**** Chargers 2024 Thread - Because No One Demanded It **** (1 Viewer)

[Gr00vus]

Henley looked pretty good, Dye had some nice plays. Alt did ok, allowed a couple of pressures. Dicker nailed one and Scott was very good. That's the good news.

Most awful to me were Stick and Duggan. They're a waste of roster space and money. They should be gone, cycle through whatever scraps are out there for backup, or maybe see what Perez can do. But those 2 are definitely not NFL calber backups.

The interior D line sucked. They're a below average group at best, they'll be a weakness all season again. several dbs had chances to make ints and failed. Niemann had a solid game.

I think 3 of 5 oline starters played the first couple of series, I know Alt, Slater and Pipkins were in, backup center was in, snd I don't think Johnson played. They didn't do so hot. Once it was all backups thing got even worse. I know the plan is to run more, but unless the line improves a lot it won't be effective. And there's not much depth again.

Patterson got the most run at RB with Edwards Dobbins and Vidal all out. He looked better than Dotson who looked marginally better than Spiller. I think both of the latter shouldn't make the roster, there's nothing there. But they don't have much in the way of options so maybe one will.

It's tough to say anything about the receivers and TEs since the qb and offensive line play was so bad. Chark sucked, Rice got lots of snaps with the "starters" but didn't get many opportunities. One of the commentators for the game said that oc Roman told him Rice will make the team, put that in your pocket for FF. Fehoko did the most of the WRs. Johnston ran with the 3rd and 4th team and did nothing, along with Johnson. Derius Davis, McConkey, snd Palmer all sat out. Parham seems to be behind the new TEs, he got few opportunities, as did Stone Smart, with mixed results.

Bottom line, Herbert is the engine that makes this team go. If he can't play, or they insist on square peg round hole with emphasizing run over pass, this team will have major problems.

 

[Gr00vus]

Pre-season game 2 thoughts.

Dean Leonard had the best day, not perfect (one blown coverage that led to a roughly 20 yard gain where he lost his footing, and a horse collar tackle), but he looked good out there.

Vidal had a nice day as well, did his best when running behind most of the starting line on the opening series. He got a lot of reps. Decent vision and acceleration, stronger than I was expecting. Looks like the #3 back to me, with Patterson #4. The starting OLine looked better this week, though they were still without Johnson and Bozeman. The backups did better than last week too, but that's not saying much. There just isn't much depth, they need to cycle out more of the Telesco trash over the next couple of seasons to get well there.

Rice dropped his only opportunity. McConkey caught his. Palmer and Chark didn't get any targets, but only were in for a couple of plays. The WRs that looked the best were Fehoko and Johnston (yes Johnston). Davis played but did little and was not in on any returns - I have no idea what they're doing with him. Not a whole lot noticeable about the TEs in this one.

Still had a couple of good plays on D. Henley as well, but there was one play that was a bit troubling where he met the RB 2 yards past the line of scrimmage and then got carried downfield for another 3 before 2 other Chargers came to help for the stop. And this wasn't Derrick Henry running the ball either. Still he's fast and agile, is making good reads and reacts.

I spent most of my attention watching the interior D line. They weren't as bad as last week either, but they weren't great. Hinton in particular was pretty bad. Matlock got a lot of reps with neutral results. I think Tart and Clark were the best tandem, particularly against the run. Nobody else really stood out there one way or another.

They just don't have a legitimate backup QB. Duggan was released today. I think Perez clearly outplayed Stick, not that Perez was great or anything, but he didn't have any massive screw ups (though he did lose one fumble on a sack). Perez missed one or two reads, but overall he seemed to make the right decisions, and his arm wasn't limiting him on throws. Stick should be released also, but I think they're going to start him again for the 3rd preseason game. I guess they need him around just to run the practice team since he knows the playbook better than Perez (who's only be around a couple of week). Lot of people asking for Tannehill. I doubt the Chargers would offer something sufficient for him to come in unless they're becoming more certain Herbert's going to miss a lot of time.

 

[Tau837]

Lot of people asking for Tannehill. I doubt the Chargers would offer something sufficient for him to come in unless they're becoming more certain Herbert's going to miss a lot of time.

I think they should sign Tannehill. Right now, it's clear the Chargers do not have a backup QB who can win games if Herbert misses games. Tannehill could do that. Tannehill also seems to be a solid fit for Roman's offense, and he would provide a senior mentor in the QB group for Herbert.

I would sign him to a 3 year deal with an easy out for the team before year 3. Something like $4M in 2024, $6M in 2025, $9M in 2026, with 2024 and 2025 guaranteed. If it goes well and both parties are interested, they could sign him to an extension after year 2, again preserving appropriate outs for the team.

I suppose Tannehill may want more money, but he is sitting at home right now. How likely is it that he is going to sign for more with any team at this point? He would get what the Chargers now have to offer: Harbaugh, Hortiz, LA, the Bolt, and a team on the rise to contender status. This would presumably carry him to retirement. Are other teams really offering him a better package than that?

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Lot of people asking for Tannehill. I doubt the Chargers would offer something sufficient for him to come in unless they're becoming more certain Herbert's going to miss a lot of time.

I think they should sign Tannehill. Right now, it's clear the Chargers do not have a backup QB who can win games if Herbert misses games. Tannehill could do that. Tannehill also seems to be a solid fit for Roman's offense, and he would provide a senior mentor in the QB group for Herbert.

I would sign him to a 3 year deal with an easy out for the team before year 3. Something like $4M in 2024, $6M in 2025, $9M in 2026, with 2024 and 2025 guaranteed. If it goes well and both parties are interested, they could sign him to an extension after year 2, again preserving appropriate outs for the team.

I suppose Tannehill may want more money, but he is sitting at home right now. How likely is it that he is going to sign for more with any team at this point? He would get what the Chargers now have to offer: Harbaugh, Hortiz, LA, the Bolt, and a team on the rise to contender status. This would presumably carry him to retirement. Are other teams really offering him a better package than that?

I would love this but I think he's going to command more money. He's linked to half the teams in the league right now. Better move fast.

 

[Gr00vus]

Lot of people asking for Tannehill. I doubt the Chargers would offer something sufficient for him to come in unless they're becoming more certain Herbert's going to miss a lot of time.

I think they should sign Tannehill. Right now, it's clear the Chargers do not have a backup QB who can win games if Herbert misses games. Tannehill could do that. Tannehill also seems to be a solid fit for Roman's offense, and he would provide a senior mentor in the QB group for Herbert.

I would sign him to a 3 year deal with an easy out for the team before year 3. Something like $4M in 2024, $6M in 2025, $9M in 2026, with 2024 and 2025 guaranteed. If it goes well and both parties are interested, they could sign him to an extension after year 2, again preserving appropriate outs for the team.

I suppose Tannehill may want more money, but he is sitting at home right now. How likely is it that he is going to sign for more with any team at this point? He would get what the Chargers now have to offer: Harbaugh, Hortiz, LA, the Bolt, and a team on the rise to contender status. This would presumably carry him to retirement. Are other teams really offering him a better package than that?

I would love this but I think he's going to command more money. He's linked to half the teams in the league right now. Better move fast.

Yeah, it seems like he's waiting for a situation in which he can step in and be the starter for the rest of the season. I don't think he wants to be a backup. But that's pure speculation on my part. If the Chargers could get him for something like @Tau837 's scenario, it's a no brainer.

 

[Gr00vus]

Also, Herbert is participating in practice again. No boot. Good news.

 

[Tau837]

Lot of people asking for Tannehill. I doubt the Chargers would offer something sufficient for him to come in unless they're becoming more certain Herbert's going to miss a lot of time.

I think they should sign Tannehill. Right now, it's clear the Chargers do not have a backup QB who can win games if Herbert misses games. Tannehill could do that. Tannehill also seems to be a solid fit for Roman's offense, and he would provide a senior mentor in the QB group for Herbert.

I would sign him to a 3 year deal with an easy out for the team before year 3. Something like $4M in 2024, $6M in 2025, $9M in 2026, with 2024 and 2025 guaranteed. If it goes well and both parties are interested, they could sign him to an extension after year 2, again preserving appropriate outs for the team.

I suppose Tannehill may want more money, but he is sitting at home right now. How likely is it that he is going to sign for more with any team at this point? He would get what the Chargers now have to offer: Harbaugh, Hortiz, LA, the Bolt, and a team on the rise to contender status. This would presumably carry him to retirement. Are other teams really offering him a better package than that?

I would love this but I think he's going to command more money. He's linked to half the teams in the league right now. Better move fast.

Yeah, it seems like he's waiting for a situation in which he can step in and be the starter for the rest of the season. I don't think he wants to be a backup. But that's pure speculation on my part. If the Chargers could get him for something like @Tau837 's scenario, it's a no brainer.

If some other team is going to pay him $8-10M (or more), then I would let them. Just not sure what team that would be right now. What teams are unsettled enough at QB that they would sign him now to be the 2024 starter?

 

[Gr00vus]

Lot of people asking for Tannehill. I doubt the Chargers would offer something sufficient for him to come in unless they're becoming more certain Herbert's going to miss a lot of time.

I think they should sign Tannehill. Right now, it's clear the Chargers do not have a backup QB who can win games if Herbert misses games. Tannehill could do that. Tannehill also seems to be a solid fit for Roman's offense, and he would provide a senior mentor in the QB group for Herbert.

I would sign him to a 3 year deal with an easy out for the team before year 3. Something like $4M in 2024, $6M in 2025, $9M in 2026, with 2024 and 2025 guaranteed. If it goes well and both parties are interested, they could sign him to an extension after year 2, again preserving appropriate outs for the team.

I suppose Tannehill may want more money, but he is sitting at home right now. How likely is it that he is going to sign for more with any team at this point? He would get what the Chargers now have to offer: Harbaugh, Hortiz, LA, the Bolt, and a team on the rise to contender status. This would presumably carry him to retirement. Are other teams really offering him a better package than that?

I would love this but I think he's going to command more money. He's linked to half the teams in the league right now. Better move fast.

Yeah, it seems like he's waiting for a situation in which he can step in and be the starter for the rest of the season. I don't think he wants to be a backup. But that's pure speculation on my part. If the Chargers could get him for something like @Tau837 's scenario, it's a no brainer.

If some other team is going to pay him $8-10M (or more), then I would let them. Just not sure what team that would be right now. What teams are unsettled enough at QB that they would sign him now to be the 2024 starter?

None right now, maybe he's waiting for injuries to open up a starting gig. It's like there's 4 stages of being an old QB, I don't think he's mentally at the stage where he accepts that he's a backup QB yet.

 

[Gr00vus]

Continuing my conversation with myself here, thoughts on the final pre-season game.

Firstly, Harbaugh sat 30 of his top players completely, it was said 15 from offense and 15 from defense. So if a guy didn't play at all yesterday and was in consideration for a roster spot it probably means he's making the 53. This is particularly notable, from a FF perspective, for Quentin Johnston who did not play, as well as Vidal, about whom I've seen some questions about whether they make the team. Disly and Hurst didn't play, but I don't think anyone thought they were on the bubble at TE.

On the good side, Darius Davis once again displayed his speed, best on the team. I've always assumed he'd make the squad, I think yesterday cemented it. Fehoko made the most of his 2 opportunities as well. He should make the roster as he's well outperformed the other guys looking for the last couple of WR spots. It was also telling that both Davis and Fehoko were pulled after the first two series on offense, with the rest of the candidates continuing to get reps. I again assume that indicates Davis and Fehoko are making the squad. If that's so, it leaves the Chargers with interesting decisions to make at the tail end of WR cohort. Assuming McConkey, Palmer, Chark, Johnston, Davis, and Fehoko, are the top 6, they have to decide if they're going to go with 6, 7, or 8. I know the team really wanted Rice to claim a spot, but just based on pre-season games, he really hasn't, and didn't show much. I think Cornelius Johnson outperformed him, just in this last game yesterday, and looked better doing it for the most part. They could try to play games and attempt to slide the lesser known Fehoko to the practice squad, but I think someone might pick him up after what he's done this preseason. I'd probably keep Cornelius as the 7th and try to get Rice to the practice squad, but I bet they'll do the opposite given all the hype they've directed at Rice.

Parham didn't do much yesterday at TE, niether did Smartt really. I have no idea how they'll fill out the TEs after Disly and Hurst, for FF purposes it doesn't really matter going into your drafts. I'd only be interested in one of these guys if someone ahead of them gets hurt.

For RBs, I'm pretty sure It'll be Dobbins, Edwards, Vidal, Patterson, in that order. As with last pre-season Dotson looked better than Spiller. I honestly don't think either one is worth a spot on the 53 unless one of the top 4 is hurt. I hope they go with just 4 RBs on the roster, stash Dotson on the practice squad and use the roster spot on somebody more useful.

The offensive line had probably its best showing of the preseason, but their play deteriorated as the game went on, and they really struggled to clear room for the run game. Tyler McClellan was having a really nice game at RT, but then got rolled up on and taken off on a cart. Other than that nobody really stood out in a positive way up front. Towards the end guys were just flat out missing assignments, not blocking anyone and letting free runners hit Stick and the RBs. Alot of work to go there for the backups, as once again beyond the top 6 or 7 there's pretty much no depth.

On defense, it was Tony Jefferson day. He probably earned the 3rd or 4th S spot with that performance. Woods and Hankins had nice games in the defensive backfield as well.

Morris-Brash probably had the best game among the linebackers and made a strong case for taking Rumphs roster spot.

It was another below average day for the interior defensive lineman overall. Tart had the best performance for the short time he was in (I don't think he played past the 2nd defensive series). Of the rest, I thought Clark was best, but it wasn't a great day for him. Given that Fox, Ford, and Ogbonnia didn't play, I'm assuming they're on the roster. I figure Tart will make it as well. The team really seems to want Matlock to be a thing, but he kinda sucked at DT yesterday and all preseason games. It's great that they gadget with him on offense, but it's more important that they get some solid guys in the middle who can run stop, and he was horrible against the run all preseason. Eboigbe struggled as well yesterday, constantly out of position when in space, and getting pushed backward often. Hinton is awful, they need to drop him.

The defense gave up 558 yards, 246 of that on the ground. They managed to get 6 turnovers, which kept them from losing, but backups against backups this wasn't a super game for the defense.

Part of the reason the defense gave up so many yards is because Stick couldn't keep drives going, which forced the defense to be on the field a lot. Time of Possession was 19:03 for Chargers, 40.57 for the Cowboys. Some of that's on the D, some of that is because the Chargers had two super long scoring plays, but a lot of that is because the Chargers offense couldn't get first downs. I have to think Stick's time with the Chargers is done, and they'll maybe put Perez on the practice squad and try to pick up a FA vet to be QB 2 for now. But there's really very little reason to hang on to Stick, its a waste of a roster spot.

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Continuing my conversation with myself here, thoughts on the final pre-season game.

Firstly, Harbaugh sat 30 of his top players completely, it was said 15 from offense and 15 from defense. So if a guy didn't play at all yesterday and was in consideration for a roster spot it probably means he's making the 53. This is particularly notable, from a FF perspective, for Quentin Johnston who did not play, as well as Vidal, about whom I've seen some questions about whether they make the team. Disly and Hurst didn't play, but I don't think anyone thought they were on the bubble at TE.

On the good side, Darius Davis once again displayed his speed, best on the team. I've always assumed he'd make the squad, I think yesterday cemented it. Fehoko made the most of his 2 opportunities as well. He should make the roster as he's well outperformed the other guys looking for the last couple of WR spots. It was also telling that both Davis and Fehoko were pulled after the first two series on offense, with the rest of the candidates continuing to get reps. I again assume that indicates Davis and Fehoko are making the squad. If that's so, it leaves the Chargers with interesting decisions to make at the tail end of WR cohort. Assuming McConkey, Palmer, Chark, Johnston, Davis, and Fehoko, are the top 6, they have to decide if they're going to go with 6, 7, or 8. I know the team really wanted Rice to claim a spot, but just based on pre-season games, he really hasn't, and didn't show much. I think Cornelius Johnson outperformed him, just in this last game yesterday, and looked better doing it for the most part. They could try to play games and attempt to slide the lesser known Fehoko to the practice squad, but I think someone might pick him up after what he's done this preseason. I'd probably keep Cornelius as the 7th and try to get Rice to the practice squad, but I bet they'll do the opposite given all the hype they've directed at Rice.

Parham didn't do much yesterday at TE, niether did Smartt really. I have no idea how they'll fill out the TEs after Disly and Hurst, for FF purposes it doesn't really matter going into your drafts. I'd only be interested in one of these guys if someone ahead of them gets hurt.

For RBs, I'm pretty sure It'll be Dobbins, Edwards, Vidal, Patterson, in that order. As with last pre-season Dotson looked better than Spiller. I honestly don't think either one is worth a spot on the 53 unless one of the top 4 is hurt. I hope they go with just 4 RBs on the roster, stash Dotson on the practice squad and use the roster spot on somebody more useful.

The offensive line had probably its best showing of the preseason, but their play deteriorated as the game went on, and they really struggled to clear room for the run game. Tyler McClellan was having a really nice game at RT, but then got rolled up on and taken off on a cart. Other than that nobody really stood out in a positive way up front. Towards the end guys were just flat out missing assignments, not blocking anyone and letting free runners hit Stick and the RBs. Alot of work to go there for the backups, as once again beyond the top 6 or 7 there's pretty much no depth.

On defense, it was Tony Jefferson day. He probably earned the 3rd or 4th S spot with that performance. Woods and Hankins had nice games in the defensive backfield as well.

Morris-Brash probably had the best game among the linebackers and made a strong case for taking Rumphs roster spot.

It was another below average day for the interior defensive lineman overall. Tart had the best performance for the short time he was in (I don't think he played past the 2nd defensive series). Of the rest, I thought Clark was best, but it wasn't a great day for him. Given that Fox, Ford, and Ogbonnia didn't play, I'm assuming they're on the roster. I figure Tart will make it as well. The team really seems to want Matlock to be a thing, but he kinda sucked at DT yesterday and all preseason games. It's great that they gadget with him on offense, but it's more important that they get some solid guys in the middle who can run stop, and he was horrible against the run all preseason. Eboigbe struggled as well yesterday, constantly out of position when in space, and getting pushed backward often. Hinton is awful, they need to drop him.

The defense gave up 558 yards, 246 of that on the ground. They managed to get 6 turnovers, which kept them from losing, but backups against backups this wasn't a super game for the defense.

Part of the reason the defense gave up so many yards is because Stick couldn't keep drives going. I have to think his time with the Chargers is done, and they'll maybe put Perez on the practice squad and try to pick up a FA vet to be QB 2 for now. But there's really very little reason to hang on to Stick, its a waste of a roster spot.

You’re the only one talking but please keep it up. I’m listening. Really appreciate you and Tau and the other poor Chargers bastards around here. I’ll be hosting my usual opening day watch and for the first time in a long, long time I have no idea what to expect.

 

[Gr00vus]

Continuing my conversation with myself here, thoughts on the final pre-season game.

Firstly, Harbaugh sat 30 of his top players completely, it was said 15 from offense and 15 from defense. So if a guy didn't play at all yesterday and was in consideration for a roster spot it probably means he's making the 53. This is particularly notable, from a FF perspective, for Quentin Johnston who did not play, as well as Vidal, about whom I've seen some questions about whether they make the team. Disly and Hurst didn't play, but I don't think anyone thought they were on the bubble at TE.

On the good side, Darius Davis once again displayed his speed, best on the team. I've always assumed he'd make the squad, I think yesterday cemented it. Fehoko made the most of his 2 opportunities as well. He should make the roster as he's well outperformed the other guys looking for the last couple of WR spots. It was also telling that both Davis and Fehoko were pulled after the first two series on offense, with the rest of the candidates continuing to get reps. I again assume that indicates Davis and Fehoko are making the squad. If that's so, it leaves the Chargers with interesting decisions to make at the tail end of WR cohort. Assuming McConkey, Palmer, Chark, Johnston, Davis, and Fehoko, are the top 6, they have to decide if they're going to go with 6, 7, or 8. I know the team really wanted Rice to claim a spot, but just based on pre-season games, he really hasn't, and didn't show much. I think Cornelius Johnson outperformed him, just in this last game yesterday, and looked better doing it for the most part. They could try to play games and attempt to slide the lesser known Fehoko to the practice squad, but I think someone might pick him up after what he's done this preseason. I'd probably keep Cornelius as the 7th and try to get Rice to the practice squad, but I bet they'll do the opposite given all the hype they've directed at Rice.

Parham didn't do much yesterday at TE, niether did Smartt really. I have no idea how they'll fill out the TEs after Disly and Hurst, for FF purposes it doesn't really matter going into your drafts. I'd only be interested in one of these guys if someone ahead of them gets hurt.

For RBs, I'm pretty sure It'll be Dobbins, Edwards, Vidal, Patterson, in that order. As with last pre-season Dotson looked better than Spiller. I honestly don't think either one is worth a spot on the 53 unless one of the top 4 is hurt. I hope they go with just 4 RBs on the roster, stash Dotson on the practice squad and use the roster spot on somebody more useful.

The offensive line had probably its best showing of the preseason, but their play deteriorated as the game went on, and they really struggled to clear room for the run game. Tyler McClellan was having a really nice game at RT, but then got rolled up on and taken off on a cart. Other than that nobody really stood out in a positive way up front. Towards the end guys were just flat out missing assignments, not blocking anyone and letting free runners hit Stick and the RBs. Alot of work to go there for the backups, as once again beyond the top 6 or 7 there's pretty much no depth.

On defense, it was Tony Jefferson day. He probably earned the 3rd or 4th S spot with that performance. Woods and Hankins had nice games in the defensive backfield as well.

Morris-Brash probably had the best game among the linebackers and made a strong case for taking Rumphs roster spot.

It was another below average day for the interior defensive lineman overall. Tart had the best performance for the short time he was in (I don't think he played past the 2nd defensive series). Of the rest, I thought Clark was best, but it wasn't a great day for him. Given that Fox, Ford, and Ogbonnia didn't play, I'm assuming they're on the roster. I figure Tart will make it as well. The team really seems to want Matlock to be a thing, but he kinda sucked at DT yesterday and all preseason games. It's great that they gadget with him on offense, but it's more important that they get some solid guys in the middle who can run stop, and he was horrible against the run all preseason. Eboigbe struggled as well yesterday, constantly out of position when in space, and getting pushed backward often. Hinton is awful, they need to drop him.

The defense gave up 558 yards, 246 of that on the ground. They managed to get 6 turnovers, which kept them from losing, but backups against backups this wasn't a super game for the defense.

Part of the reason the defense gave up so many yards is because Stick couldn't keep drives going. I have to think his time with the Chargers is done, and they'll maybe put Perez on the practice squad and try to pick up a FA vet to be QB 2 for now. But there's really very little reason to hang on to Stick, its a waste of a roster spot.

You’re the only one talking but please keep it up. I’m listening. Really appreciate you and Tau and the other poor Chargers bastards around here. I’ll be hosting my usual opening day watch and for the first time in a long, long time I have no idea what to expect.

I'm expecting them to beat the Raiders in game 1.

I know I've been slagging the interior D line a lot this preaseason, and it's going to be the weak spot on their D. I think the D could be really good this year if they can keep the key guys healthy. I think S, LB, Edge rush are going to be far above average groups. If they can get average play at CB, they'll be tough to score on, and I think the will get at least average play at CB. So they'll give up run yards, but overall this could be a top 10 defense.

Special teams are gold.

The big question mark is offense. Herbert means so much to this team, I don't think people really get that, with him out there, they're in pretty much every game. I expect the ball to be spread around quite a bit among all the skill guys. I know they're advertising run heavy, but they're not stupid, Herbert's arm is by far the best offensive weapon they've got. If the line holds up, he should have a good season. I'm not convinced the run blocking will be good enough to run as much as they'd like, we'll see. If the top 6 linemen miss significant time, this offense will struggle, and the team along with it - like last year.

If I had to draft just one Charger offensive skill player, it'd be McConkey. His health worries me, but if he holds up I think he'll have the best numbers at the end of the season. Not by a ton mind you. You're hoping for a solid Welker, Edelman type of season with him.

I liked what little I saw of Vidal. If he gets an opportunity I think he could get some numbers. Something to keep an eye on if Dobbins struggles or is injured for you FF players.

 

[Tau837]

Agree with most of what @Gr00vus wrote, with a couple exceptions:

This is particularly notable, from a FF perspective, for Quentin Johnston

There was never any chance Johnston was not going to make the final roster. His contract is fully guaranteed, he was a first round pick, and the Chargers have a weak WR group.

On defense, it was Tony Jefferson day. He probably earned the 3rd or 4th S spot with that performance.

I hope not. He hasn't played well since the 2018 season, which was 6 seasons ago. He also seems unlikely to be a core special teams contributor, which is something you typically expect from your 4th safety.

This is my current 53 man roster projection:

• Offense (25):
  • QB (2) - Herbert, Stick
    • However, I expect the Chargers to claim Huntley if waived by Cleveland; if they get Huntley, I think they release Stick
  • RB (4) - Edwards, Dobbins, Vidal, Patterson
  • FB (0) -
  • WR (7) - McConkey, Palmer, Johnston, Chark, Fehoko, Rice, Davis
    • Seems possible they will try to hold Rice initially, then possibly waive him to make room for another roster cut they claim off waivers (e.g., a TE)
  • TE (3) - Dissly, Hurst, Smartt
  • OL (9) - LT Slater, LG Johnson, C Bozeman, RG Pipkins, RT Alt, Jaimes, McFadden, Salyer, Sarell
• Defense (25):
  • Edge (5) - Mack, Bosa, Tuli, Dupree, Morris-Brash
  • IDL (5) - Ford, Tart, Fox, Ogbonnia, Eboigbe
    • I think they like Matlock and want to keep him for some odd reason, but realize he'll make it through waivers to practice squad
  • LB (5) - Perryman, Henley, Colson, Dye, Niemann
  • CB (6) - Samuel, Fulton, Taylor, Leonard, Still, Hart
  • S (4) - James, Gilman, Finley, Woods
• Special Teams (3):
  • PK (1) - Dicker
  • P (1) - Scott
  • LS (1) - Harris

The one thing that surprises me about this breakdown is just 3 TEs, with Smartt being one of them, and 0 fullbacks. I know they have experimented with McFadden and Matlock at FB, but neither of them seems capable of playing 400 snaps at FB. In 9 of 10 seasons as a NFL OC, Roman had a FB played 400+ snaps on offense. It might feel different if they had a strong and deep TE group, but they don't.

If I were them, I'd trade Davis and keep a 4th TE. As of today, that would be Parham for me, but maybe one of the better blockers for Harbaugh/Roman.

 

[Gr00vus]

You roster looks like what I'd expect too.

I hear you on Jefferson, he's old, and I prefer they give that spot to someone they could develop. Just seems odd that they'd ask him to come out of "retirement" for just pre-season though.

I see those names for backups on the OLine and it makes me .

 

[Gr00vus]

Cuts as of 2024 Aug 8 11:00 AM PDT:

Savion Jackson LB
Luis Perez QB
Thomas Harper S
Alex Leatherwood T
Isaiah Spiller RB
Jaylen Johnson WR

 

[Gr00vus]

I wonder if they'll try to put Perez on the practice squad. He's already 29 years old, not exactly a long term prospect there.

 

[Gr00vus]

More cuts:

Donald Parham TE
Zach Heins TE
Andrew Farmer Edge
Ty Shelby Edge

I guess we get Smartt...

 

[Gr00vus]

They've published the initial 53 player roster:

Chargers 53-Man Roster 2024 Analysis

Davis, Fehoko, and Rice make it as receivers. Neimann starts on the IR/Designated to return. Morris-Brash did not make it. They kept Matlock, and Jefferson is on the squad for now.

They put EDGE Chris Rumph, EDGE Chris Collins, OT Tyler McLellan, and G/C Bucky Williams on Reserved Injured.

Now we watch for potential backup QBs to take Stick's spot...

 

[Jail]

They've published the initial 53 player roster:

Chargers 53-Man Roster 2024 Analysis

Davis, Fehoko, and Rice make it as receivers. Neimann starts on the IR/Designated to return. Morris-Brash did not make it. They kept Matlock, and Jefferson is on the squad for now.

They put EDGE Chris Rumph, EDGE Chris Collins, OT Tyler McLellan, and G/C Bucky Williams on Reserved Injured.

Now we watch for potential backup QBs to take Stick's spot...

Cleveland has 4 QBs on the 53. I have to imagine they're trying to trade at least 1 of Huntley or Winston. Huntley makes a lot of sense for the Chargers, but it seems weird to give any trade value when 1 will surely be cut. Game of chicken maybe.

 

[Gr00vus]

I think there are already guys floating around out there now that would be upgrades over Stick, thus I don't think spending a draft pick to get one is a good idea.

 

[Gr00vus]

Initial practice squad:

• EDGE Andrew Farmer
• WR Jaylen Johnson
• LB Shaq Quarterman
• RB Isaiah Spiller
• OG Karsen Barnhart
• TE Luke Benson
• TE/FB Tucker Fisk
• CB Matt Hankins
• DT Christopher Hinton
• LB Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste
• WR Cornelius Johnson
• CB Robert Kennedy
• OT Alex Leatherwood
• EDGE Tre’Mon Morris-Brash
• DT CJ Okoye (IPP)

They've also signed special teamer (and sometimes RB) Hassan Haskins to the 53, and have released J.T. Woods in a corresponding move.

They're apparently also trading for DB Elijah Molden, no indication of who they'd release if/when Molden is added to the roster.

Glad to see they hung on to Morris-Brash. No idea why they hung on to Leatherwood, Hinton, Spiller - there have to be better players floating around out there. Also, no Perez. Are they really going to Stick with Stick as QB 2? That would be disappointing. Also disappointing that Clark isn't here - he way outplayed Okoye in preseason, and I think he outplayed Matlock as well. Keeping Hinton over Clark is criminal. Did Clark get signed by someone else?

 

[Gr00vus]

Looks like they've traded for backup QB Taylor Heineke.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Looks like they've traded for backup QB Taylor Heineke.

Hope it wasn't more than a 7th rounder. I do like Heineke as a backup though.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Also, thank you brotha Groovus for sharing your thoughts. I've got 6th grader and 9th grader, so I haven't been able to follow the Bolts as closely this preseason as in years past and appreciate your updates.

 

[Tau837]

I predicted Morris-Brash to make the 53 and Matlock not to, but also noted that it seemed the team really wanted to keep Matlock, and they did. Glad Morris-Brash made it to PS.

I did not predict Jefferson to make it, and I'm a bit disappointed he did... but it would surprise me if he is still on the roster for week 1, guaranteeing his salary for the season as a vested veteran. So i think a move could still be coming there.

I'm happy about the Heinecke trade. Conditional 6th round pick is what I saw reported. Far better than Stick... if Herbert misses a few games, I think they could actually win a couple with Heinicke and did not think that about Stick. Stick to the practice squad?

They claimed former Michigan RB Hassan Haskins off waivers. JT Woods was waived, meaning the 53 now includes 5 RBs. Perhaps Haskins is a candidate to move to FB. He is also a very strong special teams player. Woods to PS?

The Chargers traded with the Titans for DB Elijah Molden. I read they swapped picks but no details. I like this move a lot. Here is where Molden has played his career snaps:

• 749 slot
• 378 box (SS)
• 289 FS
• 17 outside corner
• 20 DL

Will be interesting to see who gets waived for Molden. Jefferson?

I love this new regime. Never satisfied.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Did something either really smart or really stupid tonight in my last online draft of the SZN.

Double-tapped the SD duo of Dobbins ~> Vidal in the 11th & 12th.

I have Vidal in a few rosters. This is a 1st for Dobbins. There was an ugly RB run.

Hopefully I get a RB4 out of it. Maybe I get lucky and one of them hits. Gus is 147 years old. Harbaugh runs a lot.

 

[Gr00vus]

Looks like they waived Jefferson and Jarret Patterson to make room on the 53 for Heinicke and Molden.

Jefferson has already been signed to the practice squad. They also signed TE Eric Tomlinson and C Sam Mustipher to the practice squad. They released Robert Kennedy from the practice squad.

Looks like it's a conditional 6th rounder for Heinicke. Not sure how much I love that. Is Heinicke that much better than guys who are free agents right now? They also spent a 2026 7th round pick to get Molden.

All of this is a marked change from the previous regime's approach to early season roster management.

Also Stick is still on the roster somehow. I'm hoping its a short term thing until Heinicke learns the play book. Maybe Stick goes when Neimann comes back, or in response to some other move.

 

[Gr00vus]

Did something either really smart or really stupid tonight in my last online draft of the SZN.

Double-tapped the SD duo of Dobbins ~> Vidal in the 11th & 12th.

I have Vidal in a few rosters. This is a 1st for Dobbins. There was an ugly RB run.

Hopefully I get a RB4 out of it. Maybe I get lucky and one of them hits. Gus is 147 years old. Harbaugh runs a lot.

I think it's a good risk at that stage of the draft. I see the various ADP sets, and it seems no Chargers show up until like the 7th round in 12 teamers. I find it highly unlikely that by the end of the season there are no Chargers in the top 84 players in FF scoring. Granted at this point you're totally guessing at who the productive skill players might be, but gambling on one or two at the back end of the draft isn't crazy.

Edited to add, very small sample size, but I like what I've seen from Vidal so far.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I think it's a good risk at that stage of the draft. I see the various ADP sets, and it seems no Chargers show up until like the 7th round in 12 teamers. I find it highly unlikely that by the end of the season there are no Chargers in the top 84 players in FF scoring. Granted at this point you're totally guessing at who the productive skill players might be, but gambling on one or two at the back end of the draft isn't crazy.

Didn’t plan on it - Vidal was my 12th round target regardless. Brutal run on RB between my 10-11 picks, Dobbins just happened to be the best dart throw on the board.

But yeah - I don’t mind doing it at that cost.

 

[Jail]

Looks like they waived Jefferson and Jarret Patterson to make room on the 53 for Heinicke and Molden.

Jefferson has already been signed to the practice squad. They also signed TE Eric Tomlinson and C Sam Mustipher to the practice squad. They released Robert Kennedy from the practice squad.

Looks like it's a conditional 6th rounder for Heinicke. Not sure how much I love that. Is Heinicke that much better than guys who are free agents right now? They also spent a 2026 7th round pick to get Molden.

All of this is a marked change from the previous regime's approach to early season roster management.

Also Stick is still on the roster somehow. I'm hoping its a short term thing until Heinicke learns the play book. Maybe Stick goes when Neimann comes back, or in response to some other move.

Yeah I have a feeling those picks may be needed. It's not a big cost though. Huntley hit free agency shortly after the trade, so I do wonder if the Browns were trying to squeeze something. Considering his time in Baltimore it seemed like a good fit. Maybe they preferred heinicke though.

 

[Tau837]

Last season, 72 players played at least one snap for the Chargers on offense, defense, and/or special teams. As of right now, the Chargers have:

• 30 players on their 53 man roster from that group (and I don't expect backup QB Stick to last)
• 2 of 5 players on IR from that group
• 2 of 17 players on the practice squad from that group and 2 others who were on the practice squad last year

That is just 36 of 75 current Chargers players who are holdovers from Telesco's final season with the Chargers. New regime normally leads to change, but that seems like more than normal. I'm interpreting that as confirmation of what Chargers fans have long thought about the poor depth in Telesco's rosters.

But it was always hard to know how to separate responsibility between Telesco and President of Football Operations John Spanos, the owner's son. If Telesco does a better job with the Raiders, that could imply Spanos had a big hand in those decisions. At least nowadays, it seems like Spanos is completely hands off and GM Hortiz is running the show.

Consider Telesco's last 5 drafts:

• 2019
  • Only 2 of 7 picks remain: Pipkins (3rd) and Stick (5th)
  • 5 of 7 picks are gone: Tillery (1st), Adderley (2nd), Tranquill (4th), Egbule (6th), Broughton (7th)
• 2020
  • Only 2 of 6 picks remain: Herbert (1st) and Gilman (6th)
  • 4 of 6 picks (really 6 of 8) are gone: Murray (1st, 2nd, 3rd), Kelley (4th), Reed (5th), Hill (7th)
• 2021
  • 5 of 9 picks remain: Slater (1st), Samuel (2nd), Palmer (3rd), Jaimes (5th), Niemann (6th, counting him since he is designated to return from IR)
  • 4 of 9 picks are gone: McKitty (3rd), Rumph (4th, IR not designated to return), Rountree (6th), and Webb (7th)
• 2022
  • 5 of 8 picks remain: Zion (1st), Ogbonnia (5th), Salyer (6th), Taylor (6th), Leonard (7th)
  • 3 of 8 picks are gone: Woods (3rd), Spiller (4th), Horvath (7th)
• 2023
  • 6 of 7 picks remain: Johnston (1st), Tuli (2nd), Henley (3rd), Davis (4th), McFadden (5th), Matlock (6th)
  • 1 of 7 picks is gone: Duggan (7th)
• Total
  • 20 of 37 picks remain (really 20 of 39 due to the 3 picks used on Murray)
  • These picks included just 7 clear full-time 2024 starters on offense/defense: QB Herbert, LT Slater, LG Zion, RG Pipkins, WR Palmer, CB Samuel, S Gilman
    • Not counting Henley, since I am expecting Colson to overtake him at some point; I might be shortchanging him, so it could be 8 clear full-time 2024 starters
    • It is possible that none of Pipkins, Palmer, and/or Samuel will make the 2025 roster, which could further reduce this to as few as 4 starters... though it is also possible Tuli starts in 2025

To me, that does not look like a good track record. I'm really happy with Hortiz so far.

 

[Gr00vus]

The purge is real. Give it another off season and I could see 6 or 7 more of the hold overs being replaced.

Woods signed to the eagles practice squad.

 

[Gr00vus]

WR Cornelius Johnson and LB Andrew Farmer released from the practice squad, replaced with WR Dez Fitzpatrick and CB Shaun Wade.

Seems like they're dedicating a lot of space to DBs.

 

[Tau837]

WR Cornelius Johnson and LB Andrew Farmer released from the practice squad, replaced with WR Dez Fitzpatrick and CB Shaun Wade.

Seems like they're dedicating a lot of space to DBs.

I'm surprised about Johnson. Now I'm back to a point I made after the draft when the Chargers signed Chark.

They must have known they were signing Chark at the time of the draft, but they knowingly spent both 7th round picks on WRs, despite the likelihood that they could have convinced Johnson to sign with the Chargers as a UDFA due to the Harbaugh connection.

So they could have drafted any center available at that point, which included Michigan's 2023 center. Or they could have drafted the best flier at any position of need. Now, would that 7th round pick have made the final roster or the practice squad? Impossible to know, but just seemed like one of the few curious decisions Hortiz has made so far.

It turns out they arguably wasted that 7th round pick due to circumstances that were foreseeable. It was the least valuable pick they made, so not a big deal, but still a bit odd IMO.

 

[Gr00vus]

I know the we're in the honeymoon stage (at least for a few days yet), and this regime seems incapable of doing wrong in the eyes of a lot of the fanbase (based on what I've seen on various message boards). I too have found some of their approach / decisions a bit puzzling. I'll be happy to be proven wrong, but I think they could and should have done more to address the quality of the interior defensive line and the depth on the offensive line. As you say, it makes the Johnson pick puzzling, but they also spent draft capital on DBs, and yet they seem to be accumulating more DBs even now.

It looks like they did get a bit of help by signing Tart, McClellan seemed to be doing well before he got injured, and maybe there just weren't additional better alternatives out there on the lines, but I find that hard to believe.

Spending draft picks (even extremely late rounders) on trades for Heinicke and Molden also had me scratching my head a bit. I get that they're banking on compensatory picks to even it out a bit, but still.

I still don't think emphasizing the run over the pass in the offensive mix is a good idea, and maybe that's not really what they mean when they say they want to emphasize the run game. Maybe they really mean they're focused on improving the run game - which is a great idea, because it sucked last year. We'll see how that plays out.

 

[Tau837]

I know the we're in the honeymoon stage (at least for a few days yet), and this regime seems incapable of doing wrong in the eyes of a lot of the fanbase (based on what I've seen on various message boards). I too have found some of their approach / decisions a bit puzzling. I'll be happy to be proven wrong, but I think they could and should have done more to address the quality of the interior defensive line and the depth on the offensive line. As you say, it makes the Johnson pick puzzling, but they also spent draft capital on DBs, and yet they seem to be accumulating more DBs even now.

It looks like they did get a bit of help by signing Tart, McClellan seemed to be doing well before he got injured, and maybe there just weren't additional better alternatives out there on the lines, but I find that hard to believe.

Spending draft picks (even extremely late rounders) on trades for Heinicke and Molden also had me scratching my head a bit. I get that they're banking on compensatory picks to even it out a bit, but still.

I still don't think emphasizing the run over the pass in the offensive mix is a good idea, and maybe that's not really what they mean when they say they want to emphasize the run game. Maybe they really mean they're focused on improving the run game - which is a great idea, because it sucked last year. We'll see how that plays out.

I think the IDL is at least slightly improved with the additions of Ford, Tart, and Eboigbe. I think this is a position group that will be upgraded over the next year. Just too much to address everything in the first offseason. Plus, I think the coaching will be better, and that will matter.

I think the OL depth is improved given that Salyer started for the past 2 seasons at 2 different positions, and he is now a depth player, plus another year of experience for Jaimes, McFadden, and Sarell. They brought in competition and those guys won out. Plus, again IMO the coaching will be better.

I think the Heinicke and Molden trades are exactly the kind of low risk, low cost moves a team like the Chargers should be making. Giving up late round picks to improve the roster, especially given the emphasis of this regime on comp picks, are the type of risk/reward decisions that make sense. If they miss, they didn't lose much. If they hit, they didn't pay much to get there.

I think emphasizing the run means running more but not being stupid with Herbert's passing. I think Herbert will likely have a career low in passing attempts, but probably 34/game or something like that... not a big deal.

IMO the Chargers running game and defense will be improved. If Herbert is healthy, I think they will be in a lot of close games, and I think under this coaching staff the team will have a good record in close games. That bodes well for the season.

Like you say, maybe I'm in the honeymoon phase, but I feel very optimistic.

 

[Gr00vus]

The thing I do like about the Cornelius Johnson move is that it shows this regime is prepared to fail fast, and will constantly look to improve the roster. The previous regime succumbed to the sunk cost pitfall way too often, holding on to people who obviously weren't making it for way too long.

On the Herbert front, I think he's getting way undersold heading into this season. If the line is improved, and the run game actually becomes a threat, it helps him immensely. He will get fewer attempts, but the attempt quality will be much improved. I'd expect the completion rate and the yards per completion to go up. That may not completely compensate for reduced volume, but it may lead to much less of a drop in overall numbers than people seem to be expecting.

 

[Gr00vus]

On another note, Matlock's number has changed from 99 to 44, and he is now listed as both FB and DT. I guess this explains his retention a bit more, he didn't look great as a DT, but he's now the primary fullback. It will be interesting to see if he can make it work.

 

[Gr00vus]

Chark is out. Could be a Ladd McConkey coming out party.

Samuel and Still are both questionable. I guess adding the additional DBs over the week makes more sense. Can Minshew capitalize if the chargers are shorthanded at CB?

 

[Gr00vus]

Chark has been put on IR. Will miss the first 4 games at least. TE Tomlinson promoted from the practice squad for tomorrow. I wonder if they'll try to bring Cornelius Johnson back.