The Marathon Continues.

Post by **Soapy** » 12 Dec 2020, 21:03

Chargers finalize 53-man roster, release depth chart
The Los Angeles Chargers have trimmed their roster to 53 men and have released the 2028 depth chart for the team's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With just 61 man on their preseason roster due to salary cap constraints, the team only had to release eight players to meet the quota with no surprise cuts. The team also released their first depth chart of the season with not many surprises there either.

The team also signed cornerback Cortez Claybrooks.

Jerron Bowman was listed as the starter at right tackle, winning his battle with Colton McKivitz and Jacoby Harding. Teryan Vanover is listed as both a backup fullback and the second string tight end ahead of Stephen Burke and rookie Don Wilson.

Players Cut

QB Wade Calloway*
HB James Mouton
HB Harvey Vernon*
WR Timmy Bowen*
WR Rashad Hunter
TE Treveon Love*
TE Derrick Carruthers
CB Deon Sampson*
P Clay Rose*

*Signed to practice squad

2028 Los Angeles Chargers Team Captains

QB Will Castonzo
TE Hunter Henry
C Austin Griggs
DE Christian Childs
EDGE Joey Bosa
S Derwin James

2028 Los Angeles Chargers Schedule

vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (4:15 PM, CBS)
at Buffalo Bills (1:00 PM, CBS)
vs. New Orleans Saints (4:15 PM, FOX)
vs. Indianapolis Colts (4:05 PM, CBS)
at Denver Broncos (8:30 PM, ESPN)
vs. Las Vegas Raiders (4:05 PM, CBS)
vs. Atlanta Falcons (4:05 PM, CBS)
vs. Kansas City Chiefs (4:15 PM, CBS)
at Houston Texans (8:20 PM, NBC)
BYE WEEK
vs. Denver Broncos (8:20 PM, NBC)
at Las Vegas Raiders (4:05 PM, CBS)
vs. Tennessee Titans (8:30 PM, ESPN)
at Kansas City Chiefs (1:00 PM, CBS)
at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1:00 PM, FOX)
at Jacksonville Jaguars (4:15 PM, CBS)
at Carolina Panthers (8:20 PM, NBC)

Post by **Soapy** » 12 Dec 2020, 22:45

-----------------------------------------------
PIT (0-1) | 0 | 7 | 0 | 16 || 23
LAC (1-0) | 10 | 12 | 3 | 3 || 28
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Steelers Rally but Fail Short as Chargers Open Championship Defense with Win
For two quarters, it looked like the Los Angeles Chargers were going to run the Pittsburgh Steelers off the field.

For another quarter and half, it looked like Pittsburgh was going to get some slight revenge. Neither became true as the Chargers were able to hold off the Steelers 16-point fourth quarter comeback effort and hang on to a 28-23 victory.

The Chargers jumped out to a 22-7 lead in the first half behind two Will Castonzo touchdowns and a defense that held quarterback Brian Peterson to just 55 yards passing and intercepted him on the first drive of the second half.

Both offenses sputtered in the third quarter with Los Angeles only able to muster up a field goal following a 45-yard run by Clinton McDonald.

A facemask penalty on the first play of the Steelers first drive in the fourth quarter helped jump start an eight play scoring drive that ended with a 20-yard strike to Ronnell Rushing as Dustin McNeil, who was held catch-less in the first half, started to get it going with two catches on the drive.

Penalties continued to hurt the Chargers as they were hold once more to just a field goal to extend the lead to 28-17. After a fourth down stop on their own 34-yard line with 6:35 left in the game, Castonzo threw an interception on the very next play on a jump ball to D.K. Metcalf. While the Steelers offense failed to convert on the turnover, they get another one as Jaron Medlock fumbled the ball.

Medlock was in the game in replacement for an injured A.J. Brown who suffered an elbow injury in the first quarter.

The Steelers capitalized on the football, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown pass to Jamon Craig to make it a three point game with 1:52 left in the game. After a failed two-point conversion, the Chargers were able to run out the clock.
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Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[LAC] M. Badgley, 29 Yd FG (8:14)
[LAC] T. Vanover 5 Yd pass from W. Castonzo (2:21)

Quarter 2
[PIT] C. Russell 11 Yd pass from B. Petersen (11:33)
[LAC] W. Castonzo, 9 Yd run (6:01)
[LAC] Team Safety (1:05)
[LAC] M. Badgley, 51 Yd FG (0:18)

Quarter 3
[LAC] M. Badgley, 23 Yd FG (5:07)

Quarter 4
[PIT] J. Tucker, 31 Yd FG (14:56)
[PIT] R. Rushing 20 Yd pass from B. Petersen (10:01)
[LAC] M. Badgley, 47 Yd FG
[PIT] J. Craig 1 Yd pass from B. Petersen (1:51)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Los Angeles Chargers
Will Castonzo: 18 of 29, 175 yards, touchdown, interception, 6 carries, 67 yards, touchdown.
Felix Whittaker: 18 carries, 111 yards.
Clinton McDonald: 8 carries, 53 yards (left game with injury).
D.K. Metcalf: 3 receptions, 58 yards.
A.J. Brown: 1 reception, 22 yards (left game with injury).
Derwin James: 12 tackles, tackle for loss.
Samuel Fleming: 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, safety.
Christian Childs: 5 tackles, 2 sacks.
Malik Truman: 4 tackles, interception.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Brian Petersen: 23 of 32, 228 yards, 3 touchdowns, interception.
Jafer Armstrong: 20 carries, 115 yards.
Cory Russell: 7 receptions, 70 yards, touchdown.
Dustin McNeill: 5 receptions, 65 yards.
Ifeatu Melifonwo: 9 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
Chidobe Awuzie: 5 tackles, interception.

Post by **Soapy** » 13 Dec 2020, 19:03

Behind the Numbers: Breakdown of Chargers Week One Win vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Offensive Line Grades
LT Melvin McKinley: 69 snaps, 30 dropbacks, 39 rushes, run stuff allowed, 2 penalties, 63.6 PFF grade.
LG Chauncey Truman: 69 snaps, 30 dropbacks, 39 rushes, run stuff allowed, 4 penalties, 54.9 PFF grade.
C Austin Griggs: 69 snaps, 30 dropbacks, 39 rushes, 2 run stuffs allowed, 64.6 PFF grade.
RG Stephen Zeigler: 69 snaps, 30 dropbacks, 39 rushes, 3 run stuffs allowed, penalty, 52.6 PFF grade
RT Jerron Bowman: 69 snaps, 30 dropbacks, 39 rushes, penalty, 75.7 PFF grade.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-60 AVERAGE | 59> BELOW AVERAGE

Defensive Grades
DE Christian Childs: 56 snaps, 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 run stuffs, 77.6 PFF grade.
NT Cedric Darius: 26 snaps, tackle, tackle for loss, 65.7 PFF grade.
DE Vincent Zellner: 50 snaps, 3 tackles, tackle for loss, 3 run stuffs, 80.0 PFF grade.
EDGE Joey Bosa: 48 snaps, 59.0 PFF grade.
EDGE Rashard Keaton: 58 snaps, 50.0 PFF grade.
EDGE Willis Rayford: 18 snaps, tackle, tackle for loss, 3 run stuffs, 94.7 PFF grade.
LB Layne Scott: 48 snaps, 6 tackles, run stuff, 5 catches allowed, 60.4 PFF grade.
LB DeAndre Bridge: 42 snaps, 4 tackles, tackle for loss, run stuff, 3 catches allowed, 63.6 PFF grade.
CB Jalen Ramsey: 58 snaps, 7 tackles, 2 pass breakups, catch allowed, 84.6 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: 47 snaps, 4 tackles, interception, 4 catches allowed, 75.0 PFF grade.
CB Donovan Bigby: 57 snaps, 7 tackles, 3 catches allowed, TD catch allowed, 66.1 PFF grade.
S Samuel Fleming: 60 snaps, 9 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, pass breakup, QB hurry, 4 run stuffs, 2 penalties, catch allowed, 70.0 PFF grade.
S Derwin James Jr: 58 snaps, 12 tackles, tackle for loss, run stuff, catch allowed, TD catch allowed, 70.0 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 14 snaps, 2 tackles, catch allowed, 64.9 PFF grade.
S Nick Steward: 43 snaps, tackle, catch allowed, TD catch allowed, 58.8 PFF grade.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-60 AVERAGE | 59> BELOW AVERAGE

Class of 2028 Report Card
EDGE Willis Rayford: 18 snaps, tackle, tackle for loss, 3 run stuffs, 94.7 PFF grade.
S Nick Steward: 43 snaps, tackle, catch allowed, TD catch allowed, 58.8 PFF grade.
TE Don Willson: 40 snaps, 0 receptions.
FB Teryan Vanover: 27 snaps, 2 receptions, 20 yards, touchdown.

Injury Report
CB Malik Truman: Out (shoulder - five weeks)
HB Clinton McDonald: Out (ribs - five weeks)
WR A.J. Brown: Out (elbow - four weeks)

Post by **Soapy** » 13 Dec 2020, 19:08

Week 1 NFL Results
KC 31 - IND 10 :: MIN 35 - ATL 28 :: NE 20 - CIN 17 :: DEN 24 - TEN 21
NO 24 - CAR 7 :: BUF 34 - NYJ 30 :: PHI 24 - GB 17 :: DET 21 - TOR 17
JAX 24 - CHI 17 :: HOU 48 - LV 7 :: LAR 24 - TB 6 :: LAC 28 - PIT 23
MIA 20 - SEA 17 :: NYG 31 - DAL 24 :: BAL 21 - CLE 14 :: ARI 28 - SF 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Players of the Week
QB Patrick Mahomes (KC): 23 of 29, 242 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 carries, 10 yards, touchdown.
QB Jalen Hurts (MIN): 22 of 28, 274 yards, 4 touchdowns.
S Julian Love (HOU): 2 tackles, 2 interceptions, touchdown.
LB Clinton Blue (DAL): 15 tackles, interception.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notable Injuries
HB Jonathan Taylor (PHI): Season (knee)
TE Noah Fant (CAR): Season (hip)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notable Transactions
Tennessee Titans trade HB Trey Sermon to Philadelphia Eagles for OLB Foyesade Oluokun and 2030 7th round pick.

Post by **Soapy** » 13 Dec 2020, 19:22

Week 2 Preview: Buffalo Bills
Record: 1-0, 1st AFC East

Team Leaders
Passing: Josh Allen (75% completion, 313 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 103.4 rating)
Rushing: Perry Pope (33 yards, 3.3 ypc, 2 TD)
Receiving: Bryan George (8 receptions, 83 yards, 1 TD)
Defense: Ed Oliver (5 tackles, 1.0 sack)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 4th
Total Defense: 25th
Points Per Game: 3rd
Turnover Differential: T-19th

Injuries
C Houston Slater
G Dylan Murray
OLB Jaron Booker

Buffalo went out in the offseason and signed wide receiver Chris Hernandez and drafted running back John Spears in the first round, providing 32-year old Josh Allen with some more weapons as they hope to make another run at the Super Bowl with their long time quarterback.

Allen looked much improved in the opener, completing 75 percent of his passes while throwing for over 300 yards. He faces a tough matchup against an elite Chargers secondary but Los Angeles will be without one of it's top corners in Malik Truman. Buffalo's size at the position could also cause issues as Auden Tate is six-foot-five, Hernandez, Ron Youngblood and Sherard Blaylock are all six-foot-two while London Hudson is the tallest of them all at six-foot-five.

Speaking of receivers, Los Angeles will be without it's key free agent acquisition in A.J. Brown. The team will now have to rely on another free agent signing in Odell Beckham who only had one catch in the opener.

Post by **Soapy** » 13 Dec 2020, 21:15

-----------------------------------------------
LAC (2-0) | 0 | 10 | 3 | 7 || 20
BUF (1-1) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 7 || 13
-----------------------------------------------

Chargers Defense Dominates as Bills Falter to the Bolts
When you have an elite defense, you can overcome a slow start from your offense or back-to-back fumbles in the redzone.

The Los Angeles Chargers held the Buffalo Bills to just 263 yards of total offense and just 81 yards on the ground as the Chargers improved their record to 2-0 with a 20-13 road victory over the Bills.

Will Castonzo started the game 1-of-5 and the team did not get a first down until the second quarter but it didn't matter as the Chargers defense took charge. Castonzo eventually found his grove and the offense got going, jumping out to a 13-3 lead in the third quarter.

Castonzo finished the game with 320 yards passing with a touchdown and no turnovers, adding 31 yards on the ground and picking up two first downs with his legs.

A field goal helped closed the gap and with the first drive on the fourth quarter, it was the Bills turn to make plays on defense. Jaron Medlock fumbled on the Buffalo 11-yard line but it only led to a three-and-out. On the next drive, it was Hunter Henry's turn to fumble on the 14th play of the drive. The result? Another three-and-out from the Buffalo offense that just never got going.

A late touchdown to Ron Youngblood from Josh Allen helped make the score look closer than how competitive the game was.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Scoring Summary
Quarter 1
[BUF] J. Peerman, 46 Yd FG (2:25)

Quarter 2
[LAC] D. Henry, 3 Yd run (10:11)
[LAC] M. Badgley, 21 Yd FG (0:01)

Quarter 3
[LAC] M. Badgley, 43 Yd FG (9:03)
[BUF] J. Peerman, 26 Yd FG (1:17)

Quarter 4
[LAC] D. Daniel 2 Yd pass from W. Castonzo (1:52)
[BUF] R. Youngblood 25 Yd pass from J. Allen (0:24)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Los Angeles Chargers
Will Castonzo: 31 of 42, 320 yards, touchdown, 5 carries, 31 yards.
Felix Whittaker: 16 carries, 43 yards, fumble.
Jaron Medlock: 6 receptions, 57 yards.
Hunter Henry: 6 receptions, 44 yards.
D.K. Metcalf: 5 receptions, 75 yards.
Stephen Burke: 4 receptions, 48 yards.
Deion Daniel: 2 receptions, 23 yards, touchdown.
Odell Beckham Jr: 2 receptions, 15 yards.
Derwin James Jr: 8 tackles, 0.5 sack.
Rashard Keaton: 4 tackles, 1.5 sacks.
Christian Childs: 3 tackles, sack.
Cedric Darius: 2 tackles, 0.5 sack.
Willis Rayford: 2 tackles, 0.5 sack.

Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen: 19 of 36, 214 yards, touchdown.
John Spears: 19 carries, 81 yards.
Chris Hernandez: 4 receptions, 54 yards.
Ron Youngblood: 3 receptions, 72 yards, touchdown.
Jarrod Armour: 10 tackles, tackle for loss.
Will Booth: 7 tackles, sack.
Alonzo Barlow: 5 tackles, tackle for loss, sack.
Christian Wilkins: 2 tackles, sack.

Post by **djp73** » 14 Dec 2020, 09:05

back2back?

Post by **Soapy** » 14 Dec 2020, 11:46

Behind the Numbers: Breakdown of Chargers Week Two Win at Buffalo Bills

Offensive Line Grades
LT Melvin McKinley: 72 snaps, 45 dropbacks, 27 rushes, QB hurry allowed, 79.3 PFF grade.
LG Chauncey Truman: 72 snaps, 45 dropbacks, 27 rushes, run stuff allowed, 2 penalties, 60.6 PFF grade.
C Austin Griggs: 72 snaps, 45 dropbacks, 27 rushes, 2 run stuffs, 57.8 PFF grade.
RG Stephen Zeigler: 72 snaps, 45 dropbacks, 27 rushes, 3 penalties, 71.2 PFF grade.
RT Jerron Bowman: 72 snaps, 45 dropbacks, 27 rushes, 2 penalties, 75.4 PFF grade.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-60 AVERAGE | 59> BELOW AVERAGE

Defensive Grades
DE Christian Childs: 57 snaps, 3 tackles, sack, 63.3 PFF grade.
NT Cedric Darius: 30 snaps, 2 tackles, 0.5 sack, QB hurry, penalty, 59.5 PFF grade.
DE Vincent Zellner: 55 snaps, 2 tackles, tackle for loss, run stuff, penalty, 64.4 PFF grade.
EDGE Joey Bosa: 43 snaps, QB hurry, 59.5 PFF grade.
EDGE Rashard Keaton: 57 snaps, 4 tackles 1.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries, run stuff, 65.0 PFF grade.
EDGE Willis Rayford: 29 snaps, 2 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 QB hurries, 58.3 PFF grade.
LB Layne Scott: 51 snaps, 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, pass breakup, 5 run stuffs, 2 catches allowed, 83.4 PFF grade.
LB DeAndre Bridge: 7 snaps, tackle, 73.9 PFF grade.
CB Jalen Ramsey: 61 snaps, 6 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 3 catches allowed, 67.1 PFF grade.
CB Malik Truman: DNP.
CB Donovan Bigby: 62 snaps, 7 tackles, tackle for loss, pass breakup, 3 run stuffs, 2 catches allowed, 77.2 PFF grade.
S Samuel Fleming: 62 snaps, 5 tackles, run stuff, 77.9 PFF grade.
S Derwin James Jr: 62 snaps, 8 tackles, 0.5 sack, QB hurry, 2 run stuffs, 3 catches allowed, 65.0 PFF grade.
S Sean Butler: 59 snaps, 5 tackles, pass breakup, 2 run stuffs, 3 catches allowed, TD catch allowed, 54.9 PFF grade.
S Nick Steward: 21 snaps, 4 tackles, run stuff, 2 catches allowed, 48.5 PFF grade.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Grade Scale :: 80+ ELITE | 79-70 ABOVE AVERAGE | 69-60 AVERAGE | 59> BELOW AVERAGE

Class of 2028 Report Card
EDGE Willis Rayford: 29 snaps, 2 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 QB hurries, 58.3 PFF grade.
S Nick Steward: 21 snaps, 4 tackles, run stuff, 2 catches allowed, 48.5 PFF grade.
TE Don Willson: 17 snaps, no stats.
FB Teryan Vanover: 8 snaps (left game with injury).

Injury Report
S Nick Steward: Out (elbow // 4-5 weeks)
CB Malik Truman: Out (shoulder // 3-4 weeks)
HB Clinton McDonald: Out (ribs // 3-4 weeks)
WR A.J. Brown: Out (elbow // 2-3 weeks)

Post by **Soapy** » 14 Dec 2020, 11:56

Week 2 NFL Results
ARI 45 - TB 7 :: NYJ 20 - BAL 17 :: CLE 34 - TOR 28 :: ATL 31 - PHI 3
LAC 20 - BUF 13 :: NYG 17 - DET 13 :: MIA 35 - NE 35 :: CIN 28 - PIT 26
DEN 24 - JAX 21 :: IND 42 - CHI 17 :: KC 23 - LV 13 :: SF 34 - LAR 27
SEA 35 - NO 32 :: CAR 35 - GB 13 :: HOU 28 - TEN 18 :: DAL 35 - MIN 24
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Players of the Week
QB Joseph Wentz (NE): 27 of 33, 292 yards, 4 touchdowns, 3 carries, 12 yards, touchdown.
QB Kyler Murray (ARI): 21 of 26, 274 yards, 5 touchdowns, 5 carries, 17 yards, touchdown.
S Minkah Fitzpatrick (PIT): 5 tackles, 2 interceptions, touchdown.
CB Tyreke Johnson (SEA): 8 tackles, 2 interceptions, touchdown.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notable Injuries
HB Jonathan Taylor (PHI): Season (knee)
TE Noah Fant (CAR): Season (hip)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notable Transactions
Arizona Cardinals re-sign QB Kyler Murray (3yr, $91.4 million)
Arizona Cardinals re-sign G Navaughn Donaldson (4yr, $44 million)
Miami Dolphins re-sign OLB Isaiah Simmons (3yr, $56.1 million)
Jacksonville Jaguars re-sign QB Tua Tagovailoa (3yr, $77.3 million)
New York Jets re-sign DE Quinnen Williams (4yr, $68.8 million)
Carolina Panthers re-sign OLB Tramon Cox (4yr, $41.8 million)
New England Patriots re-sign DT Lester Briggs (3yr, $40.6 million)
Baltimore Ravens re-sign QB Lamar Jackson (3yr, $111 million)
Toronto Huskies re-sign WR Rondale Moore (5yr, $99.8 million)
Pittsburgh Steelers re-sign WR Juju Smith Schuster (3yr, $56.2 million)

Post by **Soapy** » 14 Dec 2020, 12:56

Week 3 Preview: New Orleans Saints
Record: 1-1, 1st NFC South

Team Leaders
Passing: Justin Fields (70% completion, 512 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT, 103.9 rating)
Rushing: Chris Maxwell (102 yards, 3.8 ypc, 3 TD)
Receiving: Brian King (10 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD)
Defense: Daymond Stokes (19 tackles, 1 INT)

Team Rankings
Total Offense: 15th
Total Defense: 10th
Points Per Game: 6th
Turnover Differential: T-12th

Injuries
DE Dwayne Gattis
HB Lee Mooney
CB Ace Boone

In a rematch of last year's Super Bowl, Justin Fields and the New Orleans Saints will look to avenge their February loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. The Saints will need to do so without their first round pick in Lee Mooney who they drafted in hopes of bolstering their rushing attack and amend for the retirement of Alvin Kamara.

With no Mooney against Seattle, Justin Fields threw the ball forty times in a loss to the Seahawks while the less dynamic Chris Maxwell was held to 4.2 yards per carry and his longest run was for eight yards. The Saints will look for a more balanced offensive approach going up against a Chargers secondary that is simply too good to simply drop back 40 times.

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