Tag: Michael Schofield

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 16 loss to Texans

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest graded Chargers players from the loss to the Texans.

On Sunday, the Chargers fell to the Texans in an unexpected manner, 41-29.

Along the way, some players performed well, and there were a few who struggled.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from the Week 16 contest, according to Pro Football Focus player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who played at least 35% of the snaps on offense (62) or defense (68).

Top 5 Offense

OT Storm Norton – 78.2

TE Stephen Anderson – 75.5

TE Jared Cook – 68.5

OL Michael Schofield – 66.5

WR Josh Palmer – 66.2

Top 5 Defense

DT Christian Covington – 81.8

DT Breiden Fehoko – 68.1

EDGE Uchenna Nwosu – 66.0

DT Jerry Tillery – 64.8

LB Kyzir White – 61.1

Bottom 5 Offense

WR Jason Moore – 64.1

RB Justin Jackson – 62.3

OL Scott Quessenberry – 61.9

WR Keenan Allen – 61.7

OT Rashawn Slater – 60.0

Bottom 5 Defense

EDGE Kenneth Murray – 50.9

CB Asante Samuel Jr. – 48.5

S Alohi Gilman – 47.5

NT Linval Joseph – 42.3

CB Davontae Harris – 38.3

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

Despite pass protection problems, Chargers sticking with same offensive line combination

The Chargers are going to continue to roll with Storm Norton and Michael Schofield.

The Patriots knew that to beat the Chargers meant making quarterback Justin Herbert a non-factor.

Head coach Bill Belichick, who gave Herbert fits last season, did the same on Sunday with coverage disguises as well as a lot of pressure.

This time, it came primarily from the right side of Los Angeles’ offensive line.

The Bolts gave up 17 pressures to New England, per Pro Football Focus. Tackle Storm Norton and guard Michael Schofield combined for 11 of them.

Despite the ongoing pass protection problems the past two games, the Chargers are not planning on making any changes to those spots, coach Brandon Staley confirmed.

Without starters, Bryan Bulaga and Oday Aboushi, Norton and Schofield have been tasked with keeping Herbert clean but have struggled immensely.

Norton has allowed 32 pressures this season, third-most among tackles in the NFL.

Entering the season, the depth of the offensive line was a concern. But now, the inability to bring in competent backups has been exposed.

Even by using running backs and tight ends as additional blockers in an attempt to mitigate it, it has not worked.

“We have some protection issues, where this guy is getting sped up,” Staley said of Herbert. “We’re doing everything we can to help those guys, but what we got to do is stay out of known pass.”

Staley’s comment about keeping out of known pass refers to the ongoing issues with early-down efficiency, which continued to be an issue even after having a full week to improve in that area.

Instead of moving Matt Feiler to right tackle and sliding rookie Brenden Jaimes at left guard or making a trade, Staley is comfortable with the team’s current lineup.

It seems bold. Only time will tell if it pays off.

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

4 Chargers players who need to step up after bye week

A look at four Chargers players who can eliminate some lapses and elevate the team with stronger play.

The Chargers are in a great position at the bye week, currently sitting with a 4-2 record, first place in the AFC West, and second in the conference.

Even though Los Angeles has one of the easiest remaining schedules on paper, key players are still going to need to step up their play in order for it all to come to fruition.

With that being said, here are the five guys I most want to see increased quality of play and/or production from when business resumes in Week 8 against the Patriots.

LB Kenneth Murray

Expected to make a leap in Brandon Staley’s defense, which was viewed as a scheme that would cater to his strengths, Murray’s play did not reflect that before getting sent to the injured reserve. Even though he was given more downhill responsibilities, Murray struggled with them. While opportunities were there, his tape was littered with missed tackles, poor instincts, over-pursuing ball carriers, and the inability to shed blocks or work off contact. Likely to be lifted off the IR soon, Murray will need to play more of a physical and disciplined brand of football to aid an abysmal run defense.

DT Jerry Tillery

Like Murray, many anticipated Tillery to make a leap this season. While he has shown promise as a pass-rusher, Tillery has yet to put it together as a run defender. I’ve seen him win with speed, initial quickness off the snap, and quick hands to make an impact at getting after the quarterback. However, far too often Tillery has not been able to push the pocket and take on double teams with strength, which has turned into gaping holes up front. In order to become a complete player at the position and help the run defense, Tillery needs to play tougher and stronger at the point of attack.

OT Storm Norton

The revamped offensive line has fared really well in keeping Justin Herbert clean in the pocket for the most part. However, the right side is arguably the biggest weak link after the injuries to guard Oday Aboushi and tackle Bryan Bulaga. It remains to be seen if or when Bulaga will return, but if the veteran does not, Norton will have to do a better job of protecting the edge. While he has had his highs, Norton has also had plenty of lows. Norton has given up seven quarterback hits, which is tied for the third-most. Part of how he does will fall on him performing more sound all-around, and the other will be…

G Michael Schofield

Playing in place of Aboushi, who is out for the remainder of the season, is Schofield. So far, it’s been a good start for Schofield, who had previously played for the Chargers from 2017 to 2019. Through two games, Schofield has only allowed one pressure and a quarterback hit. In order to lift some of the weight off Norton’s shoulders and maintain efficiency and consistency on the right side, Schofield’s performance will be vital the rest of the way out.

Chargers add guard depth following Oday Aboushi’s injury

The Los Angeles Chargers made a signing on Tuesday.

The Chargers lost guard Oday Aboushi for the remainder of the 2021 season due to a torn ACL.

After losing Aboushi, head coach Brandon Staley said that Michael Schofield would fill in as the starter. However, he added that the team could look to bring someone in, which is what they did on Tuesday.

Los Angeles signed Senio Kelemete from the 49ers practice squad, the team announced.

Drafted by the Saints in 2012, Kelemente has appeared in 88 games, 42 of which he started.

There are some ties, as Kelemente played for New Orleans while offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive line coach Frank Smith was there.

Following his four seasons with the Saints, Kelemente spent three seasons with the Texans, appearing in 14 games and starting in five.

How Chargers are going to replace Oday Aboushi

Oday Aboushi will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL.

Chargers guard Oday Aboushi’s season has come to an end.

On Monday, it was confirmed that Aboushi sustained a torn ACL in Los Angeles’ 47-42 victory over the Browns.

Signed this past offseason, Aboushi was a vital piece of the revamped offensive line. In 293 snaps, he only allowed five pressures and did not surrender a single sack.

With a void at the right guard, head coach Brandon Staley said Michael Schofield will fill as the starter.

Schofield entered and played the remainder of the game after Aboushi exited with the injury.

Schofield started all 16 games for the Chargers in 2018 and 2019.

While the 30-year old is locked into the role, there’s still a chance rookie Brenden Jaimes, who Staley spoke highly of, could crack the lineup. Although, Staley feels like he isn’t quite ready to be a starter just yet.

Staley also added that the team could “possibly looking elsewhere” for help. Possible free-agent options include Larry Warford, Forrest Lamp, Nick Easton, among others.

Report: Chargers OL Oday Aboushi believed to have torn ACL

The Chargers could be without their starting right guard.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Chargers believe right guard Oday Aboushi tore his ACL in Week 5 against the Browns based on the initial exam.

The plan is for him to undergo more tests tomorrow, but from the initial diagnostic, the remainder of Aboushi’s season will likely be over.

Aboushi sustained the injury and left the game midway through the first quarter, and it was Michael Schofield who filled the void.

Signed this past offseason, Aboushi was a vital piece of the revamped offensive line. In 293 snaps, he only allowed five pressures and did not surrender a single sack.

If Aboushi does have to miss the rest of the year, Los Angeles could replace him with Schofield, who fared well against Cleveland. Or, the team could consider rookie Brenden Jaimes.

No matter the team’s route, L.A. should strongly consider signing a free agent because the depth up front is lacking.

What Bryan Bulaga’s placement on injured reserve means for Chargers

Identifying both short and long-term solutions to the right tackle position for the Chargers.

Chargers offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was on a clear path to a fresh start after spending the majority of his first season in the blue and gold on the sidelines. Unfortunately, that did not come to fruition.

On Friday, the team announced that Bulaga is headed to the injured reserve. This came after he sustained a back injury in the season opener against Washington, which he only managed to play two quarters.

Bulaga is eligible to return in three weeks but given the fact that he only managed to play about 38% of the snaps last season due to multiple injuries, including his back, there is serious concern over the longevity of his health.

What does this mean for the right tackle spot in the time being?

Heading into the season, Storm Norton was named the primary swing tackle. After Bulaga left the game in Week 1, Norton filled in and held his own against reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, Chase Young.

Los Angeles signed Michael Schofield in correspondence to Bulaga being placed on the injured reserve. Schofield was the Bolts’ starting right guard in 2018 and 2019.

While his playing time with the Chargers came on the interior, Schofield has the ability to play tackle, as he started 13 games there during his time with the Broncos.

Matt Feiler, who is currently the starting left guard, can kick outside. The same goes for rookie Brenden Jaimes, who is listed as a guard on the depth chart, but all of his collegiate snaps came at tackle.

Trey Pipkins has logged playing time at both tackle spots.

There are a few options how the team can go about filling the void, but the likeliest out of all of them is Norton starting, especially after holding his own against one of the top pass rushers last weekend.

What does this mean for Bulaga and his future with the Bolts?

Bulaga signed a three-year, $30 million contract last year with the hopes of supplying sustainability at the position in the time being. But considering how his tenure with the team has played out, cutting him and saving $11 million against the cap next year is a strong possibility.

The Chargers could look to address the right tackle position early in next year’s draft if they release Bulaga. Players that intrigue me in the early phase of the season include Penn State’s Nicholas Petit-Frere, Kentucky’s Darian Kinnard, Minnesota’s Daniel Faalele and Washington State’s Abraham Lucas.

Chargers place OT Bryan Bulaga on injured reserve

The veteran right tackle is going on the injured reserve.

The Los Angeles Chargers have officially placed veteran offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga on the injured reserve with a back injury, and is eligible to return in three weeks.

In correspondence, L.A. signed Michael Schofield.

Los Angeles lost Bulaga to a back injury in the third quarter of the regular season opener against Washington.

Signed last offseason, Bulaga was expected to be the heart and soul on a fairly inexperienced offensive line but instead, he spent the majority of the season on the sidelines – making 10 starts, only playing 37.87% of the offensive snaps.

Schofield, 30, has appeared in 87 career games with 69 starts. He started all 16 games for the Chargers in 2018 and 2019.

Following his two stints with the Bolts, Schofield went on to play for the Panthers and Ravens.

Barring any changes, Storm Norton will still likely get the start at right tackle this weekend against the Cowboys.