A New Era Of Chargers Football

[21&500]

time to recycle my merriman 56 jersey (again) and slap the name Murray on it.
the last time I saw my 56 jersey it said "Butler" on it haha

[Pointyearedog]

time to recycle my merriman 56 jersey (again) and slap the name Murray on it.
the last time I saw my 56 jersey it said "Butler" on it haha

I did the same thing with my old Freddie Jones jersey when I replaced it with Parker on the back... Good times.

[Boltdiehard]

time to recycle my merriman 56 jersey (again) and slap the name Murray on it.
the last time I saw my 56 jersey it said "Butler" on it haha

I hope he hits like Merriman.

[Boltsfan70]

haha



I hope he hits like Merriman.

The Roid Merriman

[like54ninjas]

[like54ninjas]

LA Times article with HH......
Tight end Hunter Henry excited to see what Chargers can do on offense


Chargers tight end Hunter Henry hauls in a touchdown pass over Washington Redskins safety Deshazor Everett on Dec. 10, 2017.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
By JEFF MILLERSTAFF WRITER
MAY 2, 2020
1:29 PM

They had just lost for the sixth time in seven games and were trotting off into an uncertain winter following a deflating 5-11 finish.

All that, plus the possibility of never again seeing Philip Rivers in a Chargersuniform.

“I wasn’t a big fan of it because Philip’s my guy,” tight end Hunter Henry recalled recently of the well-founded speculation that Rivers would be let go. “It was sad, definitely, to see him run off for that last time.”

The Chargers most certainly have moved on, with Tyrod Taylor now the projected starter and rookie Justin Herbert, the No. 6 overall pick, being groomed to take over as their next potential franchise quarterback.

In an offseason turned sideways by the COVID-19 pandemic, there won’t be a lot of time to lament the end of Rivers’ reign.


But there’s no denying the void left in late December, when his final pass for this organization was intercepted to seal a 31-21 loss in Kansas City to the eventual Super Bowl champs.

“It still hasn’t hit me, I don’t think, because we really haven’t got back together [as a team],” Henry said. “I think it will be even weirder when we’re all back together and he’s not there.”

Henry called Rivers “one of my good friends” and noted how the two “talked nonstop” during their four years together. They also connected 136 times for 1,709 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Henry’s next reception will be the first of his NFL career from a quarterback other than Rivers. But, while there’s lingering sadness in what’s now gone, Henry admitted there’s fresh hope in what awaits.

The Chargers are about to enter an era mostly foreign to the franchise. Rivers, now with Indianapolis, is an old-school drop-back quarterback and, as such, presents no running threat. That’s not the case with either Taylor or Herbert.

Their ability to make plays on the ground will allow for bootleg and read-option looks. Coach Anthony Lynn said the offense might also feature plays from the pistol formation.

“I’m not going to downplay Philip at all,” Henry said. “He was unreal and a Hall of Fame quarterback. But, obviously, it opens our offense up a little bit more. You see all these quarterbacks, their escapability in the pocket ....
Chargers tight end Hunter Henry on the field before a playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 6, 2019, in Baltimore.
(Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)
“[There are] so many different things that you can do with a mobile quarterback that can open your offense. [I’m] looking forward to seeing that aspect of our offense grow.”

Shane Steichen, who was promoted to full-time offensive coordinator after the season, said the Chargers will structure their scheme around the abilities of their quarterback.

The different look — plus changes brought by new offensive line coach James Campen — is expected to help an offensive front that has been largely rebuilt in recent weeks.

In 2019, Rivers struggled with turnovers playing behind a line that was wildly inconsistent. Lynn admitted in December that the situation probably played prominently in Rivers’ shaky decision making and 20 interceptions.

Along with replacing the on-field production, Henry said the 2020 Chargers will have to find new leadership with Rivers gone. The veteran quarterback was famous — and occasionally infamous — for his vocal interjections.

“I think different guys are going to have to step up,” Henry said. “I know I’ll have to step up leadership-wise. He kind of took that role on for everybody. He was the ultimate leader.”



CHARGERS
Chargers’ new coordinator excited by Justin Herbert’s tools
April 29, 2020

This locker room also has lost Brandon Mebane, Russell Okung and Thomas Davis, each an experienced voice respected by teammates. Mebane and Davis were released and Okung was traded.

So, when the Chargers do reconvene, they clearly will be a group in transition, while trying to win at the same time.

Henry said he’s just ready to start, even if that means performing in a stadium full of empty seats.

“I’m open to playing games without fans,” he said. “It wouldn’t be the best, most ideal situation. But I’m definitely OK with it. ... I’m down, definitely. I miss sports.”

[like54ninjas]

More good stuff.....

The Chargers had six selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, and they made the most with them, taking players that can make an impact as early as Year 1.

Here’s what kind of role each of the Bolts’ six picks should have in their rookie seasons:
QB Justin Herbert

The Chargers finally found their quarterback of the future. Herbert is in the most ideal position, as he will be able to sit behind Tyrod Taylor this season and improve the weaknesses to his game with new quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton and simply get adapted to the speed of the NFL and learn the new system. Luckily, the new offense implemented this season will likely be similar to the Ravens’ offense last year to tailor to the strengths of Herbert, which shouldn’t require too much change to what he was used to. I don’t expect the team to rush Herbert into the fire unless the team is horrible, which I don’t see being the case unless injuries occur. If I were to guess, I could see Herbert playing two or three games this season, if that.

---

LB Kenneth Murray

The Chargers traded back up into the first-round to draft a player that they were very high on with the hopes of him adding a spark to the defensive side of the ball. Murray should enter the season as the starting Will linebacker while Drue Tranquill starts as the Mike linebacker. His playing time will be significant, playing a vital role in stopping the run, limiting yards after the catch and serving as an additional blitzer. His zone coverage skills need work, but he has the speed to run with running backs out of the backfield as well as tight ends. Murray and Tranquill will be an intriguing linebacker tandem for years to come.

---

RB Joshua Kelley

Kelley is projected to serve as just a short yardage back in his rookie season by many, but I believe he’s going to be used more than that. While Kelley has the power to run through defenders, which would come in handy in those situations, he also has good change-of-direction, vision, burst and passing game ability to make an impact on any down. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Chargers run a committee backfield with Kelley, Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson. The former UCLA product could see 10-15 carries per game, especially if they emphasize the running game moving forward.

---

WR Joe Reed

Known as a yards-after-the-catch threat, Reed’s speed will be put to use in a variety of roles. But his lack of route savvy and separation skills holds him back from being a pure vertical option. Nonetheless, Reed will be used as a gadget player, lining up in the slot, out wide, and even in the backfield. He will be used in sweeps, shovel passes and slants, similar to role that the 49ers gave Deebo Samuel last year. Given his impressive production as a kick returner in college, he will have also serve as a return specialist. I expect Reed to average five targets/touches per game on offense.

---

S Alohi Gilman

Gilman was a bit of a head-scratcher to some, but it made sense. After the departures of Adrian Phillips, Derek Watt, Jatavis Brown and Nick Dzubnar, the Chargers needed more special teamers, which is the area Gilman should make an immediate impact (if he can win a roster spot). Now that Phillips is gone, finding his replacement as the team’s dime linebacker is just as important. Gilman, who plays better in the box with his great instincts and physical demeanor to make plays, will have the opportunity to compete for the job.

---

WR K.J. Hill

I expect Hill to live up to his title as the seventh-round steal in Year 1. Known for his crafty route-running to always make himself open and ability to catch everything thrown to him, Hill has the leg up on the WR3 job over rookie Joe Reed, Andre Patton and Darius Jennings. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen will line up on the outside while Hill plays in the slot. He should be an additional weapon for Tyrod Taylor, receiving five-seven targets per game.

[Lone Bolt]

More good stuff.....

The Chargers had six selections in the 2020 NFL Draft, and they made the most with them, taking players that can make an impact as early as Year 1.

Here’s what kind of role each of the Bolts’ six picks should have in their rookie seasons:
QB Justin Herbert

The Chargers finally found their quarterback of the future. Herbert is in the most ideal position, as he will be able to sit behind Tyrod Taylor this season and improve the weaknesses to his game with new quarterbacks coach Pep Hamilton and simply get adapted to the speed of the NFL and learn the new system. Luckily, the new offense implemented this season will likely be similar to the Ravens’ offense last year to tailor to the strengths of Herbert, which shouldn’t require too much change to what he was used to. I don’t expect the team to rush Herbert into the fire unless the team is horrible, which I don’t see being the case unless injuries occur. If I were to guess, I could see Herbert playing two or three games this season, if that.

---

LB Kenneth Murray

The Chargers traded back up into the first-round to draft a player that they were very high on with the hopes of him adding a spark to the defensive side of the ball. Murray should enter the season as the starting Will linebacker while Drue Tranquill starts as the Mike linebacker. His playing time will be significant, playing a vital role in stopping the run, limiting yards after the catch and serving as an additional blitzer. His zone coverage skills need work, but he has the speed to run with running backs out of the backfield as well as tight ends. Murray and Tranquill will be an intriguing linebacker tandem for years to come.

---

RB Joshua Kelley

Kelley is projected to serve as just a short yardage back in his rookie season by many, but I believe he’s going to be used more than that. While Kelley has the power to run through defenders, which would come in handy in those situations, he also has good change-of-direction, vision, burst and passing game ability to make an impact on any down. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Chargers run a committee backfield with Kelley, Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson. The former UCLA product could see 10-15 carries per game, especially if they emphasize the running game moving forward.

---

WR Joe Reed

Known as a yards-after-the-catch threat, Reed’s speed will be put to use in a variety of roles. But his lack of route savvy and separation skills holds him back from being a pure vertical option. Nonetheless, Reed will be used as a gadget player, lining up in the slot, out wide, and even in the backfield. He will be used in sweeps, shovel passes and slants, similar to role that the 49ers gave Deebo Samuel last year. Given his impressive production as a kick returner in college, he will have also serve as a return specialist. I expect Reed to average five targets/touches per game on offense.

---

S Alohi Gilman

Gilman was a bit of a head-scratcher to some, but it made sense. After the departures of Adrian Phillips, Derek Watt, Jatavis Brown and Nick Dzubnar, the Chargers needed more special teamers, which is the area Gilman should make an immediate impact (if he can win a roster spot). Now that Phillips is gone, finding his replacement as the team’s dime linebacker is just as important. Gilman, who plays better in the box with his great instincts and physical demeanor to make plays, will have the opportunity to compete for the job.

---

WR K.J. Hill

I expect Hill to live up to his title as the seventh-round steal in Year 1. Known for his crafty route-running to always make himself open and ability to catch everything thrown to him, Hill has the leg up on the WR3 job over rookie Joe Reed, Andre Patton and Darius Jennings. Mike Williams and Keenan Allen will line up on the outside while Hill plays in the slot. He should be an additional weapon for Tyrod Taylor, receiving five-seven targets per game.

You don't cite the source or author....where did you find this?

[like54ninjas]

You don't cite the source or author....where did you find this?

Don’t remember but probably SI or Chargerswire.

[Lone Bolt]

Don’t remember but probably SI or Chargerswire.

Just so you know...wasn't questioning...just curious who gave us positive chops...

[Velo]

Offensive speed (players who I think will make the roster)

QB 40 times
Tyrod Taylor 4.51
Easton Stick 4.62
Justin Herbert 4.68

RB 40 times
Austin Ekeler 4.43
Joshua Kelley 4.49
Justin Jackson 4.52
Derrick Gore 4.57

WR 40 times
Jalen Guyton 4.35
Darius Jennings 4.37?
Joe Reed 4.47
Mike Williams 4.54
Keenan Allen 4.58
KJ Hill 4.6?

TE
Andrew Vollert 4.60
Virgil Green 4.64
Hunter Henry 4.66
Donald Pharham 4.68

[like54ninjas]