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Post by afboltfan on Aug 21, 2020 6:13:37 GMT -7
Fullback competition update from Popper: Both Nabers and Holly impress The Chargers’ one-on-one period early in practice featured a lively pass-rush/pass-blocking drill between the tight ends and backs and safeties and linebackers. The coaching staff set up a yellow trash can to act as the quarterback. The defensive players lined up and, on the whistle, tried to get to the trash can. The offensive players tried to prevent them from getting there. There were some intense matchups, and I had several takeaways after watching. I will get into them all. But we will start with the fullbacks because that is shaping up into one of the more heated position battles of camp between undrafted rookies Gabe Nabers and Bobby Holly. Both of these guys can play. They are big and physical, which is primarily what coaches are looking for from that position. Nabers is a bit more versatile — he is a polished route runner and can line up at tight end — while Holly is a more prototypical fullback. Nabers was the first fullback to go, matching up with rookie safety Alohi Gilman. This was the second rep of the period and really set the tone. Nabers stood Gilman up and then de-cleated him and drove him into the turf. Gilman has already proven to be a strong player, so this was an impressive rep. Holly went right after Nabers in his matchup with linebacker Denzel Perryman, who is one of the most violent hitters on the Chargers’ roster. It was as if Perryman ran into a brick wall. Holly barely moved an inch. He is a tough man to move off his spot. That he did this to Perryman is very impressive. Nabers matched up with Gilman again later in the period and won again. This rep wasn’t as flashy, but he was able to stop Gilman in his tracks. Holly went next, against Desmond King, who is an established blitzer. Holly had no problems with King’s speed and prevented him from getting anywhere near the trash can. Holly got a third rep toward the end of the period against linebacker Emeke Egbule, who the Chargers have been cross-training as a weakside defensive end, or LEO. Egbule’s pass-rushing skills won out in this one-on-one, as he was able to bend and beat Holly to the outside. Nabers went up against Gilman for a third time in his final rep. Gilman won off the line, but Nabers recovered nicely. Based on the defensive players’ cheers, they believed Gilman won this rep. It was close, though. I give a slight edge to Holly in the showdown of fullbacks, as he was facing off with better players. But this battle is still neck and neck. Nabers’ versatility will go a long way in helping him win the spot on the 53-man. theathletic.com/2012590/2020/08/20/chargers-training-camp-practice-report-day-5-fullback-battle-heats-up/Whomever can find the endzone better. I am OVER being on the one yard line and giving it to little Ekeler 3 times. Over it. I'm pulling for this kid... Ekeler, Kelley, and Bradwell would be awesome. Hopefully he can turn into a bruiser back for us... Although they want him to lose some weight. www.chargers.com/team/players-roster/darius-bradwell/
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Post by joemcrugby on Aug 21, 2020 7:34:01 GMT -7
Fullback competition update from Popper: Both Nabers and Holly impress The Chargers’ one-on-one period early in practice featured a lively pass-rush/pass-blocking drill between the tight ends and backs and safeties and linebackers. The coaching staff set up a yellow trash can to act as the quarterback. The defensive players lined up and, on the whistle, tried to get to the trash can. The offensive players tried to prevent them from getting there. There were some intense matchups, and I had several takeaways after watching. I will get into them all. But we will start with the fullbacks because that is shaping up into one of the more heated position battles of camp between undrafted rookies Gabe Nabers and Bobby Holly. Both of these guys can play. They are big and physical, which is primarily what coaches are looking for from that position. Nabers is a bit more versatile — he is a polished route runner and can line up at tight end — while Holly is a more prototypical fullback. Nabers was the first fullback to go, matching up with rookie safety Alohi Gilman. This was the second rep of the period and really set the tone. Nabers stood Gilman up and then de-cleated him and drove him into the turf. Gilman has already proven to be a strong player, so this was an impressive rep. Holly went right after Nabers in his matchup with linebacker Denzel Perryman, who is one of the most violent hitters on the Chargers’ roster. It was as if Perryman ran into a brick wall. Holly barely moved an inch. He is a tough man to move off his spot. That he did this to Perryman is very impressive. Nabers matched up with Gilman again later in the period and won again. This rep wasn’t as flashy, but he was able to stop Gilman in his tracks. Holly went next, against Desmond King, who is an established blitzer. Holly had no problems with King’s speed and prevented him from getting anywhere near the trash can. Holly got a third rep toward the end of the period against linebacker Emeke Egbule, who the Chargers have been cross-training as a weakside defensive end, or LEO. Egbule’s pass-rushing skills won out in this one-on-one, as he was able to bend and beat Holly to the outside. Nabers went up against Gilman for a third time in his final rep. Gilman won off the line, but Nabers recovered nicely. Based on the defensive players’ cheers, they believed Gilman won this rep. It was close, though. I give a slight edge to Holly in the showdown of fullbacks, as he was facing off with better players. But this battle is still neck and neck. Nabers’ versatility will go a long way in helping him win the spot on the 53-man. theathletic.com/2012590/2020/08/20/chargers-training-camp-practice-report-day-5-fullback-battle-heats-up/Whomever can find the endzone better. I am OVER being on the one yard line and giving it to little Ekeler 3 times. Over it. Kelley will likely be that guy. One of these two will be bulldozing a path to the end zone ala Lo Lo. This is from yesterday’s practice as well: Young running backs shine There isn’t much space in the Chargers’ running back room. Ekeler, Jackson and rookie Joshua Kelley will be on the 53-man roster, and with Lynn likely to keep a fullback, it’s hard to see a fourth running back making the team. But the Chargers will almost certainly try to stash a running back on the practice squad, and the players in contention for that spot are making this a difficult decision. First, let’s talk about Kelley. He had a great practice Thursday. He is a physical runner and looks, at times, to seek contact when he has the ball. That mentality will make him a great complement to Ekeler and Jackson. But that doesn’t mean Kelley lacks speed. He showcased that part of his game Thursday. Kelley got some reps with the first team during the second set of 11-on-11s. On one run, he beat all the defenders to the outside on a play that looked to be designed up the middle and broke off a long run down the right sideline. Then in a later period, in the red zone, he had an almost identical run, finding a crease on the right edge again and sprinting for a touchdown. Kelley’s production will depend heavily on how much playing time he gets. But if Kelley is able to get on the field, I expect big things from the fourth-round pick out of UCLA. theathletic.com/2012590/2020/08/20/chargers-training-camp-practice-report-day-5-fullback-battle-heats-up/ |
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Post by totallybolted on Aug 21, 2020 11:08:45 GMT -7
Whomever can find the endzone better. I am OVER being on the one yard line and giving it to little Ekeler 3 times. Over it. Kelley will likely be that guy. One of these two will be bulldozing a path to the end zone ala Lo Lo. This is from yesterday’s practice as well: Young running backs shine There isn’t much space in the Chargers’ running back room. Ekeler, Jackson and rookie Joshua Kelley will be on the 53-man roster, and with Lynn likely to keep a fullback, it’s hard to see a fourth running back making the team. But the Chargers will almost certainly try to stash a running back on the practice squad, and the players in contention for that spot are making this a difficult decision. First, let’s talk about Kelley. He had a great practice Thursday. He is a physical runner and looks, at times, to seek contact when he has the ball. That mentality will make him a great complement to Ekeler and Jackson. But that doesn’t mean Kelley lacks speed. He showcased that part of his game Thursday. Kelley got some reps with the first team during the second set of 11-on-11s. On one run, he beat all the defenders to the outside on a play that looked to be designed up the middle and broke off a long run down the right sideline. Then in a later period, in the red zone, he had an almost identical run, finding a crease on the right edge again and sprinting for a touchdown. Kelley’s production will depend heavily on how much playing time he gets. But if Kelley is able to get on the field, I expect big things from the fourth-round pick out of UCLA. theathletic.com/2012590/2020/08/20/chargers-training-camp-practice-report-day-5-fullback-battle-heats-up/having too much of a good thing is not enough. But its still a good thing
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Post by totallybolted on Aug 21, 2020 11:28:43 GMT -7
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Los Angeles Chargers and defensive end Melvin Ingram have agreed to adjust his contract to fully guarantee his 2020 salary.
More;
Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram was sitting out of practice in hopes of getting a new deal. He doesn’t have a new deal yet, but he does have some newfound security.
Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram III is back at practice.
As Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reports (via Twitter), Ingram signed an adjusted contract that guarantees his 2020 salary, which checks in at a hefty $14M. While the Bolts were unlikely to cut Ingram to save that money, the 31-year-old is now assured of earning a very nice income this season. As such, he has returned to the practice field.
It’s unclear what, if anything, this means for contract talks between player and team, though both sides have benefited from their eight-year relationship. From 2015-18, Ingram started every game for the Chargers and averaged nine sacks per season. Though he missed three games last season due to injury, he collected his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod.
The South Carolina product may not be one of the league’s most feared pass rushers, but he is consistently able to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks, and those types of players get paid handsomely in today’s NFL. He is shooting for one last big-money contract — he is entering the final year of the four-year, $66M deal he signed in 2017 — and he has a good chance of getting it, whether that happens this season or in 2021.
If the Chargers’ key defenders can stay healthy this year, the club will have a good chance to rebound from a disappointing 2019 season and return to the playoffs.
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Post by joemcrugby on Aug 21, 2020 15:23:48 GMT -7
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Los Angeles Chargers and defensive end Melvin Ingram have agreed to adjust his contract to fully guarantee his 2020 salary. Looks like Popper had it analyzed correctly. 😉 A very fair compromise. Bring on 2020 and Super Mel!! 🍺 |
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Post by chargerfreak on Aug 23, 2020 4:56:54 GMT -7
Whomever can find the endzone better. I am OVER being on the one yard line and giving it to little Ekeler 3 times. Over it. Kelley will likely be that guy. One of these two will be bulldozing a path to the end zone ala Lo Lo. This is from yesterday’s practice as well: Young running backs shine There isn’t much space in the Chargers’ running back room. Ekeler, Jackson and rookie Joshua Kelley will be on the 53-man roster, and with Lynn likely to keep a fullback, it’s hard to see a fourth running back making the team. But the Chargers will almost certainly try to stash a running back on the practice squad, and the players in contention for that spot are making this a difficult decision. First, let’s talk about Kelley. He had a great practice Thursday. He is a physical runner and looks, at times, to seek contact when he has the ball. That mentality will make him a great complement to Ekeler and Jackson. But that doesn’t mean Kelley lacks speed. He showcased that part of his game Thursday. Kelley got some reps with the first team during the second set of 11-on-11s. On one run, he beat all the defenders to the outside on a play that looked to be designed up the middle and broke off a long run down the right sideline. Then in a later period, in the red zone, he had an almost identical run, finding a crease on the right edge again and sprinting for a touchdown. Kelley’s production will depend heavily on how much playing time he gets. But if Kelley is able to get on the field, I expect big things from the fourth-round pick out of UCLA. theathletic.com/2012590/2020/08/20/chargers-training-camp-practice-report-day-5-fullback-battle-heats-up/My only reservation on Kelley is a learning curve. If they have fixed that, he can be exciting for us. Def. a style we need in the RB group.
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Post by chargerfreak on Aug 23, 2020 4:57:35 GMT -7
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Los Angeles Chargers and defensive end Melvin Ingram have agreed to adjust his contract to fully guarantee his 2020 salary. Looks like Popper had it analyzed correctly. 😉 A very fair compromise. Bring on 2020 and Super Mel!! 🍺 Gotta have him.
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Post by afboltfan on Aug 23, 2020 5:03:51 GMT -7
Seems to me the Chargers are really doing what they need to do to win... I wonder if the Chargers of just a few years ago would be making these moves? Its refreshing how things are going right now, really looking forward to watching this team this season.
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Post by lightsout42 on Aug 23, 2020 10:57:04 GMT -7
Seems to me the Chargers are really doing what they need to do to win... I wonder if the Chargers of just a few years ago would be making these moves? Its refreshing how things are going right now, really looking forward to watching this team this season. I’m not sure they are making all of the moves they need to (I think OL and coaching are two big remaining problems) but they are making more good moves lately. I suspect PR and cash issues prevented such moves in the past. |
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Post by totallybolted on Aug 23, 2020 11:18:49 GMT -7
Seems to me the Chargers are really doing what they need to do to win... I wonder if the Chargers of just a few years ago would be making these moves? Its refreshing how things are going right now, really looking forward to watching this team this season. I’m not sure they are making all of the moves they need to (I think OL and coaching are two big remaining problems) but they are making more good moves lately. I suspect PR and cash issues prevented such moves in the past. Bingo. You win.....
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Post by chargerfreak on Aug 25, 2020 8:00:08 GMT -7
WR Mike Williams out. Shoulder injury. Prediction --back by game 1. React.
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Post by joemcrugby on Aug 25, 2020 11:16:19 GMT -7
WR Mike Williams out. Shoulder injury. Prediction --back by game 1. React. Was worried at first regarding the injury even though the collarbone was intact. Breathed a sigh of relief after hearing reports that he was watching practice yesterday without wearing any type of sling. If it was serious, no way they’d allow him to walk about without a sling. Judging by multiple personal experiences, MDub likely suffered a low grade AC separation in his shoulder when he dove for the pass. It could have been a LOT worse, and he should be ready for Week 1 as it currently stands. |
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Post by afboltfan on Aug 26, 2020 6:06:21 GMT -7
Since nobody is watching Hard Knocks I'm not posting in that thread anymore lol... But it seems there was a huge emphasis on blocking from the WR coach. The rivalry between Chris Harris jr. and Keenan Allen was highlighted as well. It was fun to watch their exchanges during practice...
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Post by joemcrugby on Aug 26, 2020 20:40:44 GMT -7
Since nobody is watching Hard Knocks I'm not posting in that thread anymore lol... But it seems there was a huge emphasis on blocking from the WR coach. The rivalry between Chris Harris jr. and Keenan Allen was highlighted as well. It was fun to watch their exchanges during practice... Busy as hell this week. I will probably watch it Friday night with a few ice cold Coronas w/ lime as a wind down. 🍺 |
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Post by joemcrugby on Aug 26, 2020 20:51:20 GMT -7
Big day tomorrow: Team scrimmage at SoFi around noon. It will be the Chargers team media’s first look at the final product.
Rams had their team scrimmage on Sunday. The scrimmages should be a big part of next week’s Hard Knocks segment.
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