Sunday, August 19, 2018

THE CHARGERS ROSTER IS GETTING CLEARER! OR IS IT?

                           CHARGERS 24 SEAHAWKS 14  23,211 ATTENDANCE August 18,2018

    In 2017, the Seahawks came into Carson and spanked the Chargers all over the field 48-17. In 2018, homie didn't play that. The Chargers defeated the Seahawks 24-14 in a game that could have been a larger victory. We're going to review the game and look how the roster is taking shape before the big national TV game next Saturday vs the New Orlean Saints.

   Injuries have already taken a huge toll on the team 2 weeks into the Preseason. Yesterday claimed another victim in S Jaylen Watkins tearing his ACL. Watkins joins Jason Verrett and Austin Roberts and trust me after cuts TE Hunter Henry with season ending injuries on IR. Out for the Chargers vs Seattle was RB Austin Ekeler, RB Russell Hansbrough, RB Justin Jackson, WR Travis Williams, DE Joey Bosa, G Forrest Lamp, AJ Hendy LB Kyzir White

   THE GOOD
GENO SMITH
   1. Congrats to Geno Smith. It seems clear he beat out the (developing who never developed) Cardale Jones as the Chargers backup QB to Philip Rivers. Geno had a QB rating of 148.8 last night against the Seahawks and got a chance to go up against Seattle #1 unit. Nice seeing ya around Cardale. Enjoy the season from your couch.

2. STOP THE PRESSES!!! 
JJ Jones..
     Luck is best described as when opportunities meet Preparation. Preseason football separates the men from the boys. JJ Jones is making the best of his opportunities. The forlorn thought is the Chargers would carry 6 WR'S. Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, Mike Williams, Travis Benjamin and Dylan Cantrell. The final WR spot would have to be earned between Geremy Davis and Artavis Scott along with some other WR on the roster. While Scott and Davis fought it out in week 1. Along comes JJ in week 2 with a punch they never saw coming. Jones might have moved up from being almost last on the depth chart to making the 53 man roster by impressing the coaches on special teams. The Chargers were looking  to upgrade their return duties. They might have freed up a lot more. Jones returned a punt against Seattle for 72 yards and averaged 31 yards a return. He been taking punt and kickoff for the Chargers along with Scott and Davis.

  It's well known the Chargers are looking to upgrade at TE. Jones play has given Telesco the freedom to trade Travis Benjamin and his huge contract away and fill 2 needs at the same time. That leaves 1 WR outside looking in and maybe 2. Week 3 vs the Saints this competition for the 6th WR spot will be popcorn watching entertainment.

 3. 3rd Down Defense.
 The teams didn't allow the Cardinals to convert 1 first down last week (0-11). Against Seattle the defense still impressed going 6-13 on 3rd downs. That is 6 for 24 in 2 games. That will win you football games in the NFL. The Chargers kept Seattle to 2 field goals in 6 drives. Derwin James also got some snaps with the ones at strong safety.

4. The rushing defense. 
  The Chargers lacked speed and the talent to make open field tackles in 2017. That coupled with terrible line backing play resulted in the leagues worst run defense. The team added that speed and improved the talent on the run defense. Seattle rushed for 16 times for 58 yards. They also whacked Seattle in time of possession 37:21 to 22:39. Melvin Ingram, Jatavis Brown and Isaac Rochelle played a big part in the win last night. Brown had 1 sack, 3 tackles with 1 for a loss, 2 hits on Seattle QB'S, Ingram had a big forced fumble on the goal line and Rochelle has really shown improvement in these two preseason games from last year. 

 THE BAD
 1. Chargers first string opening drive defense
  They use to call Seattle defense "The Legion of Doom".  The Chargers now want a nickname for their own defense. How about get a stop! They have improved their pass rush, the run defense and their 3rd down stoppage plays. But Arizona with Sam Bradford took a opening 8 play, 45 yard drive all the way down the field for a field goal and Seattle QB Russell Wilson scorched them quick for 6 plays , 77 yards in only 2 minutes to get a field goal. The defense needs to be ready at kickoff so the offense doesn't have to play come from behind to start every game. Jeron Brown is the Seahawks #3 receiver. He had 74 yards on you guys. Come On Man!!

2.INJURIES
JAYLEN WATKINS ACL
   The Chargers put Watkins on IR today and claimed rookie safety who went undrafted from the Cleveland Browns Micah Hannemann taking the roster back to 53.
   

3. DB Michael Davis 
   Last Year, Seattle worked Michael Davis over for 5 catches and 144 yards. Davis got worked again  last night giving up a 52 yard reception where even Addae was there to help and that was followed up by a 19 yard reception by David Moore with Michael Davis in coverage. The 6'2 195 Pound DB that went undrafted from BYU did have 4 tackles. However, the Chargers should seriously consider never playing him against Seattle ever again.

4. THE RAIDERS INVADE LA
   For the first time in 24 years the Oakland Raiders returned to their former home in the LA Coliseum. Over 55,000 fans stormed the LA Coliseum outnumbering the hometown Rams fans 3 to 1. The Raiders are playing in Oakland until their home is built in Las Vegas. The season maybe bright for the Chargers this season but the FightForLa has a long way to go. LA is a Raider town.

THE UGLY
1. Penalties.
   The Chargers had 4 turnovers and 150 yards in penalties vs Arizona. Against Seattle they were flagged.

Next up...
   Next Saturday on national TV. The game is in Carson with Drew Brees leading his squad against his former team. This is a dress rehearsal game meaning the guys go through the week like it's a regular season game. The Starters will play about 3/4 of the game.

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