The Chargers have loads of big-names on protection.
A few of them are returning gamers (Joey Bosa and Derwin James, Jr.), whereas others similar to Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson and Sebastian Joseph-Day are new to the Bolts.
Depend Telesco among the many people who find themselves to see how that unit fares in Week 1 towards the Raiders.
“We have a whole lot of new faces on protection,” Telesco stated. “They’re practiced collectively however have not performed collectively but. On offense, there’s not likely a whole lot of modifications, a bit of extra recognized amount there.
“However protection, yeah, the communication a part of it, particularly on the again finish, is absolutely vital,” Telesco added. “Derwin has solely had a pair weeks of follow, in order that stuff nonetheless has to return collectively within the common season.”
The Chargers signed James to a multi-year contract extension in mid-August, and he’ll be relied upon because the quarterback of the protection in his fifth season.
3. Reward for Pipkins, Norton
The battle at proper deal with betweem Trey Pipkins II and Storm Norton was determined final week, as Pipkins would be the starter to open the season.
Telesco had loads of reward for each gamers, and famous that Pipkins’ has had tangible development lately.
Pipkins has began eight video games over three seasons, together with two in the course of the 2021 season.
“Final 12 months when he performed, he performed nicely, in order that was encouraging,” Telesco stated. “He performed nicely in these video games, performed nicely within the again finish of the preseason final 12 months. He is continued to get higher.
“And it is useful for us that we have nonetheless received Storm right here. It wasn’t like whoever did not win that job was going to be voted off the island and by no means coming again,” Telesco added. “Sometimes, you may want a 3rd deal with. A swing deal with. They’re extraordinarily laborious to search out. It is virtually like a beginning spot. You may draft him early, and despite the fact that he might not begin, chances are you’ll want that man often.”
Norton began 15 whole video games a season in the past, and has made 18 begins in his profession.
“Actually vital that we’ve these two guys,” Telesco stated. “Good that Storm has a physique of labor and expertise as a result of it is powerful and reliable.
“Trey has carried out job to this point, so we’ll see how that rolls,” Telesco added. “I am pleased with Trey to return in and win the job and see how far he can take it.”
4. Beefing up the backfield
The Bolts gained depth and expertise of their backfield final week with the addition of Sony Michel.
The 2-time Tremendous Bowl winner stated he will work for no matter position he earns this season, a sentiment echoed by Telesco.
The Chargers GM stated Michel’s skillset will likely be mandatory over the complete season. Plus, maintaining Larry Rountree III on the follow squad is a boon for the Bolts, too.
“Late within the sport, you possibly can definitely belief him,” Telesco stated of Michel. “However you possibly can belief Austin Ekeler and different guys, too.
“He is only a stable, well-rounded again,” Telesco added. “And it is higher that we did not lose Larry, as a result of we nonetheless suppose he is received some future right here. Simply makes it a a lot stronger group.”
Telesco additionally supplied some perception on linebacker Kenneth Murray, Jr., who started coaching camp on the Bodily Unable to Carry out record as a consequence of an ankle damage.
However the linebacker has been again at follow since August 22, with Telesco noting that the previous first-round decide may very well be again in a extra conventional spot this season.
“Most likely extra conventional linebacker than placing him out on the sting like we did [last season],” Telesco stated. “He is regarded actually good. For a man who missed a lot camp, I imply he ought to look recent as a result of he did not work at camp as a lot.
“However he seems quick, bodily and shifting round rather well in order that’s a optimistic,” Telesco added “He is received to catch up a bit of bit however we’re hoping he does comparatively fast.”
