The Marathon Continues.

[Soapy]

2028 Los Angeles Chargers Preview: Big Z showed flashes of his brilliance in the playoffs, can he maintain it?
The decision to pass on QB Joseph Wentz in the 2026 NFL Draft and instead select Vincent Zellner is no longer a highly scrutinized move given that Will Castonzo was drafted a year later and seems to be the answer while Wentz struggled in 2027.

Zellner, on the other hand, has continued to just be an average NFL starting defensive end. His counting numbers last season were less than his rookie numbers while his advanced stats took a slight dip but still remained in the mid 60s.

He played much better in the playoffs and had arguably the best two game stretch of his career with nine run stuffs between the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl. He'll need to continue that kind of of trajectory if he's ever going to live up to that fourth overall selection in 2026.

Projected depth chart
EDGE - #97 Joey Bosa, Age 33 :: #93 Willis Rayford, Age 21
DE - #96 Christian Childs, Age 26 :: #69 Will Ford, Age 24
NT - #98 Cedric Darius, Age 23 :: #92 Poona Ford, Age 32 :: #90 A'Shawn Robinson, Age 33
DE - #91 Vincent Zellner, Age 22
EDGE - #99 Rashard Keaton, Age 25


Potential Roster Cuts
DE #94 Gerard Haden, Age 24
EDGE #57 Glenn Wakefield, Age 22
DT #70 Daymond Mumphrey, Age 23


Expected starters:
#97 Joey Bosa, Age 33 | 6'5", 280lbs | 83 ovr, 80 spd, 86 str, 72 bsh
#96 Christian Childs, Age 25 | 6'5", 304lbs | 86 ovr, 76 spd, 90 str, 92 bsh
#98 Cedric Darius, Age 23 | 6'7", 306lbs | 74 ovr, 69 spd, 91 str, 78 bsh
#91 Vincent Zellner, Age 22 | 6'5", 308lbs | 81 ovr, 80 spd, 90 str, 77 bsh
#99 Rashard Keaton, Age 25 | 6'1", 247lbs | 81 ovr, 85 spd, 79 str, 74 bsh

Preseason storyline: Willis Rayford is the ultimate wildcard. Joey Bosa is getting up there in age and the cliff is nearing. The Chargers kept him fresh last season, playing just 732 snaps, the lowest amount he's played in sixteen games. Can Rayford be ready so that that number stays that way and Bosa can be deployed as a pass rushing specialist exclusively?

[Soapy]

2028 Los Angeles Chargers Preview: Scott and Bridge are the answer at LB
For the past two seasons, the Chargers have used a platoon at linebacker led by Layne Scott and Shaquille Quarterman with Michael Pinckney being the third guy in the rotation. Last season, rookie DeAndre Bridge splashed onto the scene and the field and didn't get off.

He played 729 snaps last season, finished with 92 tackles and by the time the playoffs came around, he had kicked Quarterman and Pinckney completely out of the rotation. Pinckney wasn't re-signed and Quarterman was traded, leaving Bridge and Scott as the undisputed starters on the defense.

Projected depth chart
#53 Layne Scott, Age 25 | 5'11", 238lbs | 78 ovr, 87 spd, 87 acc, 82 tkl, 70 bsh
#47 DeAndre Bridge, Age 22 | 6'4", 249lbs | 78 ovr, 83 spd, 81 acc, 85 tkl, 79 bsh
#45 Deion Jones, Age 33 | 6'1", 222lbs | 71 ovr, 86 spd, 88 acc, 71 tkl, 66 bsh
#54 Jaylon Smith, Age 33 | 6'2", 240lbs | 68 ovr, 83 spd, 88 acc, 70 tkl, 59 bsh
#52 Henry Woodson, Age 22 | 6'3", 232lbs | 62 ovr, 86 spd, 87 acc, 69 tkl, 67 bsh

Expected starters: Bridge struggles in coverage at time could pave the way for more athletic backers such as Deion Jones and Henry Woodson to get some snaps on obvious passing downs but the bulk of the snaps will go to Scott and Bridge.

Preseason storyline: Woodson's skillset as an athletic linebacker could help him crack the rotation or rather form one. The former undrafted free agent has some talent but will the opportunities be there in the preseason to showcase them?

[Soapy]

2028 Los Angeles Chargers Preview: The elite unit hopes to continue the high level of play from last season
After spending a ton of money and resources on their secondary the past three seasons, the Chargers had arguably the best secondary in football last season and definitely the best cornerback room.

All three starting corners finished with PFF grades that were in the above average range and the lowest scorer in the secondary was Derwin James who made up for it with his pass rushing abilities (five sacks) and leading the team in tackles.

They bring almost everyone back and with Sean Butler having another year under his belt, including some starts at nickel, this unit should be elite against in 2028.

CB Jalen Ramsey: 71 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, sack, interception, 17 pass breakups, 76.7 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: 66 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, 73.9 PFF grade.
CB Donovan Bigby: 52 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 10 pass breakups, 72.5 PFF grade.
S Samuel Fleming: 106 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 10 pass breakups, 69.9 PFF grade.
S Derwin James: 113 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 12 pas breakups, 63.3 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 65 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, sack, interception, 4 pass breakups, 68.2 PFF grade.

Projected depth chart
CB #20 Jalen Ramsey, 33 | 6'1", 208lbs | 90 ovr, 91 spd, 91 acc, 88 mcv, 91 zcv
CB #26 Malik Truman, 27 | 5'11", 209lbs | 84 ovr, 95 spd, 92 acc, 80 mcv, 83 zcv
NB #28 Donovan Bigby, 26 | 6'0", 181lbs | 83 ovr, 94 spd, 93 acc, 91 mcv, 73 zcv
DB/S #24 Sean Butler, 23 | 6'0", 219lbs | 72 ovr, 91 spd, 87 acc, 73 mcv, 68 zcv, 70 tkl

FS #23 Samuel Fleming, 22 | 6'2", 205lbs | 83 ovr, 96 spd, 93 acc, 72 mcv, 79 zcv, 74 tkl
FS #31 Ashtyn Davis, 31 | 6'1", 185lbs | 71 ovr, 90 spd, 87 acc, 70 mcv, 73 zcv, 71 tkl

SS #33 Derwin James, 32 | 6'2", 215lbs | 89 ovr, 89 spd, 92 acc, 83 mcv, 80 zcv, 81 tkl
S #29 Nick Steward, 21 | 5'10", 195lbs | 71 ovr, 89 spd, 92 acc, 60 mcv, 75 zcv, 66 tkl

Potential Roster Cuts
CB #34 Deon Sampson, Age 21 | 58 ovr, 90 spd, 58 mcv, 68 zcv

Expected starters: They return the entire starting unit with Butler as a rotational piece that can play either safety positions or line up at nickel.

Preseason storyline: Where does Nick Steward fit into all of this? The staff has done a great job of developing and finding roles for guys like Fleming and Butler during their rookie seasons. Next up is Steward and with the way the front office and coaching staff likes to use all members of the 53-man roster, Steward could find himself on the field. The only question is in what capacity and will he be ready?

[djp73]

Dont want a Wentz qb apparently

[Soapy]

IND | 7 | 17 | 0 | 10 || 34
LAC | 9 | 0 | 3 | 7 || 19
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Second Unit Struggles in Loss to Colts
For a quarter, the defending champions looked the part with their secondary making plays and the D.K. Metcalf - Will Castonzo connection helping produce points.

The Los Angeles Chargers then spent the next three quarters looking like the team that finished with the league's worst record just two seasons ago as the Indianapolis Colts routed them 34-19.

Tyreek Hill scored a touchdown in his Colts debut as he played well into the second half with quarterback Reid Harvey throwing him the ball. Harvey finished 14 of 19 for 195 yards, picking apart the Chargers second team defense.

Sam Ehlinger's day wasn't as great as he threw an interception on his second drive but did manage to throw a touchdown on a short field situation following a Castonzo fumble.

Despite the fumble, Castonzo finished 4 of 5 for 88 yards, a touchdown and a perfect passer rating. He connected on a 60-yard reception to Metcalf to setup his three-yard toss to tight end Stephen Burke.

The first team offense only played three drives, including receiver A.J. Brown who didn't have a target in those three possessions. Neither did Odell Beckham Jr. who played the majority of the game. His lone catch was called back due to a holding penalty in the first quarter.

Stock Up
1. Metcalf looked just as explosive as last season and the deep ball that Castonzo threw showed his progression as a passer. A lot to be excited about from that first quarter of offense.

2. Don't forget about Tyron Floyd. Felix Whittaker is the lead back and Clinton McDonald is the playoff hero but Tyron Floyd showed he's still alive. He rushed for 68 yards and looked lively, averaging 7.5 yards per carry.

3. The secondary, at least the first unit, is still elite. Sean Butler had an impressive pass breakup and Donovan Bigby tracked down a deep pass like a receiver for the interception.


Stock Down
1. Willis Rayford had a very long night which started with him not able to contain the edge on the first play of the game, resulting in a long run on a toss play. He then finished the quarter with whiffing on a redzone sack which resulted in a touchdown pass. He was also asked to cover and that wasn't a pretty sight, at all. It was his first NFL game and just one game but he certainly failed to instill confidence in his play going forward.

2. Sticking with rookie, Nick Steward looked like a guy that just got done playing in the MAC and is now trying to cover NFL receivers. He struggled in coverage throughout the day before eventually giving up a big touchdown catch to Tyreke Hill after Hill turned him around and then Steward failed to get him to the ground. He missed another tackle later in the day which led to a touchdown. He did get a big hit on a tight end to force an incompletion on third down so there was some upside, just a whole lot of downside.

3. The second team offense in general. Russell Wilson was bad, going 5 of 14 for 49 yards and two interceptions. Jacoby Harding ended pretty much any hope of competing for that right tackle spot with three penalties and a few QB hurries to his name while none of the receivers made their mark felt.

[Count]

look at that FSU secondary with Derwin and Jalen

[Soapy]

look at that FSU secondary with Derwin and Jalen

hopefully derwin has a bounce back year

[Soapy]

LAC | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 || 17
CIN | 0 | 10 | 0 | 2 || 12
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Castonzo Impresses in Chargers Win over Bengals
Will Castonzo had a good but short outing against the Indianapolis Colts in the preseason opener. This time around against the Cincinnati Bengals, he got to stretch his legs and get comfortable.

The second-year quarterback threw two touchdowns and led a sharp-looking offense that scored fourteen points in two quarters as the Chargers beat the Bengals 17-12.

Castonzo finished the game 9 of 13 for 134 yards, including a 62-yard touchdown to D.K. Metcalf. He also found newly acquired targets A.J. Brown twice for 27 yards. Odell Beckham Jr. also had two catches for 14 yards.

Stock Up
1. Castonzo looked in control and poised, even when facing some pressure. Early in the first drive, he stepped up in the pocket and threw a dime to A.J. Brown in between two defenders. Castonzo doesn't attempt to make that throw as a rookie and if he did, it might have been an interception or maybe he steps into a sack. He's looked so much better in the first two games than he did last season.

2. The secondary was really good, intercepting Joseph Bailey on a overthrow and batting down a lot of deep passes and that's without their top corner in Jalen Ramsey and Derwin James playing just a few snaps. Nick Steward also had a bounce back game in the secondary with five tackles and a sack as well.

3. Seventh round pick Teryan Vanover got the start at tight end and looked natural at the position despite being a converted fullback. He caught a touchdown pass and fared well as an inline blocker.

4. The running game is in good hands with Derrick Henry and Felix Whittaker both not dressing. Tyron Floyd rushed for 45 yards while Clinton McDonald added 50 yards on just eight carries.


Stock Down
1. Jacoby Harding had two penalties and just didn't look as good as Jerron Bowman or even Colton McKivitz who also had a penalty. Bouncing around from position to position certainly hasn't helped Harding's development and maybe the Chargers played him too early when he was a rookie which shot his confidence but at this point, it may be time to move on or just relegate him to a reserve role.

[Soapy]

MIN | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 || 13
LAC | 10 | 17 | 7 | 7 || 41
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Defending Champs Flex Their Muscles, Pound Their Chest in Drubbing of Vikings
If fans outside of the Los Angeles era were hoping for a regression from the Chargers, their hopes are dwindling.

In the proverbial dress rehearsal game with both team's starters playing the majority of the game, the Chargers were able to thoroughly out-class the Minnesota Vikings to the tune of a 41-13 blowout.

QB Will Castonzo fielded a perfect passer rating after going 15 of 19 for 255 yards and two touchdowns while both Vikings quarterbacks combined for six interceptions. Jalen Hurts was intercepted four times while former Charger Hal Sams was intercepted twice before his game was cut short due to an injury.

Castonzo threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns, eclipsing the 200-yard mark in the first half. He got a host of receivers involved including A.J. Brown catching his first touchdown.

Stock Up
1. The first team offense is humming along even with Hunter Henry and the top two running backs, Felix Whittaker and Derrick Henry, not playing. D.K. Metcalf was good as usual with 59 yards and Brown added 69 while Odell Beckham had a 39-yard reception.

2. Teryan Vanover is no longer just a cool story, he's a legitimate option in the offense. He caught five passes for 57 yards including 47 yards after the catch. He's a bit more athletic than Henry at this point and isn't a liability as a blocker. Stephen Burke was signed to play this role but Vanover might be earning some snaps.

3. The defense was ridiculous. Christian Childs and Willis Rayford got sacks with Rayford overcoming his debut struggles and playing much better this week. Donovan Bigby and Malik Truman both got interceptions and when the Chargers asked their backers to cover space, Rashard Keaton and Deandre Bridge were able to make some contested interceptions.

Stock Down
1. A bit of sloppiness from the offensive line. Melvin McKinley gave up a sack and had two penalties. Chauncey Truman and Jerron Bowman also had holding calls against them but the biggest one came from Colton McKivitz whose holding call negated a long run.

[Soapy]

LAC | 0 | 7 | 0 | 13 | 0 || 20
SF | 0 | 3 | 7 | 10 | 6 || 26
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Garoppolo, Barr Complete Overtime Walk-Off Touchdown
Everyone loves free football except when it's in the preseason.

The Los Angeles Chargers took it to overtime with the San Francisco 49ers but after failing to score on their first two drives, the 49ers were able to win the game on a 38-yard swing pass to Juwan Barr for a touchdown.

Barr rushed for 64 yards and was part of an offense that had no problem putting up yards against the Chargers second unit. Jimmy Garoppolo threw for 305 yards and three touchdowns albeit also throwing two interceptions.

The majority of Chargers starters and contributors did not play with Wade Calloway playing the entire game at quarterback. He finished the game 12 of 28 for 193 yards with two touchdowns to match his two interceptions.

Stock Up
1. It might be too little, too late for Timmy Bowen but he still impressed enough to potentially earn a practice squad spot. After being quiet for three weeks, he exploded for five catches for 87 yard and a touchdown. Jaron Medlock also had a bounce back game with two catches for 62 yards and the score.

2. Deion Jones was all over the field with eight tackles, two sacks and an interception. Between him and Jaylon Smith, he clearly has the most juice left in him and could be a rotational piece at linebacker.

3. After starting the preseason with a terrible performance, Willis Rayford is starting to instill some confidence. He had both a sack and an interception, his second straight game with a sack.

Stock Down
1. Stephen Burke's only catch was on a trick play on special teams where he went for 10 yards. It's hard to compare him with Teryan Vanover given that Vanover got to play with Will Castonzo and Russell Wilson while Burke's most active day was with Wade Calloway.

2. Speaking of Calloway, any shot he had at perhaps forcing the team to carry three quarterbacks went out the window with a very tepid performance, at best.