Tag: nfl season

Projecting the Saints’ starting offense before training camp

Some key additions for the New Orleans Saints bring up a new-look offense in 2022, with several new starters projected in the lineup, via @RossJacksonNOLA:

As organized team activities (OTAs) begin around the NFL, important roster battles get started, injured players show their progress, and rookies look to establish themselves. There’s no exception for the New Orleans Saints as the team reports to the facility on Airline Drive. Many of the new additions and standout rookies will be on the offensive side of the ball thanks to the offseason additions of rookie wideout Chris Olave, fellow first-round selection tackle Trevor Penning, and veteran wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

From now through OTAs and the upcoming mandatory minicamp events the Saints offensive roster will look to shake out. Training camp will bring not only a clearer look at the 2022 depth chart, but will certainly provide it’s own intrigue as starters get solidified. Here’s a look at the projected starting Saints offense ahead of training camp and the preseason:

Chargers’ initial 53-man roster for the 2021 NFL season

The Chargers have finalized the full 53-man roster to start the 2021 season. Take a look at each player on the active roster.

The Los Angeles Chargers have announced their initial 53-man roster heading into the 2021 season, which kicks off next Sunday against The Washington Football Team.

The Chargers can still make additional roster moves in the coming days via waiver claims and free agent signings. They’ll also look to construct a 16-man practice squad.

Breaking down the Bolts’ 53-man roster by position:

Offense

Quarterbacks (3): Justin Herbert, Chase Daniel, Easton Stick

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

Fullbacks (1): Gabe Nabers

Wide receivers (5): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Jalen Guyton, Josh Palmer, K.J. Hill

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

Defense

Defensive linemen (5): Linval Joseph, Justin Jones, Jerry Tillery, Christian Covington, Forrest Merrill

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

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

Defensive backs (10): Michael Davis, Asante Samuel, Jr., Chris Harris, Jr., Brandon Facyson, Tevaughn Campbell, Kemon Hall, Derwin James, Nasir Adderley, Alohi Gilman, Mark Webb

Specialists (3): Tristan Vizcaino, Ty Long, Matt Overton

What would you consider a successful 2021 Chargers season?

The Los Angeles Chargers are a highly anticipated team entering the 2021 season.

The Chargers are in preparation for the 2021 season, which will mark the start of a new era under first-year head coach Brandon Staley.

Los Angeles saw some turnover of players from previous seasons, but they added a few this offseason to complete a roster that’s capable of competing with anyone.

Earlier, I laid out three questions that could ultimately determine the team’s success rate this season.

With fan’s anticipation for the new year at an all-time high, I wanted to see what would be considered a “successful” season for the Bolts.

Submit your vote poll and let us know.

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Chargers-Patriots named one of the most intriguing matchups of 2021

The Los Angeles Chargers will be looking to get revenge this upcoming season.

The Chargers are set to face the Patriots for the second consecutive season in 2021.

This time around, Los Angeles should be more hungry than ever after suffering the worst loss in a franchise history to New England a year ago, where they were shutout by the score of 45-0.

The matchup between the two teams which comes in Week 8 was named one of the most intriguing games on the 2021 schedule by Touchdown Wire’s Mark Schofield.

Here’s what Schofield wrote about the bout:

Let’s look at when the New England Patriots have the football. Sure there have been a ton of new additions — including former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hunter Henry — but now the Patriots offense will be squaring off against Brandon Staley and a new-look Chargers defense. Let’s not forget, Staley’s defense did a number on this Patriots team a year ago when he was the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams. The chess match between Staley and New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will be fascinating to watch unfold.

Then when the Chargers have the football, young QB Justin Herbert will get his second shot at a Bill Belichick defense. Belichick has often enjoyed success against younger quarterbacks, and last year’s game was no exception, but year two of Herbert might find the young passer with a few more tricks up his sleeves.

The Patriots suffered a rough patch in their first season without quarterback Tom Brady. But the team brought in a handful of reinforcements this offseason for their presumed starter, Cam Newton, as well as their future, Mac Jones.

New England went on a free agency frenzy, acquiring former Chargers tight end Hunter Henry, TE Jonnu Smith and wide receivers Nelson Agholor and  Kendrick Bournce, among others, as they look to get back to their winning ways.

Last year, the Patriots offense was too much for Los Angeles. But it should be a different story knowing that Brandon Staley had no problem stymieing them last season when he was the Rams defensive coordinator, and the pieces on the defensive side of the ball are capable, if healthy.

In addition, the special teams department cost them this game, too. The Bolts allowed a punt return touchdown, and also had a kick blocked that the Patriots returned for a touchdown. New ST coordinator Derius Swinton II and the players brought in should help to avoid a repeat.

On the other side that could determine the outcome of this game is the play of quarterback Justin Herbert.

Bill Belichick is one of the best in the business at getting the best out of young quarterbacks, which is what he did last season, holding Herbert to a 49.1% completion percentage for 209 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions.

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s game plan for Herbert and the rest of the offense could ultimately decide the fate of L.A. in this game.

What Chargers’ Brandon Staley said at coaching staff introductory press conference

Chargers head coach Brandon Staley discussed the team’s new coaching staff.

The Chargers announced the team’s new coaching staff on Thursday.

Head coach Brandon Staley called the hiring process of his staff “a competitive experience.”

“Being able to put a whole staff together, it’s a great opportunity, but also a lot of responsibility that comes with it. I’m really proud of that,” Staley said.

Staley went after coaches with experience in successful systems in the NFL, including teams like the Rams, Packers, Saints and 49ers.

Character, capacity, ability to lead and teach, expertise in their field, and diversity were all mentioned when talking about core coaching traits he is looking for.

“Being able to build an evaluation process, building an offseason program, building our schemes. There’s so much work to be done, and that’s what we’re trying to get after right away,” Staley said about what he’s excited about.

Quarterback Justin Herbert is the future of the team and Staley said he wanted to surround him with some of the best minds in football.

The goal of assembling the offensive coaching staff was to provide their players with a staff that was “cutting edge,” adding they really wanted to get coaches from different backgrounds in order to create a unique offense.

On the other side of the ball, Staley mentioned some roles for a couple of key players.

Staley said Joey Bosa is going to be on the edge of their defense in a “playmaking role.” He said he’s got such a unique role that they can move him inside or outside, comparing his physical role to Aldon Smith and Khalil Mack.

Staley said Kenneth Murray is an off the ball linebacker who will continue to play behind the ball and will not be used on the edge.

Staley is ecstatic about the acquisition of new outside linebackers coach Jay Rodgers, calling him “superstar” and a future defensive coordinator in the NFL.

In regards to what he’s looking for in terms of the evaluation process for the draft, Staley said they’ll have certain traits they’ll look for, but they want their schemes to be flexible around good players.

Former Chargers HC Anthony Lynn hired as Lions’ offensive coordinator

Anthony Lynn has a new gig.

The Chargers parted ways with Anthony Lynn earlier this month. Lynn, however, will have a new job starting this upcoming season.

Lynn is set to become the Lions’ new offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.

New Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn played for the Cowboys when Lynn was there as a running backs coach.

Lynn was also a candidate for the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator vacancy.

Lynn spent the past four seasons as Los Angeles’ head coach, where he went 33-31. Before his time with the Bolts, Lynn served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator in 2006.

Lynn’s coaching career in the NFL has primarily consisted of coaching running backs.

Falcons CEO Rich McKay discusses plan to find new GM, head coach

Falcons owner Arthur Blank and team president/CEO Rich McKay discussed the Falcons’ plan to find their next head coach and general manager.

Falcons president/CEO Rich McKay addressed the media on Monday afternoon following the dismissal of head coach Dan Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff.

McKay gave some insight into the guidelines Atlanta will follow in conducting the search for the next general manager and head coach. Watch below, as shared by the team’s Twitter account below.

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Falcons CEO Rich McKay to take over football operations from Dimitroff

The Atlanta Falcons have relieved both general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn of their duties following the team’s 0-5 start to the 2020 season.

The Atlanta Falcons have relieved both general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Dan Quinn of their duties following the team’s 0-5 start to the 2020 season. On Sunday, the Falcons lost to the Carolina Panthers, 23-16, and that was the final straw for team owner Arthur Blank.

For now, Falcons CEO Rich McKay will run football operations going forward, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

McKay was the general manager of the Falcons from 2003-2008, prior to Dimitroff taking over. He has since became the team president and CEO. Clearly, McKay has the experience to step into the job.

As for the Falcons’ vacant head-coaching spot, it’s still up for debate. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Dirk Koetter are the most likely to step in as interim head coaches.

Also watch out for linebackers coach/assistant head coach Jeff Ulbrich as a possibility. Check out our early lists to be the team’s next head coach and general manager for 2021.

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Falcons fire head coach Dan Quinn, GM Thomas Dimitroff

The Atlanta Falcons fired both head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff following the team’s fifth loss in a row to open the season, the team announced on Sunday night.

The Atlanta Falcons fired both head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff following the team’s fifth loss in a row to open the season, the team announced on Sunday night.

The Falcons 0-5 start was the final straw after the team finished with a 7-9 record the previous two seasons. In five and just over a quarter seasons in Atlanta, Quinn went 43-42 in the regular season, with a 3-2 playoff record that included a Super Bowl appearance in 2016.

Quinn probably deserved to go, but to his credit, he never made excuses and the locker room culture was one of the reasons this team thrived upon his arrival.

Dimitroff took over in 2008, with some ups and downs during his 13 offseason as general manager. His high included drafting Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Deion Jones, Grady Jarrett. Dimitroff may have missed the mark over the past two drafts and free-agency periods.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank released the following statement via the team’s Twitter account:

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WATCH: Dan Quinn’s postgame comments following loss to Panthers

Head coach Dan Quinn has been beloved by his players for over five seasons in Atlanta, which includes a Super Bowl run.

The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly in the process of a coaching change following their Week 5 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Head coach Dan Quinn has been beloved by his players for over five seasons in Atlanta, which includes a Super Bowl run. But after consecutive 7-9 finishes in 2018 and 2019, the Falcons’ 0-5 start in 2020 is grounds for firing, and Quinn would be the first to admit it.

Watch Quinn’s full postgame press conference from Sunday’s loss to the Panthers, as shared by the team’s Twitter below:

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