The Los Angeles Chargers are hosting their cross-town rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, today, providing both teams the chance to face external competition. Here are five Chargers offensive players to watch:
Easton Stick’s pressure-to-sack rate
Easton Stick’s 2023 pressure-to-sack rate was 22.6 percent, the 10th-worst among 45 NFL quarterbacks with at least 150 passing attempts. In comparison, Justin Herbert’s rate was 15.6 percent, the 11th-best in the league. Stick struggled with avoiding sacks and holding onto the ball too long, leading to 14 sacks and five fumbles in just over four games. With a new offensive system under Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh, Stick aims to improve. Today, he steps in as the starter with Herbert sidelined due to a foot injury for the next two weeks. All eyes are on Stick as he leads the starting offense against the Rams’ formidable defensive line.
Zion Johnson vs. Braden Fiske’s quick-twitch rush
Zion Johnson, now looking and playing stronger than ever, faces Rams’ second-round pick Braden Fiske, a hyper-athletic, quick-twitch rusher known for his first-step explosiveness. This year marks the first time Johnson will play the same position as the previous season, having switched positions multiple times since joining Boston College in 2019. The consistency and guidance from coaches Harbaugh, Mike Devlin, Nick Hardwick, and Mike Iupati should help Johnson excel. Performing well against a top defensive tackle prospect like Fiske would boost Johnson’s confidence ahead of the regular season.
Joe Alt vs. Jared Verse’s power rush
The matchup between first-round picks Joe Alt and Jared Verse is a highlight of training camp. Alt, a technically refined prospect, needs time to adjust to playing right tackle, while Verse’s natural power and speed pose a significant challenge. Alt’s daily practice against Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and Bud Dupree should aid his development.
DJ Chark winning vertically
DJ Chark aims to gain more trust from the organization, quarterbacks, and fans. Chark has been impressive in training camp, but facing defensive backs from another team will be a tougher test. Demonstrating his speed and vertical separation in a simulated game setting against NFL competition would show he’s past his injuries and ready to excel with Herbert at quarterback.
**Quentin Johnston rebounding from a rough week**
Although Ladd McConkey was a contender, Quentin Johnston has more to prove after a turbulent training camp. Despite over a dozen catches in nearly two weeks, Johnston’s drops in critical moments have been a concern. Media reports suggest Johnston is running better routes and creating more separation. Will this hold up against the Rams’ defensive backs? If so, can Johnston overcome his mental lapses in catching the ball?
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