Tag: Otito Ogbonnia

Chargers DT Scott Matlock developing into key depth piece

Scott Matlock has been a summer standout for the Chargers.

Rookie defensive tackle Scott Matlock, the Chargers’ sixth-round pick, has strung together a solid summer. He has stood out at training camp and has made eye-popping plays in the first two preseason games.

In the first game against the Rams, Matlock flashed his pass-rush skills, chasing down and pressuring quarterback Stetson Bennett, which resulted in an incomplete pass.

In the most recent preseason contest against the Saints, Matlock made a few notable plays, with the first being a tackle for loss. Later in the game, New Orleans set up a screen for running back Ellis Merriweather and Matlock used his range and effort to track him down in space.

“That screen play, you want to talk about a big-time play. He has been solid,” head coach Brandon Staley said. “He has proven himself against the 1s. He’s improving and he’s the right guy to be coaching.”

In addition to his athleticism and motor, Matlock has shown the desired strength to take on single blocks and double teams to allow his teammates to roam freely.

Defense isn’t the only department Matlock has made plays. He has been on special teams, as well. While a penalty negated it, Matlock blocked a field goal attempt this past Sunday. At Boise State, Matlock blocked three kicks, one of which led to a touchdown return.

Matlock finished his college career with a total of 115 tackles (64 solo), 11.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, two fumble recoveries and one force fumble.

With defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia still working his way back from his season-ending injury in 2022, other members along the interior part of the defensive line will have to step up during the regular season. Matlock is showing that he could be one of them.

Chargers DT Austin Johnson activated from PUP list, returns to practice

The Chargers return a key cog in the middle of the defensive line.

Chargers defensive tackle Austin Johnson was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after he passed his physical and practiced in individual drills on Thursday.

“Now we just have to build back up and make sure that we take our time,” Staley said on Johnson. “But definitely a good sign for us that he is back.”

Johnson suffered a fractured knee and MCL injury in Los Angeles’ Week 9 win over the Falcons and spent the remainder of the 2022 season on injured reserve.

Before he got hurt, Johnson was a cog in the middle of the defensive line. He was tied for the team lead in run stops with 14 and led the team in run stop percentage at 11.4%.

Having him back on the field will be critical as the Bolts look to improve their run defense from last season. They finished 27th, allowing 144.2 yards rushing per game.

Morgan Fox talks Chargers’ emphasis on improving run defense

The Chargers finished bottom of the barrel at defending the run last season.

One of the areas the Chargers are looking to improve is defending the run.

Los Angeles finished bottom of the barrel in run defense last season, allowing 5.4 yards per carry (most in the NFL).

It starts in training camp, where Kellen Moore’s offense has challenged Brandon Staley’s defense.

Defensive tackle Morgan Fox, who was re-signed this offseason after a great season with the Bolts, emphasized the tasks at hand for the defensive unit.

“It’s tough,” Fox said. “They do a lot of stuff that messes with certain rules, and they move around a lot, they let [Justin] Herbert throw his arm and do what they do and get the running backs open get them moving.

“They have a great run game and mechanics,” Fox added. “It’s been a challenge every day, but it’s a good challenge. Everyone says iron sharpens iron and we’ve definitely been getting better.”

Staley made a point to bolster the run defense with last offseason’s additions of Fox, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson and Otito Ogbonnia. However, Johnson and Ogbonnia’s seasons were cut short after sustaining injuries.

Those losses made L.A. more susceptible to big gains up the middle of the defense. But the issues did not just stem from there. After the loss of Joey Bosa in Week 3, opposing running backs were having plenty of success with carries on the outside.

Additionally, players at the second and third levels of the defense struggled a good amount at tackling in open space.

The Chargers have been hard at work to get better in this department, and it’ll help to get back these players that were out last season from their respective injuries, as well as the addition of veteran Eric Kendricks in the middle of the defense.

“I think our dedication to improving it is definitely starting to show through,” Fox said. “Guys are communicating really well when it comes to our adjustments in the run game, taking on the mentality of being more physical, being more sound and understanding where they fit within the defense.

“That has been a huge point of emphasis for everyone; understand where you fit in the scheme,” Fox added. “I think guys have really emphasized and taken it as a point of pride to improve that.”

4 injuries from 2022 that could impact the Chargers roster in 2023

With training camp less than a month away, the recovery process of some Chargers’ players could affect how the 53-man roster is built.

With training camp officially less than a month away, the injury recovery process of a few key Chargers’ players could affect how the opening 53-man roster is built.

Los Angeles lost a number of players to injuries that ended up being season-ending last year despite not necessarily being the most injured team in the league.

The participation, or lack thereof, of these players in next month’s training camp could determine who’s on the field in Week 1 vs. the Dolphins.

Morgan Fox on re-signing with Chargers: ‘It’s really exciting’

Chargers DL Morgan Fox spoke to the media on Monday.

The Chargers brought back a handful of players, but one of the most notables was the re-signing of defensive lineman Morgan Fox.

“It’s really exciting,” Fox said on being brought back. “I’m excited to be back with staff, with the guys, first and foremost. We have a great room across the board; offense, defense. I just love being around the guys.

Being around them, seeing all the work we put in, we’re trying to go a little farther than we did. Being back with a staff that believes in you and believes in the team is awesome.”

Fox was inked to a veteran minimum contract last May to supply a pass-rush presence from the interior part of the defensive line. He went on to outplay that deal.

Fox set a career-high in sacks (6.5). His previous best was 5.5, which he set with the Rams when Brandon Staley was their defensive coordinator in 2020. Fox also finished in the top 10 in Pro Football Focus’ pass rush efficiency metric for interior defensive linemen.

“Coach Staley believes in me and he gives me opportunities to go make plays” Fox said. “That’s something that he’s always done, every year that I’ve been with him, is just a plethora of opportunities. He puts me in positions to win and believes in my abilities to win.”

While lauded for his pass-rush prowess, Fox’s play against the run continuously improved after being put into a starting role. He had 21 run stops on the season.

Given that Los Angeles’ defensive line room is predominantly filled with run defense specialists, Fox’s return is huge due to his ability to get after the quarterback. Additionally, he will be a vital piece in general as Otito Ogbonnia and Austin Johnson work their way back from their injuries.

Former Chargers DT Breiden Fehoko signs with Steelers

Breiden Fehoko was consistent against the run.

Former Chargers defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko and the Steelers agreed to terms on Thursday, according to his agent David Canter.

Fehoko signed with Los Angeles as an undrafted free in 2020. He appeared in 19 games, four of which were starts. In 2022, he logged a career-high in snaps (279) after season-ending injuries to Austin Johnson and Otito Ogbonnia. Fehoko posted 23 tackles and a tackle for loss.

Fehoko was one of the Chargers’ most consistent interior defenders against the run. Now that he’s with Pittsburgh and Johnson and Ogbonnia are still working their way back from their respective injuries, Los Angeles could look to the draft to bring in someone for depth.

Chargers DT Morgan Fox fully deserving of contract extension

The Chargers should have Morgan Fox high on their priority list.

The Chargers made a plethora of splash moves last offseason, but arguably their most valuable free-agent acquisition was the signing of Morgan Fox.

Fox was inked to a veteran minimum contract in May to supply a pass-rush presence from the interior part of the defensive line.

And as soon as Joey Bosa had a groin injury in Week 3, the defense needed pass rushers to step up, and Fox was the one to make significant contributions in that department.

Fox set a career-high in sacks in the victory over the Rams, with 6.5. His previous best was 5.5, which he set with the Rams when Brandon Staley was their defensive coordinator in 2020.

“When I think of Morgan [Fox], I think of a glue guy, I think of tough and rugged, a playmaker, versatile, do whatever it takes to help the team win,” Staley said. “He just set his career high for sacks.

He has been such an incredible addition to our locker room. You guys are all seeing what I saw back in 2020, except now he’s just better. He’s just an even better player. He’s been a big factor in our ability to play defense at a high level.”

Fox is second on the team with 39 pressures, trailing only Khalil Mack. He ranks fifth among qualified interior defensive linemen in Pro Football Focus’ pass rush productivity.

Additionally, while lauded for his pass-rush prowess, Fox’s play against the run continuously improved after being put into a starting role. He has 24 run stops on the season.

The Chargers signed Fox to a one-year deal worth nearly south of $2 million. But his performances from this season will garner something heftier than that this upcoming offseason.

Given that Los Angeles’ defensive line room is predominantly filled with run stoppers, Fox should be a priority due to his ability to get after the quarterback. Plus, at just 28 years old, Fox is still in his prime.

The team’s success from this season and his long-time connection with Staley could ensure Fox stays in L.A.

Chargers vs. Chiefs: 5 storylines to follow in Week 11

Here are five important things to watch during the Chargers’ matchup with the Chiefs.

The Chargers are looking to get revenge on the Chiefs after losing to them back in Week 2.

Here are five storylines to watch for Sunday’s matchup.

Guess who’s back?

The Chargers could be getting some key contributors back at the right time. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are in line to play on Sunday, as the two were back at practice this past week.

Allen said he is “100%,” and it is now the coach’s decision whether he will play. Meanwhile, Williams said, “I’ll be out there.”

Allen sustained a hamstring injury, returned briefly, and played on a pitch count in Week 7 against the Seahawks, which was the same game Williams suffered a high ankle sprain.

Allen and Williams have been on the field at the same time for just 43 offensive plays this season. Their absences were a big reason the passing game was uneven.

Allen should aid in third-down and red zone situations, whereas Williams gives Justin Herbert a big-bodied target in the intermediate and deep areas of the field to open things up.

The Chiefs rank 22nd in pass defense DVOA.

Austin could be in for big performance

The Chargers are excited about the returns of Allen and Williams. But, while they would give the offense a big boost, Austin Ekeler might be the best option to tear apart the Chiefs.

Kansas City ranks 26th in DVOA allowed on running back targets while surrendering a league-high 8.6 running back targets per game and third-most yards per game (51.2).

Meanwhile, Ekeler has averaged nine receptions and has five total touchdowns in the past four games.

Herbert will be eager to distribute the wealth to his top weapons again, but Ekeler could ultimately be the one who gives the Chiefs problems on Sunday.

Containing the beast

The Chiefs rank No. 1 in offensive DVOA, and the primary reason for being the top dog is Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes is leading the league with 2,936 yards. He is on pace to throw for 5,545 yards, which would top Peyton Manning’s single-season passing yards record (5,545).

In Week 2, Los Angeles held Mahomes to 235 yards and two touchdowns. Aside from a couple of big throws, the defense compressed the pocket, kept contain, and got interior pressure to minimize him from working his magic. The coverage was tight down the field. Players rallied to the football.

They need to do the same thing to come out victorious this time, which might be a tall task without Joey Bosa, who played in the first matchup.

This time, Mahomes will be without some of his pass-catching options, JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion) and Mecole Hardman (injured reserve). Travis Kelce remains his top target. In the two team’s first meeting, Kelce caught five passes for 51 yards.

In addition, the Chargers will face the newest member of the Chiefs’ wide receiver corps, Kadarius Toney. Toney caught four passes for 57 yards and a touchdown and had two carries for 33 yards last weekend.

Protecting Herbert

Herbert’s fractured rib cartilage occurred against none other than the Chiefs in the second week of the season. And Kansas City will look to put Herbert under duress early and often again.

Over the past two weeks of play, the Chiefs’ defense has come up with a whopping total of eight sacks, including five in Week 10 against the Jaguars.

The Chargers’ pass protection has been inconsistent over the past few weeks. While it’s been a few things for this issue, Trey Pipkins playing with a sprained MCL and missing last weekend’s game due to it is one of them.

Pipkins was removed from the injury report and is slated to start, which is great news.

The new guys

The Chargers lost three interior defensive linemen for the remainder of the season in the past two weeks. First, it was Austin Johnson. Then, it was Otito Ogbonnia and Christian Covington. In addition, Jerry Tillery was waived.

Tyeler Davison was signed to the 53-man roster off the Browns’ practice squad. Joe Gaziano was signed from the practice squad to the active roster.

Davison brings plenty of experience, having appeared in 105 games and started 85 with the Saints and Falcons. He has the motor and hand usage to rush the passer and anchoring ability in the run game.

Gaziano made the most of his limited opportunities last season in both departments but will primarily be deployed as a pass rusher alongside Morgan Fox. He plays with quickness and good lateral movement.

Chargers sign Tyeler Davison, place Christian Covington, Otito Ogbonnia on injured reserve

The Chargers made a few roster moves on Wednesday.

The Chargers made a few roster moves on Wednesday.

Los Angeles signed defensive tackle Tyeler Davison to the active roster from the Browns’ practice squad. In addition, the team signed David Moa to the practice squad.

These acquisitions came after the season-ending injuries to Christian Covington and Otito Ogbonnia, who were placed on the injured reserve.

Davison spent the last three seasons with the Falcons, starting 38 of the 44 games. He had 121 tackles, 1.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery in those appearances.

Moa, a former undrafted free agent out of Boise State, spent time with the Vikings and Falcons before landing in New York, where he played in four games and had three tackles in 2021.

Report: Chargers signing DT Tyeler Davison

Reinforcements are coming on the Chargers’ defensive line.

Reinforcements are coming on the Chargers’ defensive line.

After losing Austin Johnson, Otito Ogbonnia, and Christian Covington to season-ending injuries over the past two weeks, as well as waiving Jerry Tillery, Los Angeles had just three healthy defensive linemen on the roster.

Brandon Staley said Monday that they would look to make a couple of moves in addition to elevating practice squad lineman Joe Gaziano to the active roster.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the first of those moves, with the Bolts signing seven-year Tyeler Davison to their active roster.

Davison was previously on Cleveland’s practice squad after spending four years with the Saints and three with the Falcons.

Davison is more of a Covington-type player as an inconsistent run fitter with a bit of pass-rush upside, but at this point, the Chargers have to take what they can get.

An NFL-caliber player with 216 career tackles that the team knows is in shape because he’s been on a practice squad for a month is better than a rookie UDFA off the street, after all.

Davison has not appeared in a game this season for the Browns but had 30 tackles with 3 for loss in 12 games for the Falcons last season.