Chargers (-3.5) at Panthers Pregame (Wk 2) Discussion

[Velo]

Ladd just stopped on a dime to change directions...amazing talent we got...most guys would have gotten tackled short of the EZ...

Not taking anything away from young Ladd, but it also looked both Raiders' players were uninspired, couldn't be bothered to make an extra effort to keep him out of the EZ. It was like they had given up. Probably got reamed by Pierce for it.

[Chargers8491]

Kind of off topic, but I wanted to ask you guys if anyone saw what Zion Johnson did to Christian Wilkins in the Raider game? Wilkins was acting like and asshole the whole game but early in the game a few plays after he speared Slater on the ground for no fucking reason, they pulled Zion and he met Wilkins head on, lifted him off his feet and speared him into the ground with his full body weight and helmet landing on Wilkin's chest...it was so fucking violent I'm shocked it didn't knock Wilkins outta the game, I did notice that Wilkins was out of it for a few plays after...if you guys haven't seen that it's ridiculous, he really fucked that guy up, Wilkins is a tough bastard, I'm not sure how he kept playing after that, he got decleated off of his feet, Zion is a fucking beast OMG he's strong!

if someone has that video please post it...

I've said before I don't understand the Zion hate. He had a bad 1st half in pass pro but was really good in the run blocking. He as well as the whole interior had a bad 1st half with pass pro but got much better in the 2nd half after the made adjustments. The oline stays healthy they will be fine.

[Boltnut]

Ladd just stopped on a dime to change directions...amazing talent we got...most guys would have gotten tackled short of the EZ...

Yep, Ladd seems to have very good body control and quick-twitch movements.
Keenan has that too... it's what makes him so good. Ladd has better speed... and should be utilized on stop and goes.
I'm very excited to have Ladd. He was a great value pick! Pair him with Alt and Colson @1st-3rd rounds... spectacular!

[dmac_bolt]

Start the starters, see how the game goes. Make some subs where and when warranted only. Don’t fly into NC planning to play your JV team - this is still the NFL guys

[Velo]

I really hope to see Vidal get some touches against the Panthers. The holes this OL opened for Dobbins, Vidal should be able to burst through them too. It's probably very valuable for Vidal to observe and learn from Dobbins, how Dobbins is patient and waits for a hole to open. This running game could be very good with Dobbins and Vidal.

[Lefty2SLO]

did someone mention Dalton Kincaid.... sigh,

Next year . . . . . . . . it's got to be a priority

[Boltnut]

I've said before I don't understand the Zion hate. He had a bad 1st half in pass pro but was really good in the run blocking. He as well as the whole interior had a bad 1st half with pass pro but got much better in the 2nd half after the made adjustments. The oline stays healthy they will be fine.

I think the disappointment has a lot to do with him being a 1st round pick... and all the expectations that come with that.
I agree, he's a better run blocker than pass blocker at this point. Specifically, he struggles picking up stunts. Hopefully experience will help. Hopefully the scheme (run sets up pass) will help.

Going forward... I ignore former draft position... and simply evaluate him on performance. Come time to re-sign, he gets what he deserves. Re-draft if need be. You have to get it right along the OL.

[Lefty2SLO]

Start the starters, see how the game goes. Make some subs where and when warranted only. Don’t fly into NC planning to play your JV team - this is still the NFL guys

This . . . . . . . classic trap game

[Chargers8491]

I think the disappointment has a lot to do with him being a 1st round pick... and all the expectations that come with that.
I agree, he's a better run blocker than pass blocker at this point. Specifically, he struggles picking up stunts. Hopefully experience will help. Hopefully the scheme (run sets up pass) will help.

Going forward... I ignore former draft position... and simply evaluate him on performance. Come time to re-sign, he gets what he deserves. Re-draft if need be. You have to get it right along the OL.

It was obvious the Chargers oline was not ready for the stunts and slants the Raiders threw at them and not to mention the Raiders have a pretty good D-line. Like I said sometimes you have to tip your cap to the other team even if it is the Raiders.

Difference is the Chargers were able to make adjustments in the 2nd half and played much better. This is what you hope to see and something that has been missing from the Chargers coaching staff for several years now.

[Boltnut]

It was obvious the Chargers oline was not ready for the stunts and slants the Raiders threw at them and not to mention the Raiders have a pretty good D-line. Like I said sometimes you have to tip your cap to the other team even if it is the Raiders.

Difference is the Chargers were able to make adjustments in the 2nd half and played much better. This is what you hope to see and something that has been missing from the Chargers coaching staff for several years now.

Agree. The Raiders DL was a good test for the Chargers OL... especially since the starters haven't played together much.
The 2nd half adjustments were encouraging. Looking forward to seeing the OL vs a team (Panthers) that is having trouble on defense.
It should help them synch... work on those things like timing and line calls.

[Ghost of Quacksaw]

Not taking anything away from young Ladd, but it also looked both Raiders' players were uninspired, couldn't be bothered to make an extra effort to keep him out of the EZ. It was like they had given up. Probably got reamed by Pierce for it.

When you have the opponent demoralized? You're doing something right! They realize that they CAN'T stop you, or that they aren't going to be able to take the lead away from you.

[Velo]

When you have the opponent demoralized? You're doing something right! They realize that they CAN'T stop you, or that they aren't going to be able to take the lead away from you.

Exactly. Both those Raiders safeties knew, even before they let Ladd score, that it was over, there was no way for them to reclaim the lead with under 5 mins left, demoralized to the hilt. Hope to see more of that from Harball.