Tag: Renaldo Hill

Report: Chargers ‘strongly considering’ keeping HC Brandon Staley

Despite all the speculations, Brandon Staley’s job status with the Chargers is likely safe.

After their collapse to the Jaguars, the talk surrounding the Chargers has been whether or not head coach Brandon Staley will be back next season.

Despite all the speculations, Staley’s job status is likely safe.

According to The Score’s Jordan Schultz, Los Angeles is strongly considering keeping Staley. Staley is expected to meet with ownership in the near future, and internal talks are ongoing.

Staley has been scrutinized for his decision to play the team’s starters in Week 18 against the Broncos, which resulted in wide receiver Mike Williams injuring his back, keeping him out of the playoff game against Jacksonville.

Then, there was the implosion on Saturday night.

The front office’s argument for keeping Staley could be that despite blowing the third-largest lead in NFL postseason history, he improved from 9-8 in his first season to 10-7 and took the Chargers to the playoffs for the first time since 2018, all while dealing with a handful of injuries to key players.

In Schultz’s report, he added that there is a chance Staley will have to make significant staff changes.

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has been under fire for his system not being tailored to quarterback Justin Herbert’s strengths. Despite having immense arm talent and strength, Herbert has been relegated to quick and underneath throws most of the time.

We now wait for the official decision.

Chargers’ Renaldo Hill heaps high praise on Drue Tranquill

Renaldo Hill said that Drue Tranquill has been a steady presence as a leader for the defense.

In a season where the Los Angeles Chargers have faced their share of adversity, linebacker Drue Tranquill has been a rock for the team through good times and bad.

Defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill went out of his way to address Tranquill’s leadership abilities in his comments to the media on Thursday.

“He has continued to build as a leader,” Hill explained. “Obviously, we needed more this year than any time just because at the times when [S] Derwin [James Jr.] is out, Joey [Bosa] is out. Having somebody that has command behind the ball, making sure he that gets guys lined up and knows the defense in and out.

“We knew those moments would make us stronger and he received it well. He didn’t shy away from it. Those are the things that you want in a leader, to take charge when it’s time to take charge. It could have been at that point of the season where it could have went either way, but having good leadership to take control of those situations, I think that is what Drue [Tranquill] has been able to bring to this ball club.”

Tranquill has shined as the man in the middle of the defense, leading the team in tackles with 140, and has nine tackles for loss. He’s also been viable in pass coverage, with four passes defended and an interception. Additionally, Tranquill has come on as a blitzer, as he’s third on the team in sacks with five.

Tranquill will be a free agent after his season, and what he’s shown on the field should garner a new contract with the Chargers.

With just one game left in the regular season, Tranquill’s steady presence in Los Angeles’ linebacking corps will be an asset for the team heading into the win-or-go-home part of their schedule.

4 quotes from Week 3 of Chargers OTAs that stood out

Donald Parham was among four Chargers that spoke at media availability in Week 3 of OTAs.

The Chargers continued their voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) this past Tuesday, which was then followed by media availability where three players and one coach spoke.

Here’s some of what they had to say:

DC Renaldo Hill: “We have a lot to work with right now.”

Hill’s time on the podium was all about diversity on the defensive end, something he said was a focus for the team going into the offseason. Hill also mentioned that most of the additions were guys they felt fit the defensive scheme better than last year’s players did and said linebacker Kyle Van Noy as a “jack of all trades” that the team is excited to have in the building. Later on, Hill also emphasized the importance of competition in the secondary in ensuring that backups are prepared to play if their number gets called.

That competitive atmosphere and its benefits can probably be extended to the defensive line as well, where several players have uncertain roles or roster spots heading into the heat of summer. It sounds as though year two of Staley and Hill’s scheme will emphasize versatility, which could lead to some surprise roster decisions down the line. It also means that the defense should be better equipped to deceive opposing offenses.

DL Morgan Fox: “I’m grateful and happy to be part of this room.”

Fox confirmed what’s been shown on Twitter for the last few days by telling reporters that the defensive line room has been getting along swimmingly despite so many new additions this offseason. He also confirmed that the calls and verbiage of the defense are the same as when he played for Staley on the other side of town.

While there’s not any evidence that morale was low on the defensive line last season, it’s refreshing to see that the entire room is having as good of a time as they are this year. Locker room morale is an oft-underrated aspect of on-field performance, and the early returns this season seem to suggest that these successful new relationships between teammates will engender more success on the field.

Another point of comfort for Chargers fans: if all the nuances of the defensive scheme are truly the same as they were for the Rams in 2020, the defense has a leg up on fine-tuning their knowledge with so many former Rams now in the building to serve as tutors. Fox, Joseph-Day, and linebacker Troy Reeder all have prior experience in the system and should be able to pass along their tips and tricks to the rest of the team, which could lead to big returns.

LB Kyle Van Noy: “I’m trying to get the most out of players around me.”

Van Noy echoed Hill’s comments about competition, saying that he wants every guy on the team to do well because that competitive atmosphere will inspire him to be his best. He also said that everything about the Chargers organization convinced him to come to play in LA before telling reporters that his exact role in the defense is a “secret.”

Van Noy’s enthusiasm for the culture that the Chargers have built under Brandon Staley is excellent news for keeping talent home and convincing them to come to LA. While traditionally a “big market” team, the Rams have always seemed to have better luck luring talent to the City of Angels than the Chargers have. Van Noy’s comments suggest that it may be shifting in favor of the Bolts, although it’ll still be even at best given the Rams’ continued hyper-aggressiveness.

The fact that Van Noy declines to tell reporters what his exact role in the defense is going to be is notable, as it implies that he’s going to be asked to do just about everything on the field. That’s something that many fans guessed when he was signed, but I think it does lend credence to the theory that he’ll spend time at off-ball linebacker to supplement Drue Tranquill and Kenneth Murray. Of course, that’s in addition to his role as a secondary edge rusher behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

TE Donald Parham Jr.: “I had to take my time and just think about if this was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my career.”

Parham was candid with the media in saying he wasn’t sure he’d ever return to the field after a nasty concussion against the Chiefs in week 15 that kept him from playing for the rest of the season. He said he didn’t feel back to normal until the end of February to early March. Now, Parham is fully healthy and feels motivated by a locker room that he said: “makes me feel like part of a family.”

On the one hand, it’s a frightening look at the reality of concussions to hear that Parham didn’t feel himself until nearly three months after his injury occurred. Nobody could blame him for not being willing to risk returning after an injury like that. On the other hand, it’s again a testament to the culture Staley and GM Tom Telesco have built that Parham feels so strongly about his teammates that he decided he was willing to battle back from such a severe setback.

Few players have worked more challenging to get to where they are than Parham, who has risen from the XFL to even be on the roster, let alone play such a significant role as the second tight end next to Gerald Everett. We should all hope he breaks out in a big way and stays healthy in 2022.

Chargers banking on Year 2 jump from Chris Rumph II

The Los Angeles Chargers expect more extensive contributions from their 2021 fourth-round pick.

It doesn’t come around often for NFL players to hit the ground running as rookies. However, history has shown that most players make strides in their development from their first to second season.

For the Chargers, they are banking on an ascension from edge defender Chris Rumph II, who they drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft.

As a rookie, Rumph played 176 snaps, which he turned into 19 tackles, four quarterback pressures, two hits, and one sack.

Rumph showed flashes of athleticism, lateral quickness, and secondary effort and range. However, his lean frame and lack of play strength led to him being engulfed at the point of attack far more often than not.

That is why Rumph has made the point to get stronger and bigger this offseason.

“Chris has really approached this offseason in a great mindset,” defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill said of Rumph. “He’s obviously put on some weight. We asked him to put on the weight and he looks really good.

We knew that that was going to be a process, when he got here, of him just growing into his body and spending more time in the weight room. He’s been doing everything that we’ve asked him to do.

I know that he is going to have a huge jump, just by having those guys in the room ahead of him giving him some nuggets there.”

Entering the league, Rumph was 235 pounds but on the team’s website, he’s now listed as 244 pounds.

Heading into Year 2, Rumph will serve as a rotational rusher behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, while continuing to make the majority of his money on special teams.

With the additional weight and strength and the pressure packages with the personnel in place coupled with his athletic ability, look for there to be an uptick in production from Rumph.

Chargers’ Michael Davis ready to prove himself as top cornerback

Chargers cornerback Michael Davis is capable of taking a jump in the new defense.

After signing with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Michael Davis has steadily developed into a quality starter. But now he wants to take the jump and establish himself as one of the top dogs at the position.

“Casey [Hayward Jr.] was the top man last year at corner. This year, I’m the top man at corner. I’m going to try to prove myself to be a top corner, as well,” Davis said.

2020 marked his best season as a professional, which earned Davis a multi-year contract extension earlier this offseason.

While Chris Harris Jr. and Hayward dealt with injuries throughout the course of the year, Davis slowed some of the league’s top receivers and made a few big plays in critical situations.

Davis was on the field for 92% of the team’s defensive snaps, logging 64 tackles, 14 passes defensed and three interceptions, all of which were personal bests.

Heading into the upcoming season as the team’s No. 1 outside corner, Davis’ versatility in coverage, length and athleticism make him an excellent fit for Brandon Staley’s scheme.

“He’s disruptive out there and we want him to use his length and width,” defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill said. “We know that he has the foot speed to run with a lot of guys, so we want him to get up there and challenge guys as much as possible.”

Yet to make a Pro Bowl appearance, there’s a chance that could change very soon for the 26-year old.

Chargers’ Nasir Adderley excited to showcase abilities in new defense

Chargers safety Nasir Adderley is primed for a breakout season.

Since being selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Chargers safety Nasir Adderley has failed to live up to expectations.

Adderley struggled last season after missing a good chunk of his rookie campaign with an injury. While he flashed in spurts, he was inconsistent in the single-high role in Gus Bradley’s scheme.

In Year 3, Adderley is in a prime position to make a jump since he will be playing for head coach Brandon Staley, who’s proven at getting the most out of his defensive backs.

Staley does this is by playing them in various roles, which is what Adderley is capable of, having not only played safety but cornerback at a high level in college at Delaware.

Therefore, Adderley’s skillset and mentality will be tailored to by allowing him to be around the ball more and play more aggressively, where he will line up in the slot (Star) and hybrid safety-linebacker (Money) on top of patrolling the deep parts of the field.

“It’s exciting,” Adderley said. “I’m gonna be playing a little bit more roles and moving around the field. I feel like it really showcases my abilities. I’m really excited, I’m just making sure I’m locked in and doing whatever I can to help our team.”

Not only will the position flexibility benefit Adderley, his coaches have had plenty of success with other players at the position.

Under Staley’s watch, he helped Rams’ John Johnson turn into one of the team’s top defensive play-makers en route to earning a big contract with the Browns, and last year’s sixth-round pick, Jordan Fuller, into a solid starter in his rookie season.

On the other hand, Broncos’ Justin Simmons developed into a second-team All-Pro player in 2019 and a Pro Bowl selection in ’20 and Kareem Jackson was a dominant force in the back end under the guidance of defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill.

If Adderley takes the leap, he and Derwin James could easily be one of the top safety duos in this league, and this defense could be lockdown.

“He’s taken the extra steps to become a leader on the back end. We’re going to demand a lot from him,” Hill said.

Chargers’ Mark Webb continues to impress at training camp

The Chargers seventh round pick is performing at a high level.

Normally seventh round picks face an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, but for Chargers safety Mark Webb he is on track to defy the odds.

In the first week, Webb amassed the team’s first interception of training camp. Since then, it’s been all gas, no breaks for the former Georgia product.

On Monday, Webb continued his dominance by breaking up a few passes and notching another interception that he took back to the house.

Armed with a physical brand of football, coverage skills and high football IQ, Webb has demonstrated that he is capable of making an impact not only on special teams but the backend of the defense early on in his career.

Up to this point, Webb’s position versatility has been put to use as he has been playing at safety, Star and Money so far, primarily with the second and third team defense.

“He’s going to have to be a big factor for us on special teams. On defense we’re hoping to have that versatility be a strength of his so we can put him where we need him,” head coach Brandon Staley said about Webb.

Under Staley’s watch, he helped turned Rams’ 2020 sixth-round pick Jordan Fuller into a solid starter in his rookie season. Don’t be surprised if Webb is next in line to get the same treatment.

Chargers training camp: Uchenna Nwosu vs. Kyler Fackrell an underrated battle

As the Chargers are set to throw on the pads, this will be one of the more monitored position battles.

Heading into Chargers training camp, Uchenna Nwosu was the presumed starting edge defender opposite Joey Bosa. However, the job is not guaranteed for him.

Instead, Nwosu is in the midst of a battle for the spot with Kyler Fackrell, who has been playing with the first-team defense up to this point.

Nwosu has still been rotating in with the 1s, but the coaching staff believes that Fackrell is just as capable to man an expanded role.

Signed this offseason, Fackrell has primarily served as a rotational player in his career, but he has made the most of his opportunities.

Fackrell has 20.5 sacks in five seasons, with his most productive season coming in 2018 when he had 10.5 sacks during his time with the Packers.

Fackrell is long, flexible, savvy with his hands, rangy, and competitive, with the proven skillset as a run defender, pass-rusher and coverage backer.

“I saw a guy in Green Bay who was a sack monster. Then, you turn back and go to New York, and now you have a guy playing in coverage and picking the ball off,” defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill said.

His experience and versatility are coveted by the coaches, and they believe he’s going to be a good piece for the defense.

Nwosu, on the other hand, is in the final year of his contract with his eyes set on breaking out after being misused and given limited snaps in former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system.

Despite his snaps being under 40% in 45 career games, Nwosu has still totaled 10 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 59 quarterback pressures and 44 hurries, showing the upside to be a solid starter.

As the Bolts are set to practice in pads for the first time starting on Monday, this will be one of the more monitored position battles the rest of the way out.

“We’re gonna let those guys go and fight it out,” Hill said.

Hill added that no matter who comes out with the starting job, both players are expected to still play often during the season because of the many different packages.

Which Chargers defensive player will benefit most from new coaches?

Identifying the Chargers player on the defensive side of the ball that could be in for a big year.

For many, a new coaching staff brings a new opportunity to provide a first impression. For some, it’s a chance to be used properly. For others, it could be a chance to have the best coach in your career.

For the Chargers, there’s a handful of players that should benefit from first-year head coach Brandon Staley and the defensive staff that he brought in, but to me, there is one in particular that stands out.

Safety Nasir Adderley, who has is entering Year 3 and has yet to live up to the expectations that most second-round picks have, is due for a breakout season under Staley and defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill.

Adderley struggled in his second season after missing a good chunk of his rookie campaign due to a hamstring injury. While he showed some flashes in spurts, he was too inconsistent in the single-high role in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system.

Instead of assigning Adderley to the free safety position, Staley believes that he will be able to get the most out of him by utilizing his versatility and allowing him to play more aggressive, where he will be play in the slot (Star) and a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money).

Not only will the roles that Adderley will be tasked with favor his skillset and his style of play, his coaches have been proven to get the most out of their safeties.

Under Staley’s watch, he helped Rams’ John Johnson turn into one of the team’s top defensive play-makers, and former sixth-round pick Jordan Fuller into a solid starter in his rookie season.

On the other hand, Broncos’ Justin Simmons developed into a second-team All-Pro player in 2019 and a Pro Bowl selection in ’20 and Kareem Jackson was a dominant force in the back end under the guidance of Hill.

If Adderley takes the leap, him and Derwin James could easily be one of the top safety duos in this league.

Chargers ‘happy’ with Nasir Adderley’s development

The Los Angeles Chargers could have a breakout player on their hands.

After being selected in the second-round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Delaware, there were high expectations surrounding safety Nasir Adderley.

Unfortunately, he was unable to match those. His rookie season was held back by an injury and in his sophomore season, Adderley had his ups and downs in former defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme.

Heading into Year 3, Adderley could experience a breakout year since he will be playing for head coach Brandon Staley, a defensive mastermind who’s known for maximizing the potential of his players.

Up to this point, Adderley has done a great job of getting a full grasp of the new system.

In the classroom, the defensive back group used the game-based learning platform Kahoot! to compete through quizzes to test their football knowledge, and it was Adderley that dominated.

“We’re happy where Nas is at right now and we’re going to continue to put him in spots where he can express those things so that he can develop those things as we move forward,” defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill said.

The team believes that they will be able to get the most out of him by utilizing his versatility, where he can be flexed in the slot (Star) and fill a sub-package safety-linebacker hybrid role (Money).

Between Derwin James and Adderley, the coaching staff believes they have two starting safeties with positional flexibility who can operate comfortably in the deep part of the field and play closer to the line of scrimmage.