Tag: Storm Norton

Battle for starting right tackle underway for Chargers

Right tackle is one of the most position battles to watch for this summer for the Los Angeles Chargers.

For the most part, the Chargers have all of the starting jobs fulfilled ahead of the regular season. However, the right tackle spot is one of the very few exceptions.

Los Angeles entered this offseason with the position seen as one of its holes after Bryan Bulaga was released. However, after passing up on the free agency pool and draft altogether, the team seems comfortable with returners Trey Pipkins and Storm Norton battling it out for the job.

Following the first day of organized team activities (OTAs), Brandon Staley reiterated that, saying that they are excited to see Pipkins and Norton “duke it out” throughout the summer. Staley also added that they’re also considering Matt Feiler for the right tackle position.

Norton was the starting right tackle last season, and he had his fair share of struggles, allowing 60 pressures and nine sacks. Pipkins played well in his two starts in 2021 and has spent this offseason working with highly touted offensive line developer Duke Manyweather.

As for Feiler, he has played right tackle in his career while he was with the Steelers. However, it would not surprise if, ultimately, the Chargers want to keep the left-side trio of tackle Rashawn Slater, Feiler, and center Corey Linsley intact.

But should Feiler actually make his case to be the starting right tackle, second-year Brenden Jaimes and rookie Jamaree Salyer would compete for the starting left guard spot, while first-round pick Zion Johnson mans right guard.

This will be one of the most compelling position battles this summer.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 18 loss to Raiders

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest graded Chargers players from the loss to the Raiders.

On Sunday, the Chargers’ season came to an end after losing to the Raiders.

Along the way, some players performed well, and there were a few who struggled.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from the Week 18 contest, according to Pro Football Focus player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who played at least 30% of the snaps on offense (93) or defense (80).

Top 5 Offense

QB Justin Herbert – 78.8

WR Mike Williams – 78.7

C Corey Linsley – 73.6

OT Rashawn Slater – 67.7

OL Michael Schofield – 65.4

Top 5 Defense

S Nasir Adderley – 87.0

LB Kyzir White – 79.4

S Alohi Gilman – 72.4

S Derwin James – 72.2

NT Linval Joseph – 69.9

Bottom 5 Offense

RB Austin Ekeler – 58.5

WR Keenan Allen – 56.3

OL Matt Feiler -53.2

TE Stephen Anderson – 47.6

OT Storm Norton – 43.3

Bottom 5 Defense

DT Christian Covington – 51.4

CB Chris Harris Jr. – 47.8

EDGE Joey Bosa – 47.0

DT Jerry Tillery – 42.6

LB Kenneth Murray – 28.9

Chargers OT Trey Pipkins’ game continues to show growth

Trey Pipkins has very much looked like a professional offensive tackle.

Selected by the Chargers in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft out of Sioux Falls, Trey Pipkins was tabbed as a developmental tackle with the potential to grow into a starting role.

However, the product on the field suggested otherwise, and he was being written off amid his struggles in his first two seasons. Pipkins made eight starts, with five of them coming last year. In that action, he allowed 42 pressures, 24 hurries, nine quarterback hits, and nine sacks.

When Bryan Bulaga went down in the first game of the season, Storm Norton was plugged in as the starting right tackle. Meanwhile, Pipkins came on the field in jumbo packages, but it wasn’t long after that where he was inactive for four straight games due to lackluster play.

That was until Rashawn Slater was ruled out with COVID-19 in Week 15 against the Chiefs when Pipkins was called on to make the start in place of him. It resulted in his best game as a pro. On 42 pass-blocking opportunities, Pipkins allowed just three pressures.

Fast forward two weeks later to this past Sunday’s victory over the Broncos, and Pipkins started at right tackle in the absence of Norton. Raising eyebrows of those who had doubted him, Pipkins did not surrender a single pressure on 32 opportunities.

While he got a bit of assistance from chip blocks and moving pockets, Pipkins displayed a player of much more confidence, an improvement from a technical standpoint in pass protection, and a never-seen brand of strength and physicality as a run-blocker in both games.

The growth of Pipkins is a prime example that scheme and coaching are significant factors in the development of mid- late-rounders, but in particular, offensive tackles. That is why offensive line coaches Frank Smith and Shaun Sarrett deserve credit for the player Pipkins has molded into.

Because of his and Norton’s promising play, it should give the Chargers some flexibility when they assess the position this offseason. Should they move on from Bulaga, the two have shown to be serviceable enough, so that way the team won’t have to spend on a high-priced free agent or take one early in the draft.

Chargers add 2 players to COVID-19 list, remove 5

The Chargers’ COVID-19 list is starting to trickle down.

The Chargers’ COVID-19 list is starting to trickle down, as only two players were added while seven (five active-roster players) were removed on Wednesday.

The two players added to the reserve list were Kenneth Murray and Storm Norton.

Here’s a look at the players taken off:

EDGE Joey Bosa

C Corey Linsley

WR Jalen Guyton

DB Kemon Hall

S Trey Marshall

K Tristan Vizcaino (practice squad)

LB Cole Christiansen (practice squad)

Even though swing tackles Trey Pipkins and Storm Norton are on the COVID-19 list, Brandon Staley expects them to be back by Sunday.

With 11 Chargers players on the reserve list, there’s still the possibility that they can all be available for this weekend’s game against the Broncos.

Instead of 10 days, asymptomatic players who test positive for COVID-19 will now be required to isolate for just five days. This includes unvaccinated players.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 16 loss to Texans

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ highest and lowest graded Chargers players from the loss to the Texans.

On Sunday, the Chargers fell to the Texans in an unexpected manner, 41-29.

Along the way, some players performed well, and there were a few who struggled.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from the Week 16 contest, according to Pro Football Focus player grades.

Note: To be more accurate, this is based on players who played at least 35% of the snaps on offense (62) or defense (68).

Top 5 Offense

OT Storm Norton – 78.2

TE Stephen Anderson – 75.5

TE Jared Cook – 68.5

OL Michael Schofield – 66.5

WR Josh Palmer – 66.2

Top 5 Defense

DT Christian Covington – 81.8

DT Breiden Fehoko – 68.1

EDGE Uchenna Nwosu – 66.0

DT Jerry Tillery – 64.8

LB Kyzir White – 61.1

Bottom 5 Offense

WR Jason Moore – 64.1

RB Justin Jackson – 62.3

OL Scott Quessenberry – 61.9

WR Keenan Allen – 61.7

OT Rashawn Slater – 60.0

Bottom 5 Defense

EDGE Kenneth Murray – 50.9

CB Asante Samuel Jr. – 48.5

S Alohi Gilman – 47.5

NT Linval Joseph – 42.3

CB Davontae Harris – 38.3

Checking in on the status of Chargers OT Bryan Bulaga

The Chargers remain hopeful that Bryan Bulaga can still return at some point this season.

Offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga was on a clear path to a fresh start after spending most of his first season with the Chargers on the sidelines. But, unfortunately, that did not come to fruition.

After playing just two quarters in the season opener against Washington, Bulaga suffered an injury that landed him on the injured reserve.

It has been over a month since Bulaga had surgery on his core muscle, and the question still looms whether or not he will play again this season.

Head coach Brandon Staley said the team is still hopeful that Bulaga returns at some point, adding that they’re right towards the end of maybe initiating that time frame to get him activated.

Earlier in November, Staley said that Bulaga started working out on the practice field, but he still had a ways to go.

In the meantime, Storm Norton will remain the team’s starting right tackle. In 11 games, Norton has allowed 39 pressures and five sacks.

Bulaga signed a three-year, $30 million contract last year with the hopes of supplying sustainability. But considering how his tenure with the team has played out, cutting him and saving $11 million against the cap is a possibility.

The Chargers could then address the right tackle position early in next year’s draft or sign another veteran to fill the void.

Game Balls: Standouts from Chargers’ victory over Eagles

Highlighting the individuals who had the biggest impact on the Chargers’ victory over the Eagles.

The Chargers defeated the Eagles on Sunday, 27-24.

Which players had the biggest impact on the game?

A look at a few standouts from Week 9’s victory:

QB Justin Herbert

So much for a sophomore slump, am I right? After back-to-back poor performances, Herbert bounced back in a big way. In order to mask the uneven defensive output, he put the team on his back, finishing 32 of 38 for 356 yards with three total touchdowns and no interceptions (123.2 quarterback rating). Herbert also engineered the final drive, finishing 5 of 6 for 37 yards and eating up nearly six minutes of the clock to ensure the Eagles got the ball back for just a measly one second.

WR Keenan Allen

The offense being slowed the two games prior also meant that Allen’s production took a toll. The 29-year old took advantage of the Eagles’ zone defense early and often, carving up the short to intermediate parts of the field. He caught 12 of 13 targets for 104 yards, marking the fifth time in eight games Allen has seen double-digit targets.

TE Stephen Anderson

The entire tight end group should be spotlighted, but Anderson is deserving of his own recognition. Anderson posted four catches for 39 yards and his first touchdown on the season. But what stood out the most that may have gone unrecognized was his work as a blocker. Not only did he open up holes in the run game and help in pass protection, but Anderson was the one who pushed Herbert and running back Austin Ekeler to help them pick up the first down on a pair of crucial fourth-down situations.

OT Storm Norton

Like the tight-end unit, each member along the offensive line is worthy of being listed. But Norton, in particular, played a solid game after being the primary culprit of the pass protection problems against the Ravens and Patriots. Going up against some good pass rushers, Norton only surrendered a pressure and a hurry throughout the afternoon. He was aided by some chip blocks, but still a promising sign, nonetheless.

NT Linval Joseph

The Eagles might have picked up 176 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, but that primarily came in the first half and it was Joseph who came up big in run support in the second half of the contest. The big 330 pounder showed the ability to anchor, control blockers, and make plays near the line of scrimmage, finishing the game with nine tackles, which was the most by any Charger on Sunday.

Special teams unit

I could highlight returner Andre Roberts and kicker Dustin Hopkins, but it goes beyond them. Roberts averaged 24 yards per kick, with a long of 39 yards. He also made something out of nothing on his lone punt return. Despite missing one of his two extra-point attempts, Hopkins had the game-winning field goal. Moreover, the coverage units looked better than prior weeks, allowing an average of just 11.5 yards per kick. Hats off to Derius Swinton’s group.

Despite pass protection problems, Chargers sticking with same offensive line combination

The Chargers are going to continue to roll with Storm Norton and Michael Schofield.

The Patriots knew that to beat the Chargers meant making quarterback Justin Herbert a non-factor.

Head coach Bill Belichick, who gave Herbert fits last season, did the same on Sunday with coverage disguises as well as a lot of pressure.

This time, it came primarily from the right side of Los Angeles’ offensive line.

The Bolts gave up 17 pressures to New England, per Pro Football Focus. Tackle Storm Norton and guard Michael Schofield combined for 11 of them.

Despite the ongoing pass protection problems the past two games, the Chargers are not planning on making any changes to those spots, coach Brandon Staley confirmed.

Without starters, Bryan Bulaga and Oday Aboushi, Norton and Schofield have been tasked with keeping Herbert clean but have struggled immensely.

Norton has allowed 32 pressures this season, third-most among tackles in the NFL.

Entering the season, the depth of the offensive line was a concern. But now, the inability to bring in competent backups has been exposed.

Even by using running backs and tight ends as additional blockers in an attempt to mitigate it, it has not worked.

“We have some protection issues, where this guy is getting sped up,” Staley said of Herbert. “We’re doing everything we can to help those guys, but what we got to do is stay out of known pass.”

Staley’s comment about keeping out of known pass refers to the ongoing issues with early-down efficiency, which continued to be an issue even after having a full week to improve in that area.

Instead of moving Matt Feiler to right tackle and sliding rookie Brenden Jaimes at left guard or making a trade, Staley is comfortable with the team’s current lineup.

It seems bold. Only time will tell if it pays off.

4 Chargers players who need to step up after bye week

A look at four Chargers players who can eliminate some lapses and elevate the team with stronger play.

The Chargers are in a great position at the bye week, currently sitting with a 4-2 record, first place in the AFC West, and second in the conference.

Even though Los Angeles has one of the easiest remaining schedules on paper, key players are still going to need to step up their play in order for it all to come to fruition.

With that being said, here are the five guys I most want to see increased quality of play and/or production from when business resumes in Week 8 against the Patriots.

LB Kenneth Murray

Expected to make a leap in Brandon Staley’s defense, which was viewed as a scheme that would cater to his strengths, Murray’s play did not reflect that before getting sent to the injured reserve. Even though he was given more downhill responsibilities, Murray struggled with them. While opportunities were there, his tape was littered with missed tackles, poor instincts, over-pursuing ball carriers, and the inability to shed blocks or work off contact. Likely to be lifted off the IR soon, Murray will need to play more of a physical and disciplined brand of football to aid an abysmal run defense.

DT Jerry Tillery

Like Murray, many anticipated Tillery to make a leap this season. While he has shown promise as a pass-rusher, Tillery has yet to put it together as a run defender. I’ve seen him win with speed, initial quickness off the snap, and quick hands to make an impact at getting after the quarterback. However, far too often Tillery has not been able to push the pocket and take on double teams with strength, which has turned into gaping holes up front. In order to become a complete player at the position and help the run defense, Tillery needs to play tougher and stronger at the point of attack.

OT Storm Norton

The revamped offensive line has fared really well in keeping Justin Herbert clean in the pocket for the most part. However, the right side is arguably the biggest weak link after the injuries to guard Oday Aboushi and tackle Bryan Bulaga. It remains to be seen if or when Bulaga will return, but if the veteran does not, Norton will have to do a better job of protecting the edge. While he has had his highs, Norton has also had plenty of lows. Norton has given up seven quarterback hits, which is tied for the third-most. Part of how he does will fall on him performing more sound all-around, and the other will be…

G Michael Schofield

Playing in place of Aboushi, who is out for the remainder of the season, is Schofield. So far, it’s been a good start for Schofield, who had previously played for the Chargers from 2017 to 2019. Through two games, Schofield has only allowed one pressure and a quarterback hit. In order to lift some of the weight off Norton’s shoulders and maintain efficiency and consistency on the right side, Schofield’s performance will be vital the rest of the way out.

Chargers PFF grades: Best, worst performers in Week 5 win over Browns

Spotlighting Pro Football Focus’ studs and duds from the Chargers’ win over the Browns.

In Week 5 of the 2021 regular season, the Chargers took care of business against the Browns.

En route to victory, there were a handful of players that helped guide them along the way.

With that being said, here are the best and worst performers from Sunday’s contest, according to Pro Football Focus’ player grades.

Top 5 Offense

QB Justin Herbert — 83.0

TE Donald Parham — 73.6

C Corey Linsley — 72.6

OT Storm Norton — 70.0

WR Mike Williams — 68.6

Top 5 Defense

CB Chris Harris Jr. — 76.9

EDGE Chris Rumph II — 70.0

LB Kyzir White — 68.8

CB Michael Davis — 67.2

S Nasir Adderley — 66.2

Bottom 5 Offense

WR K.J. Hill — 55.7

RB Joshua Kelley — 55.1

RB Austin Ekeler — 53.3

TE Jared Cook — 53.2

WR Josh Palmer — 49.9

Bottom 5 Defense

S Derwin James — 52.9

DT Linval Joseph — 46.5

S Alohi Gilman — 45.7

DT Forrest Merrill — 35.0

CB Asante Samuel Jr. — 28.1