PAT was good and LA led 27-23.

The drive was set up when the Chargers recovered a Jerick McKinnon fumble at their 36.