Tag: nfl season

NFLPA discussing possible offseason plan with no preseason games

The NFL wants to have two preseason games per team but the NFLPA hasn’t agreed to that plan.

The NFL wants to trim preseason from four games to two games this summer but the NFLPA hasn’t agreed to that plan. The players’ union doesn’t want to play any preseason games because of the risk of COVID-19 and the limited amount of time players will have to great fit in time for the regular season.

According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFLPA has discussed the possibility of a training camp schedule that looks like this:

3 days: medical/equipment
21 days: strength & conditioning
10 days: unpadded practice
14 days: practice (10 max/8 padded)

After that, teams would go straight into the regular season.

Broncos kicker Brandon McManus, the team’s union rep, seems to be on board with the NFLPA’s suggestion of no preseason games. McManus tweeted Wednesday that fans should be ready for one or zero preseason games.

The NFL seems unlikely to agree to the NFLPA’s plan. As of now, the league is still planning to have each team play one preseason game at home and one preseason game on the road in August before starting the regular season in September.

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What was Chargers’ ‘riskiest’ move of the offseason?

Should the Chargers have held on to quarterback Philip Rivers for another season?

The Chargers made the decision to cut ties with quarterback Philip Rivers earlier this offseason after 16 seasons.

The move came after an underwhelming 2019 season. Rather than re-signing him, the franchise decided that it was best to look towards the future, which is why they used their first-round pick to select Justin Herbert.

Rivers ultimately signed to a one-year deal with the Colts, indicating that Indianapolis has faith that he still has enough juice in the tank to get the job done for them.

Did Los Angeles move on from Rivers too soon? Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport believes so.

Davenport laid out each team’s riskiest move of the offseason, and he thinks that L.A. ending their marriage with the 38-year old was it.

It may well be that crow will be served regarding this call in a year or two. If rookie quarterback Justin Herbert turns out to be the real deal and spends the next decade winning games for the Chargers, then 2020 will have been nothing more than a passing of the torch.

If he isn’t, though, that’s another story.

There’s no argument to be made that Philip Rivers didn’t have a lousy 2019 season. His turnovers were way up. His touchdowns and yards per attempt were way down. He looked, for lack of a better term, finished.

However, it wasn’t that long ago that Rivers looked like a very good veteran quarterback who made it to three straight Pro Bowls from 2016-2018. In 2017 and 2018 combined, the Bolts were 10 games over .500.

The decision to move on from Rivers this year is a franchise-definer, one that could ripple across southern California for years.

And potentially cost head coach Anthony Lynn and general manager Tom Telesco their jobs.

For many fans, they weren’t too fond of the decision to cut ties with Rivers. Those who weren’t happy believed that he had a rough season, but it wasn’t primarily his fault.

The injuries and up and down play from the offensive line were tabbed as the reason why Rivers didn’t perform at a high level. While that factors into it, his decision-making was not up to par.

The Chargers could’ve brought him back, bolstered the offensive line and gave him more skill players for one more go around. But they felt like this was the perfect opportunity to start a new identity with Herbert and Tyrod Taylor.

It’s easy to believe that Los Angeles might not have as much success as they would if someone experienced like Rivers was still under center in 2020. But no matter how the quarterback play shakes up, the roster is equipped to make some noice. It will ultimately come down to the health of the players.

As for the long-term outlook at the position, there’s no telling if Herbert is going to thrive in the NFL. But even if they still had Rivers on the roster, the time was now to draft his successor.

NFL quarterback warns that the 2020 season ‘will not be recognizable’

Don’t expect a typical NFL season.

Despite surging cases of the coronavirus across several states, the NFL is determined to carry on with the 2020 season — and the league hasn’t even ruled out fans being in attendance yet.

But we’re already seeing some major changes to the offseason schedule, and according to career backup NFL quarterback Chase Daniel — who makes more than Cam Newton and Jameis Winston combined — fans should prepare to see some significant changes to the regular season.

On Wednesday, USA TODAY Sports reported that the NFL will scrap Week 1 and Week 4 of the preseason, meaning that the NFL will have two preseason games. The move, which is expected to be announced Thursday, was done to limit the amount of travel and contact with other teams during a pandemic.

Yet, Daniel warned that fans should expect a much different regular season.

The Lions backup tweeted that more changes were coming and that the 2020 NFL “season will not be recognizable that’s for sure.”

While nothing has been announced, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the NFL is planning on major changes this season. Leagues across the world have either gone into bubble cities or hosted closed-door restarts.

And even with the benefit of months of preparation, the NFL season will look different in 2020. Nobody should expect a typical season for any sport until the pandemic ends.

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Look: Monstrous scoreboard hung at Chargers, Rams’ new stadium

The final touches are being made to SoFi Stadium.

The final touches are being made to SoFi Stadium, which will be the new home to the Chargers and Rams this upcoming season.

Last week, the turf was installed. Now, the scoreboard, which is the biggest in professional sports, was put up on Wednesday.

The jumbotron, which hangs over the field, weighs a whopping 2.2. million pounds and is 120 yards long, featuring 70,000 square feet of technology.

It’s also hooked up with 260 speakers, holding enough power to keep 1,500 home theaters running.

“Our fans expect a premium technological experience and they’re going to get that,” Rams chief operator Kevin Demoff said.

SoFi Stadium is 97% complete and is expected to be open for the 2020 season. The Chargers first regular season game at the brand new stadium will come in Week 2 against the Chiefs.

Could Chargers’ Forrest Lamp emerge as a surprise starter in 2020?

Does Forrest Lamp have what it takes to start this upcoming season?

Chargers guard Forrest Lamp has been one of the most highly anticipated players over the past couple of seasons. Unfortunately, he has let those down after failing to stay on the field due to various lower body injuries.

Lamp has shown flashes of a solid NFL lineman, but it’s been injuries that have held him back from reaching his full potential.

Primarily the team’s backup left guard behind Dan Feeney, Lamp has only made two starts in three seasons.

However, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski believes that Lamp is capable of emerging as a surprise starter this upcoming season. The only thing is, it wouldn’t be at left guard. It would be the starting left tackle.

Too much of an emphasis is placed on body type and arm length when evaluating offensive linemen. The quality of a prospect’s film is often overlooked when he doesn’t fit a certain mold.

The Los Angeles Chargers’ Forrest Lamp serves as a perfect example. Lamp played as well or better than any tackle prospect in the 2017 draft class. The Western Kentucky product ranked first overall in pass-blocking efficiency during his senior season, per Pro Football Focus.

Yet he never had an opportunity to play the position in the NFL before moving to guard.

Now, the Chargers have a left tackle problem after trading Russell Okung to the Carolina Panthers. Trey Pipkins and Sam Tevi, who previously started at right tackle, will compete for the starting spot. Give Lamp a legit shot to win the job, and he may just surprise.

The former Western Kentucky product was exclusively the Hilltopper’s left tackle from 2014-2016, but was moved inside due to his average height and arm length. But in each of his three collegiate seasons, Lamp was one of the most elite tackles in college football.

The coaching staff said that Lamp could be an option at left tackle since there will be a competition to fill the void at the position. But it’s a bit hard to believe that he would make the transition from guard to tackle, especially coming off of a broken leg.

Instead, it’s more likely that Lamp will push Dan Feeney for the starting left guard spot. In the end, I expect Feeney to win the job. Lamp’s only opportunity to see the field will be if an injury occurred to anyone along the offensive line, if he is able to stay healthy, that is.

NFL owners will discuss training camp plans on Thursday

NFL owners will meet online today to discuss a plan for training camp and the 2020 season.

NFL owners will meet through a video conference Thursday, according to USA TODAY’s Mike Jones. Topics on the agenda will include the league’s social justice programs and plans for the 2020 season.

“There will be a discussion on 2020 season planning, including training camp,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted Wednesday. “Should be interesting.”

The league announced Thursday that the 2020 Hall of Fame Game, scheduled for Aug. 6, has been canceled. The ceremony for the Hall of Fame class has also been pushed back to 2021.

With no Hall of Fame Game, preseason games are now set to begin on Aug. 13. The Broncos’ first preseason game is set for Aug. 15 against the 49ers. As of now, Denver’s players are expected to report for training camp on July 28.

The league’s meeting today could potentially change that timeline. If training camps and preseason games go ahead as scheduled, the NFL will undoubtedly have protocols in place in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

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Bengals’ Joe Burrow-Chargers’ Derwin James among top individual matchups

Joe Burrow’s professional debut won’t be a gimme.

The Chargers are set to open up the regular season on the road against the Bengals.

The headline of this matchup will be rookie quarterback Joe Burrow making his professional debut.

However, there’s no guarantee that Burrow’s welcome party will be all sunshine and rainbows as he will be facing one of the league’s best defenses, led by safety Derwin James.

NFL Media’s Chris Wesseling composed a list of the top individual matchups in the 2020 regular season, and leading the group is the bout between Burrow and James.

Welcome to the NFL, Heisman hero. Here’s a matchup against a sneaky loaded defense featuring a versatile defensive back with Troy Polamalu’s timing on blitzes. OK, I’m bending the rules. As much fun as it might be to watch James stalking fresh quarterback prey, the headliner is Burrow vs. Justin Herbert in a clash of putative franchise saviors. This is a measuring-stick matchup not only for the two high draft picks but also for each of the superstar-starved fanbases.

Drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, Burrow took college football by storm, throwing for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns and only six interceptions, while leading LSU to a National Championship over Clemson in the title game.

Burrow’s phenomenal stint with the Tigers showcased that he is capable of taking care of business against the top defenses at the Division 1 level, but can he continue his dominance against NFL defenses, especially one of the most superior, in his rookie season?

James, the do-it-all defender, won’t make it easy for him as he will be over the field – lining up across from his targets and will look to be in his face when blitzing off the edge.

But it won’t just be James doing all the work. There are pieces at all three levels, including the new additions of cornerback Chris Harris Jr., linebacker Kenneth Murray and defensive tackle Linval Joseph, that will be eager to make Burrow’s professional debut an unwelcoming one.

Ranking 5 toughest games on Chargers 2020 schedule

The Los Angeles Chargers will experience some challenges during the 2020 season.

The Chargers have a fairly favorable schedule in 2020 as they look to bounce back after a disappointing 2019 season.

A new era starts at the quarterback position. However, the majority of the meat and potatoes of the roster stayed intact. Los Angeles added more ammo throughout the course of the offseason, too.

Even though they should pick up a handful of wins when examining their schedule, there will be some opponents along the way that could give them some fits.

With that being said, here are the Bolts’ 5 toughest games this upcoming season.

5. at Denver Broncos, Nov. 22

The Chargers will be going into this contest fresh off a bye week after nine weeks of action, but traveling to the Mile High City is not an easy task no matter the circumstances. Los Angeles has struggled against the Broncos in front of their home crowd in recent years, and now they are equipped with a roster that’s capable of contending for a playoff spot. Quarterback Drew Lock proved that he is capable as the starter, and the team rewarded him with more weapons this offseason with wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler. Joining running back Phillip Lindsay in the backfield is Melvin Gordon, who signed a two-year deal. Denver lost cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who is now a Charger. But they signed CB A.J. Bouye and safety Kareem Jackson.

4. at Buffalo Bills, Nov. 29

Right after playing the Broncos, the Chargers will have to travel to the east coast to take on the Bills. In what will be a really cold and hostile environment, Los Angeles will look to take out a Buffalo team who will be hungry for their first divisional birth since 1993. Led by quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills now have wide receiver Stefon Diggs as his main target. QB Tyrod Taylor – if he’s still under center at this point – will be looking to get revenge on the team that traded him. However, it won’t be easy as Buffalo boasts one of the league’s top defenses.

3. at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oct. 4

The Buccaneers wouldn’t be among the five teams listed if it wasn’t for the huge acquisition of quarterback Tom Brady earlier this offseason. The signing of Brady makes Tampa Bay a legitimate playoff contender, but coach Bruce Arians wanted to ensure that they weren’t to be taken lightly by adding tight end Rob Gronkowski, who came back from retirement to reunite with his former Patriot teammate. Protection for Brady is key, and they made sure he got that with first-round pick Tristan Wirfs. Their weren’t many changes to the defensive side of the ball, but they have a handful of strong pieces to not make it easy for opposing offenses.

2. at New Orleans Saints, Oct. 12

After facing Brady and company, the Chargers will go toe-to-toe with another one of the league’s best signal-callers in Drew Brees at the Superdome on Monday night. As Brees’ professional career is nearing an end, New Orleans is motivated as ever to hoist the Lombardi Trophy one last time. Aside from Brees, the Saints are stacked on both sides of the ball. The offense is highlighted by running back Alvin Kamara, wide receivers Michael Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders and a strong offensive line. On defense, they’re equipped with play-makers at all three levels. Los Angeles will be playing in one of the most hostile environments, making it more of a challenge.

1. at Kansas City Chiefs, Jan. 3

The Chargers will face off against the reigning Super Bowl champions in the season finale, in front of their home crowd. This game could be the difference between playing beyond the regular season and watching from home. Los Angeles was swept by Kansas City last season, but they showed they were capable of taking care of business in front of their home crowd the season before that. The Chiefs will be hungry to win the division and another title once again, and their roster suggests that they can certainly do so. They return the majority of the players that helped defeat the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, but added into the mix is rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Chargers’ Keenan Allen included in top WR/CB battles for 2020 season

Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen will be looking to put cornerbacks on skates once again.

It’s never easy for cornerbacks when being tasked with lining up across from Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen.

Allen is arguably one of the league’s most premiere route-runners and it never fails to see him put even the best corners on skates on a weekly basis.

This season is no different as he will draw some tough competition, but Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller particularly notes the Week 11 matchup against the Bills as Allen will be shadowed by CB Tre’Davious White.

White is an underrated superstar with awesome timing, awareness and technique to hang in coverage against wide receivers both big and small, fast and powerful. He has all the footwork and agility you need in an elite cornerback. But stopping Keenan Allen will take all of that and maybe more.

Allen is the best route-runner in the NFL with excellent footwork. His moves should be cut up and put in a training video for young receivers. He’s silky smooth without being overly big or fast, but he always finds himself open while basically playing chess with cornerbacks thanks to his array of moves and his understanding of the game.

Allen vs. White doesn’t have the high-profile athleticism of the other matchups listed before them, but the art of their technique makes this must-watch.

The two have faced off twice in their professional careers.

In 2017, which was White’s rookie campaign, Allen went off for 156 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 12 receptions. The year after in 2018, Allen hauled in six passes for 67 yards.

In both contests, Allen managed to have success against White. However, White took a step forward in 2019, slowing some of the league’s best receivers. He was named to the Pro Bowl in which he tied for the league lead in interceptions with six and had a team-high 17 passes defensed.

Last season, Allen continued his dominance, finishing with 104 receptions on 149 targets for 1,199 yards and six touchdowns. He also earned a trip to the Pro Bowl.

It’s uncertain how the quarterback play will shape up with Tyrod Taylor and/or Justin Herbert under center, but one thing is certain and that’s Allen will most likely be open due to his crafty route-running ability.

Allen is set to become a free agent after this season, and with another strong season, he could be looking at cashing a big check.

Chargers set to travel fourth-most miles in 2020

Being located furthest on the west coast doesn’t come as much of a surprise.

The Chargers spent a lot of time in an airplane last season, finishing as the third-most traveled team in the NFL.

How do the Bolts fare this upcoming season with the amount of miles that’ll be tacked up?

Traveling quite a bit will once again be a common thing for the Chargers this year as they are set to travel a total of 25,455 miles, which marks the fourth-highest, right behind the Seahawks, Rams and 49ers.

Los Angeles has to embark on 9,794 more miles than the Chiefs (15,661). That’s the biggest disparity between any two division rivals in the league this season, according to ESPN’s Stats & Info.

This statistic shouldn’t come as much of a surprise because L.A. is furthest on the west coast.

While there are more local games like those against their rivals in the AFC West, the Chargers have to go all the way to the east coast to take on the Buccaneers, Dolphins, Bills, Saints, as well as the season opener against the Bengals.

Regardless of the location, the Bolts are eager to pick up as many victories as possible in hopes of turning things around after a disappointing 2019 season.