The 5 core members of the Chargers’ 2021 secondary missed 15 video games due to damage. Every was out no less than two weeks.
Three of the highest backups missed 29 video games after getting harm.
All these failing physique elements added as much as some critically shaky moments because the Chargers’ protection too typically collapsed throughout a 9-8 season that died simply brief of the playoffs.
On Saturday, the Chargers practiced with 16 defensive backs, not counting Professional Bowl security Derwin James Jr., who stays out whereas negotiations proceed on a possible contract extension.
The Chargers’ offseason defensive rebuild included including high quality and depth. Within the again finish, they signed cornerback J.C. Jackson coming off his first Professional Bowl choice and veteran Bryce Callahan, who has been lining up because the No.1 slot nook. Additionally they drafted JT Woods, Ja’Sir Taylor and Deane Leonard.
The inflow has bumped Michael Davis, who has began 49 video games over the last 4 seasons, to fourth on the cornerback depth chart.
It additionally has elevated the competitors. Defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill stated the defensive backs have introduced an “urgency” to the primary 4 days of coaching camp.
If any of the Chargers defenders felt too comfy of their roles earlier than this season, Hill prompt that risk now's gone.
“Each rep is counting,” he stated. “Possibly prior to now they might have appeared and stated, ‘Properly, I don’t have that man behind me. I can right it.’ However that rep could get taken away when you’re not pressing and you retain repeating the identical mistake.”
Working in opposition to Professional Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert, the protection has gained a lot of the group durations to this point.
Backup Kemon Corridor intercepted Chase Daniel on Saturday in a apply that additionally featured cross breakups by Davis (on a 50/50 ball meant for Jalen Guyton) and Asante Samuel Jr. (on an inside display to Mike Williams).
“Positively proud of the progress,” Hill stated.
With so many defensive backs in camp, the Chargers coaches count on the competitors to solely escalate because the roster is sorted out.
“It’s going to be laborious for these reps to get distributed,” Hill stated. “These guys know that after they’re in there, this rep issues.”
Johnson adapts
The Chargers gained’t apply Sunday earlier than returning Monday morning for his or her preliminary exercise in pads.
This would be the coaches’ first alternative to extra carefully consider first-round choose Zion Johnson, who was drafted to be the group’s beginning proper guard.
Rashawn Slater, who made the Professional Bowl as a rookie left deal with in 2021, praised Johnson’s confidence and famous his “calm power.” He stated the 2 have talked about transitioning into the NFL.
“I informed him, ‘Ball is ball,’ ” Slater stated. “At this stage, the whole lot strikes just a little bit sooner. Guys have completely different abilities, just a little bit faster and stuff like that. On the finish of the day, it’s identical to faculty. You simply keep calm and belief your method and belief what obtained you right here. He’ll be simply effective.”
The competitors for the beginning proper deal with spot between Storm Norton and Trey Pipkins III additionally will intensify Monday.
So, too, will the battle for the No. 2 operating again job.
“Till pads come on, I don’t suppose that you may make any evaluation on a again,” coach Brandon Staley stated. “We’re going to present them each alternative to show themselves. That’s what this coaching camp goes to be about for that place.”
The operating again spots behind starter Austin Ekeler additionally will likely be decided partly by special-teams contribution. That features fullback, the place Gabe Nabers and rookie Zander Horvath are competing.
Mack’s influence
Slater known as “eye-opening” what he has seen from veteran cross rusher Khalil Mack to this point.
“We’re barely even dashing proper now in no pads and he’s already put a few variations on some strikes that I’ve by no means even seen earlier than,” Slater stated. “He’s very good. He’s very savvy. He’s very highly effective, too.”
The Chargers traded for Mack in March. Slater stated battling Mack can solely assist bolster his recreation.
“I suppose it simply goes to indicate that I assumed I had seen all of it final 12 months,” Slater stated. “However no, there’s much more for me to study, and I’m going to get rather a lot higher going in opposition to him.”
Follow observations
- Linebacker Drue Tranquill and tight finish Donald Parham Jr. didn't apply Saturday due to undisclosed accidents. Staley is predicted to supply updates on each gamers Monday.
- With James out, Tranquill and veteran Kyle Van Noy have been calling the defensive indicators within the huddle.
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