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The Chargers will be without their starting tackles.
The Los Angeles Chargers are on the road, set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 of the regular season.
Here is a look at their inactives today:
QB Easton Stick
S Rayshawn Jenkins
S Jahleel Addae
OT Sam Tevi
OT Bryan Bulaga
EDGE Joey Bosa
Storm Norton, Trey Pipkins and Tyree St. Louis are all in the mix to start at the two tackle spots.
Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez highlights six players that can help themselves with good performances on Sunday.
The Chargers enter Week 17 with nothing to play for. With a handful of starters expected to miss the season finale, this should be a chance for some players to take on a bigger role on game day.
With that being said, here are six players that can help themselves with good performances against the Chiefs:
The Chargers drafted Adderley in the second-round of the 2019 NFL draft with the hopes of pairing him with Derwin James to create a dynamic safety tandem. Unfortunately, Adderley’s rookie season was short-lived as a hamstring injury kept him out for the majority of the season. Fast forward to this season, his sophomore season hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. Adderley’s coverage skills have been lackluster (41.5 overall, per Pro Football Focus) and he has experienced a handful of missed tackles. He will have the opportunity to clean some of that up in the season finale.
Despite having other positional needs heading into Day 3 of the draft in 2020, Los Angeles elected to roll the dice on a running back to compliment Austin Ekeler. I was a believer that Kelley was bound to have a big season, given his production in college and the traits he possessed. The former UCLA product flashed in the season opener, but he’s been quiet since then, averaging only 3.2 yards per carry in over 100 attempts. Kelley, who was a healthy scratch last week, is expected to play on Sunday. This will be his opportunity to show that he can be counted on in the rotation next season.
The Chargers drafted Tillery in the first-round of the 2019 NFL draft, hoping that he would be a dominant interior pass rusher. Tillery flashed here and there in his rookie season, but he was given a pass because he didn’t have a full offseason to prepare since he was recovering from a shoulder injury. Tillery made a statement in the season opener of Year 2, looking like an absolute force. However, since then, he still hasn’t come into his own. Tillery has committed a slew of unnecessary penalties and has backfield presence has been hit or miss. The team has experimented with him as an edge rusher, where he might have a better future since he hasn’t been stout against the run. Can he give fans a glimpse of dominance on Sunday?
All three of these offensive linemen will be free agents at the end of the season. After making the switch from the right side to the left side, Tevi has proven to be fine. He’s serviceable, but I believe the Chargers need a cornerstone left tackle. Lamp shined early on, but has been inconsistent down the stretch, with the majority of his woes occurring in pass protection. Like Lamp, Feeney was solid in the early stages of the season, but he slowly regressed. Feeney dealt with elbow and knee injuries, which could’ve hindered his play. Regardless, this will be the trio’s last shot to prove themselves.
The Chargers would be wise to bolster the offensive line this upcoming offseason.
In order to get the most out of star-in-the-making quarterback Justin Herbert for years down the road, the Chargers must do whatever it takes to keep him in good standing, literally.
Based on the production of the offensive line this season, it’s safe to say that Los Angeles could use an upgrade, as they’re allowing 2.1 sacks per game. Among the positional makeovers lies at left tackle, as the future with Sam Tevi is up in the air.
Tevi was identified by Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski as the starter that L.A. needs to replace.
Tevi, who filled the void left by Russell Okung, hasn’t done a bad job this season after moving from the right to the left side. The former seventh-round selection has only allowed two sacks and 29 quarterback pressures, along with being a serviceable run-blocker this season.
Tevi joins guard Forrest Lamp and center Dan Feeney as unrestricted free agents. Given the fact that Tevi hasn’t proven himself as a premiere blocker, L.A. may see this as an opportunity to let him spread his wings and go to another team while they fill the spot in free agency or the NFL draft.
If Los Angeles decided to go the free agency route, 49ers’ Trent Williams, Jaguars’ Cam Robinson and Steelers’ Alejandro Villanueva are among the few that could appeal to them.
The draft, however, seems to be the more reasonable outlet, as Los Angeles could have their choice from Rashawn Slater, Samuel Cosmi, Dillon Radunz, Christian Darrisaw, Alex Leatherwood and Jalen Mayfield, to name a few.
The Los Angeles Chargers handled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pressure.
The biggest key matchup heading into the Week 4 matchup between the Chargers and Buccaneers was in the trenches.
Tampa Bay boasted one of the league’s most fearsome pass rushes, and Los Angeles was thin along the offensive line due to the absences of tackle Bryan Bulaga and guard Trai Turner.
The coaching staff knew that it could’ve been the deciding factor of the game, and answered with the perfect plan to slow down the blitzes defensive coordinator Todd Bowles deployed.
L.A. used a large amount of max protection, keeping tight ends and running backs in to serve as additional blockers. But the offensive linemen stayed intact throughout the entire contest.
In total, the unit only allowed two sacks to a defensive group that had 12 sacks in the first three games. To go along with that, only nine pressures were allowed.
A complete breakdown by each lineman, per Pro Football Focus:
Sam Tevi – 1
Forrest Lamp – 0
Dan Feeney – 3
Ryan Groy – 2
Trey Pipkins – 3
When quarterback Justin Herbert was pressured, his pocket mobility and poise helped mask them. Two of Herbert’s three touchdowns came while under duress.
Overall, the coaching staff did an excellent job of scheming the perfect plan against one of the NFL’s top pass rushes. Credit goes to offensive line coach James Campen, who has helped with the development of the guys up front.
While pass protection was strong, the running game was nonexistent, especially after running back Austin Ekeler left the game with a hamstring injury. The Chargers amassed only 46 rushing yards.
Both sides of the line for the Chargers were outmatched, and penalties were another killer.
The list of reasons why the Chargers lost to the Panthers can go on and on. But one of the areas that had a factor in Los Angeles’ loss was their inability to win the battle in the trenches.
L.A. has leaned heavily on their pass-rush the first two games of the seasons, and while they had a favorable matchup against a Carolina offensive line that has struggled in the past couple of weeks, they were unable to generate consistent pressure or push.
Star edge defender Joey Bosa, who acquired the clutch sack in the fourth quarter, was outperformed by tackle Taylor Moton for the majority of the game. Other than the sack, Bosa only finished with two quarterback pressures.
Bosa was hindered by an ongoing tricep issue, which could have been a reason for his lackluster performance. But regardless, the Panthers did a great job with their game-plan by double teaming him.
Opposite of Bosa was Uchenna Nwosu, who filled in for the injured Melvin Ingram. Nwosu showed promise in the starting role, leading the team in quarterback pressures with five. He also played a role in slowing the run on a few plays.
The interior defensive line was not much better. Defensive tackles Linval Joseph and Jerry Tillery only combined for one quarterback pressure, and both players struggled to hold their own against the run.
As a result, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater had plenty of time to distribute the wealth. Bridgewater was efficient at attacking the middle of the field, where the rest of the team’s defenders hardly had any answer for wide receiver Robby Anderson and company.
On the other side of the ball, the Chargers offensive line was outmatched against a Panthers defensive line that had not posted a sack in the first two games of the season.
Edge defender Brian Burns forced a fumble on quarterback Justin Herbert in the first half. They kept pressuring the rookie quarterback and getting in his face anytime he dropped back.
The offensive line also lost tackle Bryan Bulaga to a back injury. They had already been without guard Trai Turner, who was inactive with a groin injury. Ryan Groy played the majority of the game at right guard in place of Trai Turner, and Trey Pipkins replaced Bulaga in the first half.
In total, Carolina produced 22 quarterback pressures, eight QB hits and sacked Herbert twice.
Luckily, Herbert’s pocket presence and mobility bailed the group out on a handful of occasions. But that’s not guaranteed moving forward, especially since they’re facing a Buccaneers defensive line that boasts Shaq Barrett and Ndamukong Suh next weekend.
Penalties on both lines were another thing that killed the Chargers.
Tillery was called for illegal-formation on a field goal attempt, which led to the Panthers lone touchdown. Bosa was dinged for neutral zone infraction/offsides in crucial moments. The Chargers had three red-zone penalties from offensive linemen.
Los Angeles will look to execute better and limit the mistakes on the lines this upcoming Sunday against the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers.
Chargers coach Anthony Lynn named who will be protecting quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s blindside.
One the Chargers’ most compelling position battles was for the starting left tackle job.
We officially know who will be protecting quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s blindside after a few weeks of auditioning.
Coach Anthony Lynn confirmed that Sam Tevi is the starting left tackle to begin the 2020 regular season, adding that he felt Tevi improved a lot in the offseason and loved the way he performed in training camp.
Tevi was in a competition with second-year Trey Pipkins, but the team chose to roll with the more experienced player.
Lynn did say that he felt like Pipkins strung together a good camp.
Familiarity with the offense and experience is key to the coaching staff, and Tevi possesses that. A sixth-round pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, Tevi has started 30 games in his career, with 29 of those coming at right tackle.
Even though Tevi has had his highs and lows throughout his career, the team is hoping that a shift in their offensive scheme and mentorship from one of the best offensive line coaches in the league will help optimize his play.
The position battles are heating up at Chargers training camp.
Training camp is nearing an end for the Chargers as the team just 15 days until the regular season opener against the Bengals.
With only a few practices left, players are working hard to solidify one of the starting spots or simply a spot on the roster.
After two weeks has gone by, let’s take a look and see who has the advantage at every positional battle thus far.
Advantage: Tyrod Taylor
This should come as no surprise. Despite coach Anthony Lynn saying that there would be a quarterback competition between Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert, Taylor was always going to be the starter. The coronavirus pandemic did Herbert no favors, as the first-round pick didn’t have a full spring of practices to work with his teammates. Now, he’s playing catch up. Taylor has developed a great chemistry with his skill players. It will be the 30-year old’s job to lose. If he plays well this season, he will remain the starter. If he fails to win games, the team will likely be forced to throw Herbert into the fire.
Advantage: Sam Tevi
The Chargers had the opportunity to fill the void left by Russell Okung this offseason, but chose to roll with their in-house options. According to coach Anthony Lynn, Tevi is “in the driver’s seat,” at the position. Tevi’s experience in the starting role gets the nod. He has been praised by the coaching all camp, highlighting his athleticism and quick feet. Meanwhile, second-year Trey Pipkins was thought to be the projected starter entering camp, but he has been playing with the second-team for the most part.
Advantage: Joshua Kelley
The Chargers are planning to run the ball more as the team transitions from a pass-heavy offense. Austin Ekeler is slated to be the first running back, but the team plans to use his versatility as a pass-catcher, which is why they need to figure out who is capable of getting a bulk of the carries throughout the season. Kelley, the fourth-round pick, has broken off several long runs against the first team defense, and has shown enough as a runner and a receiver to be a threat in the backfield. Justin Jackson has ran the ball well in practices, but the rookie has strung together more of an eyebrow-raising camp. As Kelley gets more accustomed to the playbook, he could make a significant impact.
Advantage: Push
The Chargers originally entered training camp with a competition for the third wide receiver spot, but Mike Williams’ injury opened up another spot. Jalen Guyton was the front-runner for WR3, but Tyron Johnson and Darius Jennings have pushed him in practices. Jason Moore is a candidate to replace Williams in the time being due to his 6-foot-3 frame. He started to receive first-team snaps this past week. Rookies Joe Reed and K.J. Hill have been performing at a high level, too. Reed has seen first-team reps as a running back and been impressive in the role. He is a candidate for the speed role on the outside. Meanwhile, Hill has consistently been making enough plays to warrant playing time. Los Angeles could consider a starting trio with Keenan Allen and Reed on the outside, while Hill plays in the slot. Either way, they need to figure out how they’re going to go about the group.
Advantage: Stephen Anderson
Hunter Henry is the starter and Virgil Green is the backup because of his ability as a run-blocker. Anderson, who was picked up last season and primarily served as a practice squad player, has raised some eyebrows as a pass-catcher, showing some chemistry with rookie Justin Herbert. Meanwhile, former XFL star, Donald Parham, has also stood out in the passing game. But Anderson earned some reps with the first team on special teams this past week, which gives him the slight advantage. This will be a tough decision for the coaching staff.
Advantage: Kenneth Murray & Drue Tranquill
The future is now. The Chargers made it clear that they envisioned a starting linebacker duo with Tranquill and Murray after the team traded up for the former Oklahoma product in this year’s draft. Tranquill has been working as the starting weakside linebacker (WILL), while Murray surpassed Perryman as the starting middle linebacker (MIKE) this past week in practice after returning joining the team after he sat out the first week due to a hamstring injury. This may suggest that Perryman will serve as a depth piece after being a starter the past few years. He will be a free agent after this season.
Advantage: Push
A key role on defense is the dimebacker role, which is a hybrid between a safety and a linebacker, formerly played by Adrian Phillips. Nasir Adderley, the second-year player, who was hurt the majority of his rookie season, has been making plays all over the field. The team is eager to get him on the field, whether it’s there or at free safety, which could then force Rayshawn Jenkins moving from free safety to dime backer at times. Desmond King is also a candidate for the job. King has look solid in coverage, against the run and as a pass-rusher. There’s a possibility of King sliding into the slot at times, but it may be difficult as Chris Harris Jr. has been playing in the slot, while Casey Hayward and Michael Davis have been on the outside with the first-team. I expect Gus Bradley to move his defensive backs all over the place early in the season to decide what’s his best secondary rotations. Rookie Alohi Gilman has also looked good in practices.
Who will be the starting left tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers?
Who will be the starting left tackle for the Chargers in Week 1 of the 2020 season? All signs are pointing to Sam Tevi protecting Tyrod Taylor’s blindside.
Tevi, at the moment, is the front-runner for the starting job. Head coach Anthony Lynn said this week that Tevi is the “starter” for now and is in the “driver’s seat” at that spot.
In practice, Tevi has been primarily been working with the first-time. Meanwhile, his competition – Trey Pipkins, the team’s third-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft – has been with the second-team offense.
Heading into camp, it appeared that Pipkins was going to be the one to beat. But the coaching staff seems to covet Tevi’s experience in the starting role, the hope is that new offensive line coach James Campen will help with the young player’s development.
Campen has a track record of developing draft picks into standout players, including turning Bryan Bulaga into one of the more consistent right tackles in football and also developing David Bakhtiari into a fourth-round pick, into a first-team All-Pro.
Tevi is the front-runner, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him be the Week 1 starter, given the amount of reps he’s been receiving with the 1’s. But anything can happen between now and then.
“There’s a job requirement for the Los Angeles Chargers, and it’s left tackle,” Campen said. “Someone is going to fill that requirement. And it’s up to us to try to find that person.”
Chargers coach Anthony Lynn covets the experience of Sam Tevi.
The battle for the starting left tackle spot is one of the most compelling position competitions for the Chargers this training camp.
After Los Angeles split ways with Russell Okung, the team chose to not find his replacement this offseason.
Instead, they decided to roll with their in-house options, leaving a competition between Sam Tevi, Trey Pipkins, Storm Norton and Trent Scott.
At the moment, Tevi appears to be the player with the leg up.
According to head coach Anthony Lynn, Tevi is “in the driver’s seat,” at the position.
Tevi, the sixth-round pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, started at right tackle the past couple of seasons. But he also has a game at left tackle under his belt, which came back during his rookie season.
“Sam’s been in the system,” Lynn said. “He’s played both sides for us. He’s played more.”
Tevi’s competition, Pipkins – the team’s third-round pick of last year’s draft – has been pegged as the projected starter by some. But Lynn prefers the experience of Tevi.
Pipkins started three games at left tackle in 2019 while Okung missed some live game action. While the former Division II product may have been thrown into the fire a bit early, Lynn still likes what he saw from a small sample size.
“When Trey came in last year, I didn’t think it was too big for him,” explained Lynn. “I liked the look he had in the Oakland game. I thought he held his own. So, I am expecting Trey to compete as well.”
Another player who was thought to be in the competition for the starting left tackle spot was Forrest Lamp. Lamp played tackle in college, but he made the transition to guard since arriving to the NFL. The only issue is that he has struggled to stay healthy.
Based on Lynn’s remarks, he isn’t ready to throw him into the mix.
“We gotta make sure Forrest can compete at one spot before we start trying to teach him two spots,” Lynn said. “I know he played left tackle in college (at Western Kentucky), but that’s college. (It is) a little different game up here. I’m not saying that he can’t do it, but I like Forrest inside before he got hurt a few years ago. No doubt, he can be a starting guard in this league.”
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Tevi enter Week 1 as the starting left tackle. But it will be interesting to witness how the competition unfolds throughout the remainder of training camp.
The Los Angeles Chargers will have a new look on the offensive side of the ball.
Here are five offensive storylines to watch for the Los Angeles Chargers during training camp:
All eyes will be on the quarterback position after the 16-year marriage between the Chargers and Philip Rivers came to an end earlier this offseason.
Taking over is Tyrod Taylor, the 10-year veteran. Taylor has spent most of his career as a backup but did start three seasons with the Bills, leading them to a playoff appearance in 2017. In 43 starts, Taylor has a 62.6 completion percentage and has thrown 51 touchdowns, with 16 interceptions.
But it won’t be without competition.
Los Angeles drafted Justin Herbert with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft with the hopes of him becoming the long-term solution. Herbert faces an uphill challenge after an unusual virtual offseason program that kept him from taking the practice field.
While Herbert has the size, athleticism and arm strength to get by, his accuracy needs to improve, as does his anticipation. His development will be key in order to best of him. The team is hopeful that quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton will help aide in that.
