Chargers coach Anthony Lynn spoke to the media on Wednesday, as the team is now in the midst of training camp.
By no surprise, the first topic that was brought up was about the quarterback battle between Tyrod Taylor and Justin Herbert.
Lynn said that Taylor is still the front-runner to win the job, but Herbert still has a chance. Like I’ve said before, I believe Taylor will be and remain the starter unless he gets hurt or is not helping the team win games.
Taylor will have big shoes to fill, replacing Philip Rivers – who was the Bolts’ starter for the past 14 seasons. Lynn believes Taylor is capable of leading the locker room, citing him as “one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the game.”
“Tyrod, he’s a man who doesn’t say a whole lot but people respect the heck out of him,” Lynn said. He leads by example. I think that’s very powerful.”
Taylor brings an athletic element to the quarterback position. Even though he can win with his legs, many have questioned his ability as a passer. One of areas that needs improvement is his anticipation.
“There are some things I want to see him improve on. He knows that. We’ve never had an offseason together.”
Lynn highlighted his deep ball. “It’s the touch that the has. He can throw guys open. Accuracy down the field. I noticed when I had him he’s better than most. That hasn’t changed.”
Another position battle going down is for the starting fullback after Derek Watt was signed by the Steelers. Undrafted free agent Gabe Nabers is stealing the spotlight at the moment.
“Gabe, he looks really impressive. If you’re picking teams, you pick Gabe. He looks pretty good.”
Center Mike Pouncey was brought up, and Lynn said that he is looking real good. Pouncey was cleared for football activities after suffering a neck injury during the 2019 season.
On the other side of the ball, Lynn talked about the defensive line – particularly defensive tackles Justin Jones and Jerry Tillery.
Tillery, the former first-round pick, is coming off of an underwhelming rookie season. Lynn addressed his expectations going into Year 2.
“I want to see him continue to get better. He came in as a rookie with a lot to learn. He’s a big man with a lot of lean. Something we haven’t had inside.”
Tillery primarily played inside as a three-technique, but he has the size and athleticism to move outside, too.
Lynn said Tillery can play all four spots on the defensive line, including both end spots. But he wants him to get comfortable at three-tech before moving him around.
Jones, the Chargers’ third-round pick in 2018, made a huge leap from Year 1 to Year 2 after using the offseason to shed weight and become more quicker and agile. Jones was arguably one of the team’s best interior defenders.
The former North Carolina State product finished the season with 30 tackles, six quarterback pressures, two tackles for loss, one pass deflected and a forced fumble.
Lynn expects a breakout season for Jones in 2020.
How the team is going and will continue to go about training camp amid coronavirus pandemic was addressed.
Lynn said the Chargers won’t have any full-go scrimmages, but they will have some live practices where defenders wrap up and don’t bring the ball carrier to the ground.
Lynn said he’s considering having a team scrimmage at SoFi Stadium. It remains to be seen if fans will be allowed in during the regular season.