The Marathon Continues.

Post by **Soapy** » 31 Oct 2020, 10:45

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IND | 7 | 7 | 0 | 3 || 17
LAC | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 || 10
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Wheaton impresses in debut but not enough as Chargers fall to Colts in opener
Hal Sams got the start for the Los Angeles Chargers, but it was rookie Rashaud Wheaton who came out the decisive winner despite the team's preseason loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

It's been made clear since Wheaton has been drafted that he will get his chance to compete for the starting position and the fourth round pick did not disappoint. Wheaton had the only touchdown of the night and drove Los Angeles into scoring position three times in the game, including the game's last drive before Jaron Medlock's fumble. He finished the game 11 of 16 for 118 yards while adding 67 yards on the ground.

Sams' first possession ended with an interception while his second drive fared better, going 3 of 7 for 47 yards.

The Good
1. The rest of the rookie class, along with Wheaton, had promising performances. Vincent Zellner and Samuel Fleming both had sacks while Medlock, fumble aside, had a solid outing with six catches for 54 yards. Even running back Tyron Floyd got in on the action with 32 rushing yards and looked explosive both as a runner and in the return game.

2. Both times that the Chargers faced adversity, they rebounded strong. The first offensive drive ended with an interception and they came back with a touchdown. After allowing a long touchdown in the second quarter, the Chargers defense shutout the Colts for almost the remainder of the game.

3. Deion Daniel got it going with four catches for 44 yards and Braxton Berrios did some work out of the slot as well with three catches for 37 yards.

The Bad
1. It's rare to have a performance go as well as the Chargers had in this game, but pass protection remains a huge question mark as well as just offensive line play in general. The running game never got going and neither did the vertical passing game due to the lack of time in the pocket for both quarterbacks.

Post by **Soapy** » 31 Oct 2020, 11:01

Okwara traded to Giants for 2027 second round pick, Quarterman acquired from the Cowboys
Chargers pass rusher Julian Okwara has been traded to the New York Giants in exchange for a 2027 second round pick. Los Angeles then acquired linebacker Shaq Quarterman from Dallas for one of their three 2027 fifth round picks and a seventh round pick.

Okwara, 28, had four sacks last season after having nine and a half in 2024. The trade gives the Giants some much needed pass rush as they also signed defensive end Javonte Dumas in free agency.

For Los Angeles, the log jam at outside linebacker clears up a bit as last year's first overall pic Rashard Keaton played just 282 snaps last season in fifteen games, recording 13 tackles and no sacks.

The Quarterman acquisition does bring into question the future of veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham who is on the final year of his contract and is set to make $6.18 million this season. Quarterman, whose production has been similar, is due just $2.07 million this season, $2.25 million the next and $2.46 million in the final year of his deal. Quarterman is also three years younger.

Post by **Soapy** » 31 Oct 2020, 14:57

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LAC | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 || 7
CIN | 0 | 14 | 7 | 3 || 24
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Offense struggles once more as Chargers nearly shutout in loss to Bengals
The only time Los Angeles was moving the football was when Khalil Tate was just running around, trying to salvage as many yards as he can and keep the chains moving. Not exactly the formula for success.

Any hope that the Chargers had perhaps found a quarterback was quickly smashed as Rashaud Wheaton threw two interceptions in the team's 24-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Wheaton replaced Hal Sams in the second quarter, who went 2 of 10 for 11 yards and an interception of his own.

The offensive line struggled throughout the game, allowing ten sacks as all three quarterbacks were under constant pressure. Felix Whitaker was able to pick up a few first downs with six carries for 24 yards while Tyron Floyd added fifteen yards.

Los Angeles returns home next week for their dress rehearsal game for the Minnesota Vikings, where it's expected that Sams and Wheaton will split halves as their quarterback battle continues.

The Good
1. Donovan Bigby had an interception and overall, did a pretty good job in coverage as well as in run support with two tackles for loss. He played an entire half and allowed just one catch.

2. The linebackers as a unit has a good game. Zach Cunningham looked like his typical self with six tackles while Rashard Keaton got in on the fun with five tackles and a sack while Layne Scott had a sack as well. Newcomer Shaq Quarterman rolled with the second unit and had two tackles and looked good in coverage.

The Bad
1. The offense in general. The offensive line has struggled which is limiting what the team can do in the vertical passing game with guys like Amon Ra St. Brown and Justin Jefferson being virtually non-existent in the first two games.

Post by **Soapy** » 31 Oct 2020, 16:43

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MIN | 0 | 7 | 7 | 7 || 21
LAC | 7 | 10 | 7 | 0 || 24
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Chargers Offense Finally Gets It Going in Win over Vikings
It took two full games and a drive in the third but the Los Angeles Chargers offense found their groove.

Hal Sams threw for 276 yards and Felix Whitaker rushed for 110 yards, eclipsing their preseason totals to date in what was an offensive showcase against the Minnesota Vikings in the team's 24-21 win.

With the offensive line playing much better, Sams was able to connect with Justin Jefferson for two touchdowns while Whittaker also enjoyed some paved running lanes.

Stock Up
1. Sams seemingly put an end to any sort of QB competition not only with his play but with the thoroughly mediocre outing from Rashaud Wheaton. Wheaton had an interception on his first pass and then rallied to complete four of his next five passes for 54 yards but ultimately, he never got it going the way that Sams was able to.

2. Layne Scott's run fits can sometimes leave a little to be desired but as a pass rusher from the inside linebacker spot, he's been very efficient. He recorded some pressures tonight along with a sack in what was a solid performance from the third-year man.

3. Justin Jefferson has a pulse. After being virtually non-existent in the first two games, Jefferson had a busy first half with five catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns. His five catches came in different varieties as he was able to get behind the defense for some while making contested catches for others.

Stock Down
1. Offensive tackle Colton McKivitz struggled in pass protection despite not going up against many of the Vikings best pass rushers. He allowed two sacks and surrendered even more pressure. He was always going to be a project and a bit of a gamble but the early returns are not favorable.

2. Desmond King II was okay and has been just that this preseason but with the addition of Donovan Bigby and the drafting of Samuel Fleming, he needs to be more than that if he's going to keep his starting job. Bigby has excelled while Fleming has shown flashes, something King has failed to do.

Post by **Caesar** » 01 Nov 2020, 02:30

Poor GMing: Should've traded back to acquire more draft capital with the state of that roster. Also, Los Angeles... north...

Post by **Soapy** » 01 Nov 2020, 06:54

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LAC | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 || 17
SF | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 || 15
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Chargers defeat 49ers in final preseason game
The Los Angeles Chargers was able to turn around it slow start to the preseason, winning their last two games including beating the San Francisco 49ers in their final tune up game before the 2026 regular season.

Head coach Brian Flores opted to rest most of his starters, giving way for some roster bubble guys to make impacts and they surely did. Quincy Wilson's blocked punt in the second quarter turned the game around and potentially earned him a spot on special teams. Rashaud Wheaton was effective and most likely secured his job as the team's backup.

Third year linebacker Layne Scott did his best to wrap up a solid preseason and secure a starting role. He finished with six tackles and an interception. Desmond King II led the team with 9 tackles.

In contrast, Kyle Shanahan did not shy away from giving his starters additional playing time in the final preseason contest. Jimmy Garoppolo played nearly the entire game after an injury took out backup William Thompson. Garoppolo finished just 15 of 29 for 139 yards and an interception, a credit to the Chargers' second unit defense.

Flores and the Chargers have until Sunday night to trim their roster down to 53.

Stock Up
1. The numbers weren't great but Tyron Floyd continued to look the part with 13 yards rushing, a receiving touchdown and averaged 28 yards per return. Floyd has been the most explosive of the backs and could have earned himself not only a roster spot but some carries throughout the season.

2. Samuel Fleming was targeted just twice in the game and both times, his man was blanketed. Fleming has arguably been the team's second best corner this preseason behind Donovan Bigby and that bodes well for the Chargers future in having potentially three really good, young corners.

3. Even while banged up and nursing a few nicks and bruises, Wendell Williams made the most of his opportunities. He rushed for 48 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry behind what was a mash-up unit of offensive linemen.

Stock Down
1. Desmond King II's struggles continued, allowing three first down catches in the first half alone. He tightened up as the game went on and got played a lot more than one would expect for a veteran corner in a preseason finale. Los Angeles' coaching staff might have wanted to see more out of the veteran corner than what he's produced this preseason.

2. The coaching staff for not playing Williams and Anthony Tinker earlier in the preseason. Williams did enough to perhaps get more of a look in the preseason but not enough to earn a roster spot and the same can be said for backup QB Anthony Tinker. Tinker started slow and the final numbers weren't great: 8 of 18 for 127 yards and an interception but he probably threw the best balls we've seen all preseason. Had the coaching staff played them earlier, they would have gotten more opportunities.

Post by **Soapy** » 01 Nov 2020, 07:19

Chargers finalize 53-man roster, release depth chart
The Los Angeles Chargers have trimmed their roster to 53 men and have released the 2026 depth chart for the team's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Several of the players that were cut were starters last season, including veteran LB Zach Cunningham and the longest tenured Charger on the roster, cornerback Desmond King II. Wide receiver Trequan Smith was also cut after dealing with drops all preseason, including three in the finale. Outside linebacker Takk McKinley was also released.

With those releases, several changes were made to the depth chart. Shaquille Quarterman and Layne Scott are listed as the two starting inside linebackers while Rashard Keaton replaces McKinley opposite of Joey Bosa at outside linebacker. Samuel Fleming, as expected, is the team's starter at nickel.

On offense, it was business as usual. Hal Sams was the starter at QB while second-year man Felix Whittaker is listed as the team's feature back. Preseason standout HB Tyron Floyd leap frogged Duke Johnson Jr. for the team's backup running back position while WR Jaron Medlock is listed as the team's backup boundary receiver following the release of Smith.

Number changes include Floyd being assigned #27 and DE Chad Thomas receiving #94 after wearing #9 in the preseason.

Players Cut

QB Anthony Tinker*
HB Denard Kendricks*
HB James Conner
WR Terron Conley*
WR Hakeem Butler
WR Trequan Smith
TE Derrick Carruthers*
TE Deontae Hodges
G Brendan Whitaker
C Sam Silverman
G Joshua Garnett
T Zack Olson
DE Tre Wilbur
DT Deadrin Senat
LB Zach Cunningham
OLB Leonard Floyd
OLB Takk McKinley
CB Diamond Hixon*
CB Desmond King II
CB Kendal Barrow*
S Karl Joseph
P A.J. Cole

*Signed to practice squad

2026 Schedule
at Pittsburgh
vs. New England
at New York Jets
vs. Buffalo Bills
vs. Denver
OPEN
vs. Indianapolis
at Kansas City
vs. San Francisco
vs. Arizona
at Los Angeles Rams
at Denver
at Miami
vs. Las Vegas
at Seattle
at Las Vegas
vs. Kansas City.

Post by **Soapy** » 01 Nov 2020, 07:39

Caesar wrote: ↑
01 Nov 2020, 02:30
Poor GMing: Should've traded back to acquire more draft capital with the state of that roster. Also, Los Angeles... north...

foh I got an extra first and second by moving back and tried to move back again but no one would give me a 1 + 1 or 1 + 2 + x and really liked Zellner.

Still figuring out what I rename this

Post by **Soapy** » 01 Nov 2020, 19:13

A new era. The marathon continues.

Post by **Soapy** » 01 Nov 2020, 21:12

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LAC (0-1) | 0 | 7 | 14 | 7 || 29
PIT (1-0) | 6 | 10 | 7 | 14 || 37
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Offense Ineptitude Bites Chargers in the End as Steelers Hold On for Win
Flashes of brilliance, heaps of ineptitude and whole lot of exciting football.

Nothing embodied the Los Angeles Chargers performance on Sunday more than the sequence of the Donovan Bigby overcoming early struggles to intercept a pass for a touchdown to make it a two-point game with three minutes left in the game, the Chargers defense getting a stop and on the very next, Los Angeles throwing a pick six of their own.

The Chargers just weren't quite good enough on Sunday, losing 37-28 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener on Sunday.

Early on, it appeared to be a defensive showcase after both defenses didn't allow a touchdown in the first quarter. Pittsburgh and second year quarterback Brian Petersen eventually started turning their red zone trips into touchdown as opposed to field goals and the Chargers offense got it going.

Hal Sams had an inefficient day although in the some of the middle quarters, he looked promising. He finished 18 of 43 for 222 yards and two touchdowns along with three interceptions, two of them coming in the fourth quarter.

His counterpart Peterson fared a bit better with 226 yards and two touchdowns with just one interception. Peterson had much better support in the running game with Jafer Armstrong rushing for 126 yards on an impressive five yards per carry clip.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[PIT] Z. Gonzalez, 27 Yd FG (7:21)
[PIT] Z. Gonzalez, 55 Yd FG (3:43)

Quarter 2
[LAC] T. Floyd, 6 Yd run (14:56)
[PIT] Z. Gonzalez, 30 Yd FG (9:55)
[PIT] J. Craig 5 Yd pass from B. Petersen (3:56)

Quarter 3
[LAC] A. St-Brown 22 Yd pass from H. Sams (11:#4)
[PIT] J. Armstrong, 3 Yd run (8:20)
[LAC] A. St-Brown 12 Yd pass from H. Sams (2:45)

Quarter 4
[PIT] J. Craig 30 Yd pass from B. Peterson (9:45)
[LAC] D. Bigby, returned interception 29 Yds (3:01)
[PIT] S. Wade, returned interception 44 Yds (1:21)
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Los Angeles Chargers
Hal Sams: 18 of 43, 222 yards, 2 touchdowns, 3 interceptions.
Felix Whittaker: 16 carries, 44 yards.
Tyron Floyd: 3 carries, 11 yards, touchdown.
Deion Daniel: 4 receptions, 82 yards.
Amon Ra St. Brown: 4 receptions, 48 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Hunter Henry: 4 receptions, 33 yards.
Justin Jefferson: 1 reception, 13 yards.
Layne Scott: 12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
Malik Truman: 10 tackles, tackle for loss.
Joey Bosa: 8 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks.
Donovan Bigby: 7 tackles, interception.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Brian Petersen: 17 of 33, 226 yards, 2 touchdowns, interception.
Jafer Armstrong: 25 carries, 126 yards, touchdown.
JuJu Smith-Schuster: 3 receptions, 48 yards.
Jamon Craig: 3 receptions, 44 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Angel Moss: 2 receptions, 55 yards.
Ifeatu Melifonwo: 9 tackles, tackle for loss, interception.
T.J. Watt: 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 sacks.
Stephon Tuitt: 3 tackles, 2 sacks.