The Marathon Continues.

[Soapy]

2027 Los Angeles Chargers Preview: Who will be WR2 behind Metcalf?
At practice, it's clear that D.K. Metcalf is just a different breed.

At six-foot-three and 228 pounds, Metcalf is somehow the team's biggest receiver and also it's fastest. His imposing figure has sort of relegated last year's top two receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown and Justin Jefferson in the rearview mirror.

The Chargers paid good money to keep Jefferson on this side of Los Angeles, will it pay off?

Projected depth chart
Boundary Receivers
#14 D.K. Metcalf, Age 29 | 6'3", 228lbs | 88 ovr, 96 spd, 84 acc, 90 cth
#18 Justin Jefferson, Age 28 | 6'3", 192lbs | 77 ovr, 91 spd, 90 acc, 87 cth
#81 Jaron Medlock, Age 22| | 6'1", 188lbs | 61 ovr, 94 spd, 88 acc, 75 cth

Slot Receivers
#88 Amon-Ra St. Brown, Age 26 | 6'1", 201lbs | 79 ovr, 92 spd, 93 acc, 86 cth
#82 Deion Daniel, Age 24 | 5'9", 188lbs | 72 ovr, 92 spd, 93 acc, 76 cth

Potential Roster Cuts
#83 Travis White, Age 28 | 5'10", 200lbs | 71 ovr, 92 spd, 94 acc, 81 cth
#7 (TBD) Will Fuller V, Age 33 | 6'0", 185lbs | 71 ovr, 91 spd, 92 acc, 75 cth
#87 Daniel Stephens, Age 26 | 6'3", 195lbs | 59 ovr, 91 spd, 87 acc, 65 cth
#11 Shaq Hodges, Age 21 | 6'2", 195lbs | 57 ovr, 93 spd, 91 acc, 66 cth

Expected starters: It'll be a threesome of Metcalf, Jefferson and St. Brown with both Jefferson and St. Brown capable of playing in the slot.

Major storyline: Last year, it was Jaron Medlock and Deion Daniel. Who out of the 'other guys' can step up and make the roster and potentially be a rotational guy?

[Soapy]

2027 Los Angeles Chargers Preview: Will lack of investment at position hurt the team?
One of the few positions that the Chargers did not address is at tight end.

Hunter Henry was productive when on the field, averaging 33.3 yards per game and his 10.8 yards per reception was his best since 2022 but he did miss several games due to injury. At 32, that trend can only be expected to continue and yet, the Chargers did not sign a free agent despite a few options being out there in Brycen Hopkins among others.

Projected depth chart
#86 Hunter Henry, Age 32 | 6'5", 250lbs | 82 ovr, 82 spd, 88 acc, 74 str, 85 cth
#89 Harrison Bryant, Age 28 | 6'5", 240lbs | 70 ovr, 85 spd, 84 acc, 64 str, 83 cth
#80 Eli Malecki, Age 29 | 6'3", 250lbs | 68 ovr, 72 spd, 72 acc, 74 str, 62 cth

Potential Roster Cuts
#46 Derrick Carruthers, Age 23 | 6'5", 243lbs | 58 ovr, 84 spd, 83 acc, 66 str, 67 cth
#84 John Craver, Age 22 | 6'6", 240lbs | 57 ovr, 82 spd, 79 acc, 63 str, 56 cth

Expected starter: Henry, enough said.

Major storyline: When targeted, Bryant was pretty good last season with 14 catches, averaging 10.4 yards per reception. Could he continue to be part of this offense even with Henry healthy?

[Soapy]

2027 Los Angeles Chargers Preview: Can the rookies hold up along the offensive line?
The Chargers are seemingly replacing their entire starting five last season outside of breakout player Colton McKivitz.

They signed Austin Griggs to be their center and then drafted two tackles and a guard within the first sixty picks of the draft, a clear indication that they want to rebuild this offensive line.

Projected depth chart
LT - #74 Melvin McKinley, Age 20 :: #63 Jacoby Harding, Age 23
LG - #64 Chauncey Truman, Age 21 :: #66 Darryl Williams, Age 29
C - #51 Austin Griggs, Age 27
RG - #76 Jerron Bowman, Age 22 :: #62 Nelson Halladay, Age 26
RT - #71 Colton McKivitz, Age 29

Potential Roster Cuts
T #72 Tony Davies, Age 22
T #61 Marquel Calloway, Age 22
T #70 Jaron Glenn, Age 23
G #60 Josh Knipfel, Age 29
G #68 Gilbert Ellis, Age 23
G #67 Cole Allman, Age 25
C #65 Quinn Seidman, Age 26

Expected starters:
#74 Melvin McKinley | 6'5", 317lbs | 78 ovr, 90 str, 84 pbk, 75 rbk
#64 Chauncey Truman | 6'3", 338lbs | 72 ovr, 84 str, 66 pbk, 78 rbk
#51 Austin Griggs | 6'2", 290lbs | 81 ovr, 89 str, 83 pbk, 82 rbk
#76 Jerron Bowman | 6'8 329lbs | 70 ovr, 93 str, 71 prbk, 75 rbk
#71 Colton McKivitz | 6'7", 312lbs | 72 ovr, 86 str, 76 pbk, 69 rbk

[Soapy]

2027 Los Angeles Chargers Preview: Chargers looking to take the load off Bosa
Joey Bosa had the best season of his career, leading the league in sacks with 22.5 after getting off to a hot start.

He slowed down towards the end and if you ask head coach Brian Flores, it's because of his snap count.

"Joey [Bosa] is an every down player," said Flores, "But that doesn't mean you should play him ever single down, we want to get more of a rotation going and lighten the load for him to be able to unleash him on passing downs, important downs."

Bosa played 1,026 snaps last season, the most of his career after averaging around 800 in the last three seasons. Can one of the other edge players step up and lighten the load for Bosa?

Projected depth chart
OLB - #97 Joey Bosa, Age 32 :: #58 Shaquill Barrett, Age 34
DE - #96 Christian Childs, Age 25 :: #69 Will Ford, Age 23
NT - #98 Cedric Darius, Age 22 :: #77 Harrison Phillips, Age 31 :: #73 Jordan Phillips, Age 34 :: #95 Malcom Brown, Age 33
DE - #91 Vincent Zellner, Age 21 :: #93 Matthew Ioannidis, Age 33
OLB - #99 Rashard Keaton, Age 24 :: #50 Anthony Nelson


Potential Roster Cuts
DE #92 Quantavious Brooks, Age 26
DE #94 Gerard Harden, Age 23
DT #90 Chauncey Bacon, Age 22
DT #75 Silas Fletcher, Age 23
OLB #57 Asahiah Staley, Age 25
OLB #59 Lorenzo Carter, Age 31

Expected starters:
#97 Joey Bosa, Age 32 | 6'5", 280lbs | 88 ovr, 80 spd, 88 str, 72 bsh
#96 Christian Childs, Age 24 | 6'5", 304lbs | 84 ovr, 76 spd, 89 str, 92 bsh
#98 Cedric Darius, Age 22 | 6'7", 306lbs | 72 ovr, 69 spd, 90 str, 76 bsh
#91 Vincent Zellner, Age 21 | 6'5", 308lbs | 79 ovr, 80 spd, 89 str, 77 bsh
#99 Rashard Keaton, Age 24 | 6'1", 247lbs | 79 ovr, 84 spd, 79 str, 74 bsh

Major storyline: Can anyone out of Staley, Carter or Barrett show enough in the preseason to earn some snaps as a 3-4 outside linebacker in running situations?

[Soapy]

2027 Los Angeles Chargers Preview: Competition aplenty at linebacker
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Layne Scott was on his way to having a career yet when his season was cut short.

The injury gave way for Michael Pinckney to arguably be the team's best linebacker last season with 81 tackles in what was a breakout season from the 30-year old. The team not only brought Pinckney back to rotate with Scott and Shaq Quarterman, they then drafted DeAndre Bridge in the second round out of Oregon State.

The verdict is still out on Bridge but the team now has three capable linebackers -- potentially four in Bridge -- and only two available spots.

Projected depth chart
#53 Layne Scott, Age 24 | 5'11", 238lbs | 76 ovr, 87 spd, 87 acc, 81 tkl, 70 bsh
#52 Shaquille Quarterman, Age 29 | 6'1", 240lbs | 75 ovr, 82 spd, 84 acc, 82 tkl, 83 bsh
#56 Michael Pinckney, Age 30 | 6'1", 230lbs | 65 ovr, 82 spd, 82 acc, 72 tkl, 70 bsh
#47 DeAndre Bridge, Age 21 | 6'4", 249lbs | 74 ovr, 83 spd, 80 acc, 83 tkl, 75 bsh

Expected starters: Quarterman's struggles in pass coverage could pave the way for Pinckney or Bridge to get more looks in sub packages alongside Scott while Quarterman's role as the team's best run stuffing linebacker is undeniable. Expect Scott and Quarterman to lead the way.

Major storyline: Does Bridge get on the field and how often? He's a better athlete than many expected coming out of college and while he's not quite the athlete that Scott is, he can certainly handle his own out in space.

[Soapy]

2027 Los Angeles Chargers Preview: Ramsey brings attitude, edge to secondary unit
If you thought Los Angeles' secondary was expensive last season, the Chargers told you to hold their beer.

They went out and added Jalen Ramsey with a big contract, extended Ramsey and then spent another second round pick for the second straight season on a defensive back in Sean Butler.

Ramsey is a talker and a big personality unlike the quiet demeanors of Donovan Bigby and Malik Truman to a lesser extent. His addition also adds some pressure on Bigby and Truman as the team will have to designate who their #2 corner will be on non-sub packages.

Projected depth chart
CB #20 Jalen Ramsey, 32 | 6'1", 208lbs | 93 ovr, 91 spd, 94 acc, 89 mcv, 93 zcv
CB #26 Malik Truman, 26 | 5'11", 209lbs | 83 ovr, 95 spd, 92 acc, 80 mcv, 83 zcv
NB #28 Donovan Bigby, 25 | 6'0", 181lbs | 82 ovr, 94 spd, 93 acc, 91 mcv, 72 zcv
DB #22 Kion Cochrane, 25 | 6'2", 213lbs | 73 ovr, 92 spd, 92 acc, 68 mcv, 79 zcv

FS #23 Samuel Fleming, 21 | 6'2", 205lbs | 80 ovr, 95 spd, 95 acc, 71 mcv, 77 zcv, 72 tkl
FS #31 Ashtyn Davis, 30 | 6'1", 185lbs | 73 ovr, 93 spd, 87 acc, 70 mcv, 76 zcv, 73 tkl

SS #33 Derwin James, 31 | 6'2", 215lbs | 90 ovr, 90 spd, 92 acc, 88 mcv, 83 zcv, 81 tkl
S #24 Sean Butler, 22 | 6'0", 219lbs | 71 ovr, 91 spd, 87 acc, 73 mcv, 68 zcv, 69 tkl

Potential Roster Cuts
CB #30 Jabari Carmon, Age 22
CB #35 Kendal Barrow, Age 24
S #37 Javelin Guidry, Age 29

Expected starters: Ramsey and Truman as the top two corners although given how much sub defense the Chargers play, Bigby can also be considered a starter. Fleming and James over the top, no surprise there.

Major storyline: Truman won't just be given the CB2 role and for that matter, neither will Ramsey be gifted CB1 designation. Should be a good battle in camp and in games, depending on how much they actually play.

[Soapy]

IND | 7 | 7 | 3 | 7 || 24
LAC | 7 | 14 | 3 | 12 || 36
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Castonzo Perfect In Debut as Chargers Beat Colts in Opener
If you were Rashaud Wheaton or a fan of his, you felt pretty good as his day ended with the second year quarterback going 5 of 6 for 44 yards and a touchdown.

Will Castonzo, however, had different ideas.

The rookie QB completed all ten of his pass attempts for 149 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 24 yards on just two carries in the team's 36-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Castonzo looked comfortable and poised as he delivered pin point passes, including the touchdown to Amon-Ra St. Brown at the end of the endzone. St. Brown was effusive in praise following the game of the young QB.

The Chargers defense didn't have much success early on against the league MVP in Sam Ehlinger but once Ehlinger left the game, they were able to intercept backup Jay Oliver and hold the Colts to just ten points in the second half.

Stock Up
1. All of the quarterbacks led touchdown drives with Marcus Mariota being the third QB in the game and going 5 of 7 for 76 yards and the score. Lucas Regan wasn't as efficient in the passing game but he still went 7 of 12 for 45 yards with a rushing touchdown. Each quarterback played a quarter with Wheaton the only one having the added benefit of playing with the offensive starters while also having to face the Colts starting defense.

2. The second slate of receiver in Will Fuller and Travis White were very effective. White was banged up but toughed it out with five catches for 71 yards while Fuller ate in the slot with seven catches for 51 yards.

3. Rookie LB DeAndre Bridge had a pick along with three tackles, one behind the line of scrimmage, and three pass breakups. He got plenty of burn and looked good out there.

Stock Down
1. Defensive back Ashtyn Davis had a tough day in coverage, allowing a touchdown and a few first downs as the Chargers primarily played zone coverage in the second half. Rookie Sean Butler on the other hand was a sure tackler and wasn't exposed in the passing game either which doesn't bode well for Davis' prospects.

[Soapy]

LAC | 0 | 3 | 7 | 0 || 10
CIN | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 || 6
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Defense Picks Up the Slack as Chargers Offense Stumbles Out the Gate
After a nearly perfect outing from the offense in the preseason opener, the Charger faced some adversity in their second game.

This time around, it was their defense that came through in the team's 10-7 win over the Cincinnati Bengals as the first unit defense sacked Joe Burrow six times.

Joey Bosa led the way with two sacks while Vincent Zellner and Christian Childs each had a sack apiece. Javelin Guidry intercepted the final pass of the game to put a bow on an outstanding defensive performance.

It was the opposite on offense as three of the four quarterbacks threw interceptions with rookie QB Will Castonzo throwing two.

Stock Up
1. WR Jaron Medlock reminded folks that he's still alive with a nine catch, 107 yard performance. He got a rhythm going with Marcus Mariota which carried over with Lucas Regan.

2. The defense in general, both units. The first unit relied on the pass rush while the second unit just kept everything in front of them and rallied to the football.


Stock Down
1. Castonzo went 7 of 14 for 56 yards and two interceptions, with the first interception being a 50-50 ball that was picked and the second being a real bad decision where he was on the move and should have just kept it instead of throwing it across the middle. Luckily for him, Rashaud Wheaton's drives were negative as well with Wheaton going three-and-out on his first one and throwing a pick on his last drive. It remains to be seen who gets the start in the dress rehearsal.

2. The running game as a whole. Duke Johnson is the only running back that averaged over 3 yards per carry as the running game was bottled up all night with the top carrier, Kyree Samspon, gaining just five yards on seven carries.

[Soapy]

MIN | 0 | 7 | 0 | 6 || 13
LAC | 7 | 24 | 7 | 0 || 38
-----------------------------------------------

Metcalf Makes Grand Entrance in Chargers Blowout Win over Vikings
When the Los Angeles Chargers traded away quarterback Hal Sams to the Minnesota Vikings, many saw it as the sign of yet another tear down and long rebuild.

If tonight was any indication, that might not be the case.

The Chargers scored 24 points in the second quarter with D.K. Metcalf culminating the first half with a 84-yard bomb in the team's 38-13 win over Sams and the Vikings.

Will Castonzo got the start at quarterback and played a quarter and a half, fielding a near perfect passer rating once more. He completed 6 of 7 passes for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

Castonzo and Marcus Mariota found Metcalf deep three times with the free agent acquisition having three catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Mariota came in for Castonzo in the second quarter and went 4 of 12 for 147 yards and two scores of his own.

Stock Up
1. Castonzo looked like the best quarterback on the team and in his first start, he looked comfortable going up against the Vikings first team defense.

2. The running game was phenomenal with Kyree Sampson rushing for 105 yards, Felix Whittaker rushing for 75 yards and even Duke Johnson added a 76-yard touchdown run of his own.

3. Anthony Nelson is having a mid-career resurgence with a few solid performances stacking up, including tonight where he had five tackles and a sack as well as two tackles for loss. The team keeps mentioning lessening Joey Bosa's role and they brought in a few bigger names than Nelson to do so but Nelson might be the guy after all.

Stock Down
1. Rashaud Wheaton came in third and went 0 for 4 and if the order of the QBs playing -- Castonzo, Mariota, Wheaton, Reagan -- is the depth chart in the coaches mind, he might have slipped even further away from that top spot. Mariota relied on the big plays and Reagan was largely mediocre (2 of 6, 32 yards) but Wheaton was the worst.

[djp73]

Great offseason