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Post by fouts2herbert on Aug 23, 2021 20:38:30 GMT -7
A guy I want to shed the spotlight on is a guy that has become a bit of a punchline on social media and chat groups. But I think people are sleeping on this kid. My bold take is that darius bradwell is perhaps the second most talented RB (behind ekeler) on this squad. His being overweight during hardknocks and also him being a so-called ‘anthony lynn guy’ has unfortunately kind of turned him into an afterthought in the eyes of many charger fans.
Just my opinion but here’s what I see. The kid came into camp lean and ready to work. He has the second fastest burst after getting the ball in his hands behind ekeler and that’s saying something at his size (6’ 240 pounds). He can catch, he can pass protect, he can run between the tackles, and he moves the pile forward. He might not have the yardage that roundtree has in the preseason but I’ve been more impressed with his 5 carries (5 for 30 yards) than anyone else’s, because he generates yards after contact. That tells me he has solid instincts, is fearless, reads his blocks well, and has the power to move people. I like how aggressive he runs almost like he wants to impose his will on the defense. The only other back that has that mind set is roundtree and he’s smaller and slower than bradwell.
Bradwell is averaging 6 yards a carry on inside runs and finds or makes space where the other runners try to bounce it out or lose yards, he’s the only one of the four backs we’ve seen without a negative yardage carry. considering the status of the 2nd string offensive line, that’s impressive. He’s also caught 5 of his 6 targets for 15 yards and at least two of them he had no business catching because the ball was so poorly thrown. He’s had zero drops the one missed target was tipped away by a pass rusher. So the kid has had 10 total touches in the preseason for 45 yards or 4.5 yards a touch and a very impressive goaline touchdown. With the redzone woes this team has had running of late, that alone should be good enough reason to keep him around.
I think both bradwell and roundtree should make the roster over jackson and kelly. The 4rth running back spot should be between jackson and kelly. Jackson is amazing catching but can’t stay on the field to save his life. Kelly is smaller and lighter than bradwell but doesn’t have bradwell’s burst. Last year I thought ballage gave us the most effective running to keep the chains moving and he was not tendered for some reason. The steelers wasted no time snapping him up and now he’s going to run behind the kid from alabama on a team that’s going back to basics with a physical run game. I thought ballage was a keeper but I also think bradwell is even better than kellen.
the team needs at least one back that can make defenses afraid to tackle him, bradwell is that physical presence and I hope the staff realizes that too. I don’t think he’ll last on waivers.
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Post by chargerfreak on Aug 24, 2021 6:08:26 GMT -7
FIRST !!!! My surprise guy would be seventh rounder Webb at Safety. I would hang on to that guy, he's a goodie.
The RB's are justifying my fear. Ekeler, and a bunch of lumped together others. The fact that none of them have separated themselves from the pack proves that much.
I could feel you on Bradwell, until this week. I didn't think he had a great game this week.
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Post by frozendisc on Aug 24, 2021 7:00:58 GMT -7
So are you, F2H, a proponent of allowing metrics determine the decisions? Or is your belief in Bradwell more than just his metrics from the preseason? In your view, does Bradwell have the metrics and pass the proverbial 'eye' test that most coaches love?
My player to surprise is that TE Parham... I do not think he was a question to make the roster, but I think he will prove to be much more than just a guy on the club.
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Post by chargerfreak on Aug 24, 2021 8:08:48 GMT -7
So are you, F2H, a proponent of allowing metrics determine the decisions? Or is your belief in Bradwell more than just his metrics from the preseason? In your view, does Bradwell have the metrics and pass the proverbial 'eye' test that most coaches love? My player to surprise is that TE Parham... I do not think he was a question to make the roster, but I think he will prove to be much more than just a guy on the club. Parnham was never just a guy. He was easily the number 2 TE, and was going to get his snaps during the year. The thread is SURPRISE. Hell, you might as well type Keenan Allen is going to make the team. I took our 7th round rookie for Pete's Sake. They could cut him tomorrow morning. Will Parnham beat out Cook at TE ?
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Post by frozendisc on Aug 24, 2021 8:19:25 GMT -7
So are you, F2H, a proponent of allowing metrics determine the decisions? Or is your belief in Bradwell more than just his metrics from the preseason? In your view, does Bradwell have the metrics and pass the proverbial 'eye' test that most coaches love? My player to surprise is that TE Parham... I do not think he was a question to make the roster, but I think he will prove to be much more than just a guy on the club. Parnham was never just a guy. He was easily the number 2 TE, and was going to get his snaps during the year. The thread is SURPRISE. Hell, you might as well type Keenan Allen is going to make the team. I took our 7th round rookie for Pete's Sake. They could cut him tomorrow morning. Will Parnham beat out Cook at TE ? You are so snarky.....so to appease you I think 'hole in lung' will end up back as the #2 QB.......SURPRISE Yep, I think by seasons end, Parnham is the guy by a long shot.
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Post by chargerfreak on Aug 24, 2021 9:24:51 GMT -7
Parnham was never just a guy. He was easily the number 2 TE, and was going to get his snaps during the year. The thread is SURPRISE. Hell, you might as well type Keenan Allen is going to make the team. I took our 7th round rookie for Pete's Sake. They could cut him tomorrow morning. Will Parnham beat out Cook at TE ? You are so snarky.....so to appease you I think 'hole in lung' will end up back as the #2 QB.......SURPRISE Yep, I think by seasons end, Parnham is the guy by a long shot. Geez, I have to drag surprise and bold out of you ! But you got there. Parnham beating out Cook is a bold take. I like it.
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Post by fouts2herbert on Aug 24, 2021 9:58:06 GMT -7
So are you, F2H, a proponent of allowing metrics determine the decisions? Or is your belief in Bradwell more than just his metrics from the preseason? In your view, does Bradwell have the metrics and pass the proverbial 'eye' test that most coaches love? My player to surprise is that TE Parham... I do not think he was a question to make the roster, but I think he will prove to be much more than just a guy on the club. I’m a dinosaur and only the last couple years learned that people are using metrics in football. But I see what I see, bradwell has ‘it’ whatever ‘it’ is. He only got two carries last night with two 2nd string and three 3rd string linemen. It was pipkins 2nd, spalding 3rd, gilliam 3rd, st louis 2nd, and harper 3rd on both his carries and the blocking was complete shite on both. The first run was a 7 yarder with 4 yards after contact. the second run was a 5 yarder with 7 yards after contact as he was hit 2 yards behind the LOS. Go watch the video, it’s impressive what he’s done on his measely 5 carries in two games, 30 yards and most of it after contact plus a powerful bulldozer touchdown from the one. This is the type of running the chargers haven’t had in a very long time. the seven yard carry got the first down, the five yarder set up 2nd and five, from what I’m seeing he should’ve gained 3 yards on the first carry and lost 2 on the second for a net of 1 yard on 2 carries but his yards after contact turned that into a net of 12 yards! i’m salivating at the thought of seeing him run behind the ones, unfortunately I think their going to cut him. Someone is going to get themselves a really nice RB, power, speed, acceleration, catches, blocks, and plays STs like a man possessed.
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Post by fouts2herbert on Aug 24, 2021 10:00:35 GMT -7
^^^bradwell is one of those backs that can make so so line look good.
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Post by fouts2herbert on Aug 24, 2021 10:03:55 GMT -7
So are you, F2H, a proponent of allowing metrics determine the decisions? Or is your belief in Bradwell more than just his metrics from the preseason? In your view, does Bradwell have the metrics and pass the proverbial 'eye' test that most coaches love? My player to surprise is that TE Parham... I do not think he was a question to make the roster, but I think he will prove to be much more than just a guy on the club. Parnham was never just a guy. He was easily the number 2 TE, and was going to get his snaps during the year. The thread is SURPRISE. Hell, you might as well type Keenan Allen is going to make the team. I took our 7th round rookie for Pete's Sake. They could cut him tomorrow morning. Will Parnham beat out Cook at TE ? Let him pick parnham if he wants, it’s surprising to see an NBA power forward playing TE in the NFL
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Post by chargerfreak on Aug 24, 2021 10:27:26 GMT -7
So are you, F2H, a proponent of allowing metrics determine the decisions? Or is your belief in Bradwell more than just his metrics from the preseason? In your view, does Bradwell have the metrics and pass the proverbial 'eye' test that most coaches love? My player to surprise is that TE Parham... I do not think he was a question to make the roster, but I think he will prove to be much more than just a guy on the club. I’m a dinosaur and only the last couple years learned that people are using metrics in football. But I see what I see, bradwell has ‘it’ whatever ‘it’ is. He only got two carries last night with two 2nd string and three 3rd string linemen. It was pipkins 2nd, spalding 3rd, gilliam 3rd, st louis 2nd, and harper 3rd on both his carries and the blocking was complete shite on both. The first run was a 7 yarder with 4 yards after contact. the second run was a 5 yarder with 7 yards after contact as he was hit 2 yards behind the LOS. Go watch the video, it’s impressive what he’s done on his measely 5 carries in two games, 30 yards and most of it after contact plus a powerful bulldozer touchdown from the one. This is the type of running the chargers haven’t had in a very long time. the seven yard carry got the first down, the five yarder set up 2nd and five, from what I’m seeing he should’ve gained 3 yards on the first carry and lost 2 on the second for a net of 1 yard on 2 carries but his yards after contact turned that into a net of 12 yards! i’m salivating at the thought of seeing him run behind the ones, unfortunately I think their going to cut him. Someone is going to get themselves a really nice RB, power, speed, acceleration, catches, blocks, and plays STs like a man possessed. Golden question time from me: Does he have low carries because they are saving him for the season, or because they already know he's cut ? I do believe there is a Roundtree versus Bradwell battle for the final spot. You are not going to like the conclusion if this is true. We just used a draft pick on Roundtree, so he's going to get the edge there. Don't yell at me, I'm just telling you how it is.
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Post by fouts2herbert on Aug 24, 2021 10:45:06 GMT -7
I’m a dinosaur and only the last couple years learned that people are using metrics in football. But I see what I see, bradwell has ‘it’ whatever ‘it’ is. He only got two carries last night with two 2nd string and three 3rd string linemen. It was pipkins 2nd, spalding 3rd, gilliam 3rd, st louis 2nd, and harper 3rd on both his carries and the blocking was complete shite on both. The first run was a 7 yarder with 4 yards after contact. the second run was a 5 yarder with 7 yards after contact as he was hit 2 yards behind the LOS. Go watch the video, it’s impressive what he’s done on his measely 5 carries in two games, 30 yards and most of it after contact plus a powerful bulldozer touchdown from the one. This is the type of running the chargers haven’t had in a very long time. the seven yard carry got the first down, the five yarder set up 2nd and five, from what I’m seeing he should’ve gained 3 yards on the first carry and lost 2 on the second for a net of 1 yard on 2 carries but his yards after contact turned that into a net of 12 yards! i’m salivating at the thought of seeing him run behind the ones, unfortunately I think their going to cut him. Someone is going to get themselves a really nice RB, power, speed, acceleration, catches, blocks, and plays STs like a man possessed. Golden question time from me: Does he have low carries because they are saving him for the season, or because they already know he's cut ? I do believe there is a Roundtree versus Bradwell battle for the final spot. You are not going to like the conclusion if this is true. We just used a draft pick on Roundtree, so he's going to get the edge there. Don't yell at me, I'm just telling you how it is. Yes, they are going to cut him but only because they drafted roundtree. It doesn’t mean roundtree is better. Bradwell is essentially a bigger, faster, and more powerful roundtree. Both of those guys should make the team, I like roundtree too, if I’m making the decisions the depth chart would be ekeler, roundtree, bradwell, and then take your pick between jackson and kelly because I don’t like either of those guys. Jackson would have an edge over kelly if he could stay on the field but he can’t. the lower carry thing is a reflection of where they have bradwell slotted on the depth chart, it’s not like kelly has done anything in preseason where you would say, okay let’s keep giving him the carries we don’t need to see anyone else. Kelly has been garbage, personally I’d give bradwell a healthy load of carries in preseason game 3 to see what he can do with more work.
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Post by afboltfan on Aug 24, 2021 13:57:41 GMT -7
I think if we lose Ekeler we're in serious trouble...
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Post by ohioboltfan on Aug 24, 2021 15:16:37 GMT -7
There's a few guys getting some publicity that I wouldn't consider a "surprise" like Ogbongmiga, Brannon and Kemon Hall.
So I'm gonna take this thread literally and pull from waaaay deep- I predict Forest Merrill makes the team as D-line depth.
He's a tank and bull strong. On the down side, he's not as versatile and doesn't rush the passer. But I see value in a Nose Tackle not getting moved by the O-Line and allowing LBs to stay clean and hunt.
So that's my longshot and my reasoning for him.
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Post by fouts2herbert on Aug 24, 2021 15:51:41 GMT -7
There's a few guys getting some publicity that I wouldn't consider a "surprise" like Ogbongmiga, Brannon and Kemon Hall. So I'm gonna take this thread literally and pull from waaaay deep- I predict Forest Merrill makes the team as D-line depth. He's a tank and bull strong. On the down side, he's not as versatile and doesn't rush the passer. But I see value in a Nose Tackle not getting moved by the O-Line and allowing LBs to stay clean and hunt. So that's my longshot and my reasoning for him. IMO merrill has played better (more consistent) than fehoko, both have had flash plays were they’ve blown up a RB in the backfield or chased a QB. But merrill takes less plays off and fehoko has too many plays were he gets pushed around. Fehoko has played against 1s and 2s while merrill has played 2s and 3s. I like both players but I don’t see either one becoming dominant but as back ups they’re fine. truth is, if joseph goes down we don’t have anyone on this roster that can competently fill his shoes
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Post by fouts2herbert on Aug 24, 2021 15:58:18 GMT -7
I think if we lose Ekeler we're in serious trouble... No doubt last year losing ekeler was a huge hit, I think the situation is a bit better this year. I think if they keep both roundtree and bradwell they’ll still have a couple of decent weapons in the run game. But yeah, losing ekeler would still be really bad.
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