Tag: Kyzir White

Twitter reacts to Chargers’ 2022 Pro Bowl selections, snubs

Many Chargers and NFL fans took to Twitter and shared their thoughts on the selections and omissions from this year’s team.

Six members of the Chargers were rewarded for their hard work, as Justin Herbert, Derwin James, Rashawn Slater, Joey Bosa, Corey Linsley, and Keenan Allen were selected for the 2022 Pro Bowl.

Here is how the general population reacted after the rosters were unveiled:

2 Chargers snubbed from 2022 Pro Bowl

The Chargers had a handful of players named to the Pro Bowl, but there were a couple who were snubbed.

On Wednesday night, the rosters for the 2022 Pro Bowl were revealed.

Six members of the Chargers earned the honor, and five others were named alternates, including a player who was more than deserving of making the team itself.

Austin Ekeler highlights the notable snubs across the league.

While Justin Herbert is the engineer, the offense would not be as productive if it weren’t for Ekeler’s services.

Ekeler, the do-it-all back, is sixth in the NFL in total yards this season (1,347), fourth in rushing touchdowns (10), and second to Jonathan Taylor in total touchdowns (17).

Derwin James and Joey Bosa were the only representatives on the other side of the ball. However, the man in the middle of the defense has played his way into being recognized among the best at his position.

Impactful against in coverage, and as a blitzer, Kyzir White has 115 tackles, 7.5 for loss, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, three quarterback hits, and a sack through 14 games.

But White not being named to the Pro Bowl is not a concern, as he has his eyes set on playing in a game with much more meaning.

“I would rather be in the Super Bowl – playing right here in L.A.,” White said. “I would rather get these wins, get into the playoffs, and make a Super Bowl run.”

List of Chargers’ 2022 unrestricted free agents

A look at the Los Angeles Chargers’ pending 2022 unrestricted free agents.

Oh, how the time has flown by.

The Chargers have three games remaining in the regular season.

Sitting at 8-6, there’s a good chance Los Angeles will be in the playoffs. But even then, the offseason is bound to creep up before you know it.

With that, there are a handful of internal players who are set to become unrestricted free agents, and general manager Tom Telesco and company will have to start thinking about who is worthy of returning with L.A.

With that, here’s an updated look at the 20 players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents at the beginning of the 2022 league year.

Trip to Pro Bowl would be nice, but Chargers LB Kyzir White aiming higher

Chargers LB Kyzir White has played his way into a contract extension.

Chargers linebacker Kyzir White has played his best football as a professional, which has warranted him into Pro Bowl consideration.

While making his first Pro Bowl appearance would be nice and all, White has his sights set on something much bigger – playing in his home stadium in Super Bowl LVI.

“I would love to get voted into the Pro Bowl, but I would not want to play; I would rather be in the Super Bowl – playing right here in L.A.,” White said. “I would rather get these wins, get into the playoffs, and make a Super Bowl run.”

The Bolts have always had a talented player in White, but he rarely got to show his true colors.

Whether it was due to injuries that limited him in the early years or because his role was never deciphered in Gus Bradley’s defense, White was always lost in the shuffle.

Now in Brandon Staley’s system, which has perfectly catered to his strengths as a player, White has been nothing less than dominant every week.

With his combination of play speed, burst, and instincts to quickly react, White has been an integral piece against the run, in coverage, and as a blitzer.

White has 96 tackles, six for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two quarterback hits, and a sack through 12 games.

A free agent at the end of the season, White has played his way into a contract extension. Re-signing him would go a long way to defensive continuity and success for the foreseeable future.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 10 loss to Vikings

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ studs and duds from the Chargers’ loss to the Vikings.

Looking to build off their victory the week before, the Chargers were unable to fend off the Vikings on Sunday.

Despite the loss, Los Angeles had a few players on both sides of the ball who had good individual performances.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from the 27-20 loss to Minnesota, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

OT Storm Norton – 84.8

WR Keenan Allen – 78.9

OT Rashawn Slater – 71.1

TE Donald Parham – 68.3

OL Michael Schofield – 68.3

Top 5 Defense

EDGE Uchenna Nwosu – 77.8

S Derwin James – 72.8

EDGE Joey Bosa – 72.1

LB Kyzir White – 70.5

S Trey Marshall – 70.2

Bottom 5 Offense

WR Jalen Guyton – 42.2

TE Stephen Anderson – 53.8

TE Jared Cook – 54.1

TE Tre’ McKitty – 56.1

OL Senio Kelemete – 58.3

Bottom 5 Defense

CB Tevaughn Campbell – 49.0

S Alohi Gilman – 51.2

CB Chris Harris Jr. – 55.8

DT Christian Covington – 58.8

EDGE Kyler Fackrell – 59.3

Chargers’ statistical leaders at midseason

Taking a look at the Los Angeles Chargers’ statistical leaders at the halfway mark of the season.

The Chargers are currently sitting at 5-3 at the midseason mark.

Amid the team’s success, a handful of notable players have helped put them in the position they’re currently in.

With that being said, here are Los Angeles’ statistical leaders at the halfway point of the 2021 season.

 

 

Chargers’ Kenneth Murray embracing expanded role

Kenneth Murray will have more responsibilities of getting after the quarterback.

Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray is honing in on a new position.

Last week, head coach Brandon Staley said that Murray’s role was evolving, and at Wednesday’s practice, he was with the edge defenders during the open portion to the media.

Following the session, Staley elaborated the plan for Murray when he returns to live-game action.

“He’s definitely going to be playing inside linebacker for us, but I think we can get him on the edge at times and then get him in some hybrid roles in pass-rush situations.”

Despite the expansion of his role, Murray will resume his duties as an inside linebacker, with Staley reiterating that he is still a starter there.

But giving him reps as a pass rusher may mask some of the issues he was dealing with before injuring his ankle.

Given that he possesses the explosiveness, play speed, and timing, Murray may be better suited to strictly get after the quarterback instead of having to read and react, something he struggled with.

The change might be sudden, but it could pay dividends for a group that has not been the most productive as of late.

Furthermore, broadening his tasks would mean that Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill’s snaps would not be cut into, either.

Staley said that he is hopeful Murray will be activated off the injured reserve this week ahead of the matchup against the Vikings.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in win over Eagles

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ studs and duds from the Chargers’ win over the Eagles.

In Week 9 of the 2021 regular season, the Chargers took care of business against the Eagles.

En route to victory, there were a handful of players who helped guide them to along the way.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

OL Matt Feiler – 86.4

OT Rashawn Slater – 84.0

QB Justin Herbert – 83.2

TE Donald Parham – 82.7

TE Jared Cook – 81.8

Top 5 Defense

LB Kyzir White – 91.4

DT Linval Joseph – 85.0

EDGE Uchenna Nwosu – 72.7

DT Christian Covington – 67.4

DT Jerry Tillery – 67.0

Bottom 5 Offense

WR Jalen Guyton – 57.9

TE Tre’ McKitty – 57.2

RB Larry Rountree – 56.7

OG Michael Schofield – 53.6

RB Joshua Kelley – 53.3

Bottom 5 Defense

EDGE Chris Rumph – 55.6

CB Chris Harris Jr. – 47.5

DT Justin Jones – 46.3

LB Amen Ogbongbemiga – 42.7

EDGE Kyler Fackrell – 37.5

Why Chargers LB Kenneth Murray could benefit from change in role

Chargers HC Brandon Staley said LB Kenneth Murray’s role is “evolving.”

Expected to make a leap in Brandon Staley’s defense, which was viewed to cater to his strengths, Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray’s play did not reflect that before being sent to the injured reserve.

Even though he was given more downhill responsibilities, Murray struggled with them. While opportunities were there, he often missed tackles, over-pursued ball carriers, and struggled to shed blocks and work off contact.

Set to return to the field as he will be designated to return from the IR this week after missing the last four games, Murray could be put in a position where he will have more success.

At Wednesday’s media availability, head coach Brandon Staley was asked about giving Murray snaps as an edge defender, and he replied that his role is “evolving.”

While Staley did not elaborate on his response, this could indicate that the second-year player might transition to the position moving forward.

The change might be sudden, but it could pay dividends for a group that has not had the most production as of late.

During his three years at Oklahoma, Murray handled the Mike linebacker role. Even though he primarily patrolled the middle of the field, Murray had his occasional reps along the line of scrimmage, where he showed promise.

Murray possesses the explosiveness, play speed, timing, and body control to thrive as a true pass rusher.

Given how well Kyzir White and Drue Tranquill have played as the starters, broadening Murray’s tasks would allow their playing time not to be cut into, either.

With Murray back at practice, the Chargers have 21 days to activate him off the IR.

It remains to be seen if he will play this weekend against the Eagles, but when Murray does get back on the field, look for him to have more duties at getting after the quarterback.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 8 loss to Patriots

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ studs and duds from the Chargers’ loss to the Patriots.

Following a week to recover and regroup, the Chargers were unable to fend off the Patriots on Sunday.

Despite the loss, Los Angeles had a few players on both sides of the ball who had themselves good individual performances.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from the 27-24 loss to New England, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

C Corey Linsley – 85.5

OL Michael Schofield – 79.3

OT Rashawn Slater – 79.2

QB Justin Herbert – 71.9

OL Matt Feiler – 71.7

Top 5 Defense

NT Linval Joseph – 80.2

S Nasir Adderley – 73.6

LB Kyzir White – 72.0

EDGE Uchenna Nwosu – 70.3

DT Justin Jones – 68.6

Bottom 5 Offense

OT Storm Norton – 52.9

TE Jared Cook – 55.5

WR Jalen Guyton – 57.3

WR Mike Williams – 58.8

WR Keenan Allen – 63.7

Bottom 5 Defense

LB Drue Tranquill – 46.0

CB Chris Harris Jr. – 48.8

DT Christian Covington – 52.7

EDGE Joey Bosa – 53.2

CB Tevaughn Campbell – 56.7