Bolts From The Blue - All PostsAn Unofficial Los Angeles Chargers Blog Created By The Fans, For The Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47753/btfb-fv.png2024-03-16T07:00:00-07:00http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/rss/current/2024-03-16T07:00:00-07:002024-03-16T07:00:00-07:00NFL Free Agency 2024: Chargers sign Poona Ford and Troy Dye
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<p>The Chargers added Troy Dye and Poona Ford at the end of the first week of the 2024 Free Agency period</p> <p id="TnAA7v">Good Morning, Bolts From The Blue!</p>
<p id="DAAlIJ">At the end of the first week of the 2024 Free Agency the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> signed two more players to round out the first waves of additions. Linebacker Troy Dye and defensive lineman Poona Ford have become the latest signings of the Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz era. Both veteran players have reportedly signed one year deals to be part of Jesse Minter’s defense.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> LB and special teamer Troy Dye is signing with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chargers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chargers</a> on a 1-year deal, source said. MIN wanted him back, but Dye will have a chance to play more of a role on defense in LA.</p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1768673778068869512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="YMZgKQ">Troy Dye is a linebacker and special teamer that was drafted by the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> in the fourth round of the 2020 draft out of Oregon. His career to date has been as a role player having only started eight of the 60 games over his four years in Minnesota (13.3%) but his impact comes on special teams where he played 67% of the available snaps for the Vikings last season. Standing at 6’3, 225 pounds his size will be an asset on special teams as he can bring some physicality inside. The Chargers have a dire need for depth at linebacker that he will immediately fill but it seems like he is primarily going to be yet another weapon for Ryan Ficken to utilize to continue his outstanding improvement of the Bolts’ special teams unit.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">big ️<br><br>we’ve signed DT poona ford → <a href="https://t.co/Aq5UeN7np9">https://t.co/Aq5UeN7np9</a> <a href="https://t.co/sTzLC7In8b">pic.twitter.com/sTzLC7In8b</a></p>— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) <a href="https://twitter.com/chargers/status/1769041015997116675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a>
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<p id="7XVWYs"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2723487%2F2021%2F08%2F05%2Fbig-play-and-a-bigger-heart-how-poona-ford-went-from-undrafted-rookie-to-seahawks-star%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boltsfromtheblue.com%2F2024%2F3%2F16%2F24102820%2Fchargers-nfl-free-agency-2024-week-1-round-up-troy-dye-poona-ford" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Poona Ford</a> spent the first five seasons of his career at the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> before moving over to the <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a> for a single season in 2023. He is a unique player in that he stands at 5’11, 310 pounds but is a run stopping force who closes lanes and utilizes his shorter stature to leverage himself well against double teams. He may not have impressive sack numbers as a pass rusher having only landed 8.5 over his six seasons but he had 92 pressures over that same period. His ability to collapse the interior of the pocket is a skill that none of the players on the current roster have shown so far, therefore it looks like a smart addition to a position group that was lacking in experience.</p>
<p id="nDEiuH">Let us know how you feel about the latest signings of the 2024 season!</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2024/3/16/24102820/chargers-nfl-free-agency-2024-week-1-round-up-troy-dye-poona-fordRyan Watkins2024-03-15T13:10:20-07:002024-03-15T13:10:20-07:00Easton Stick is back with the Chargers
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<p>Easton Stick returns as Justin Herbert’s backup</p> <p id="e3qyca">The question mark on the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> depth chart for QB2 can now be erased. Go ahead and grab a pen, not a pencil, when filling in Easton Stick’s name.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chargers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chargers</a> have agreed to terms to bring back QB Easton Stick, source says. Stick threw for 1129 yards in five games (four starts) for the team last year. <a href="https://t.co/sCnbnsH34i">pic.twitter.com/sCnbnsH34i</a></p>— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo/status/1768712684965339590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="7yPDq3">Stick has an <em>awful </em>performance against the Raiders that ultimately solidified the firings of Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley. But in the following games, he was less of a liability, and had some moments where he flashed potential. </p>
<p id="Ir2CK6">There is reason to believe that Easton Stick would actually thrive as a backup in Greg Roman’s system. Roman has excelled at getting the most out of quarterbacks with a similar skill set; although Stick’s ceiling as a passer is very limited, Roman has experience tailoring an offense around a quarterback that thrives on making plays happen with his feet. </p>
<p id="rGTerq">This team is a few years away from having a roster capable of producing when Justin Herbert is out of the lineup, so as long as this contract hovers around the veteran minimum, it’s hard to see the downside of the signing. </p>
<p id="r8aVc0">What do you think, Bolts From the Blue?</p>
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https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2024/3/15/24102303/easton-stick-chargers-greg-roman-joe-hortiz-jim-harbaugh-justin-herbert-keenan-allen-mike-williamsKyle DeDiminicantanio2024-03-15T12:58:20-07:002024-03-15T12:58:20-07:00PowderKeg Podcast Ep 5: Projecting the effects of Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa pay cuts and Keenan Allen trade
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<p>PowderKeg Podcast analyzes how much cap has been opened up for the Chargers, and says goodbye to Keenan</p> <p id="dfgeUP">Hey Bolts From the Blue Family... </p>
<p id="sqJKUV">Yesterday was a rough one for all of us... one of the rougher ones in recent memory for <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> fans. The Keenan Allen news stings like crazy... and really compounded by the fact that he was traded to a team in full rebuild mode, rather than to a legitimate contender.</p>
<p id="qnpZCq">What made it all the more surprising is the fact that adequate cap space had been opened up with the Kahlil Mack and Joey Bosa moves, and Derwin James’ contract could have still been restructured to pass approximately $7 million of cap space into future years. To part with a player of Allen’s impact for a 4th is a bit of a stunner, and to do so when the free agent pool is much smaller is even more shocking.</p>
<p id="t5dFIS">In this edition of PowderKeg Podcast, we break down the salary cap implications of the Mack and Bosa restructures, which are still estimations at this point (OverTheCap’s numbers for Mack don’t seem right). We’ll take a look at the effect on this year’s cap, next year’s and the cancellation charts as they currently stand for both years. </p>
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<p id="vM1wF1">As always, thank you to ALL OF YOU that have support us the way you do. Please continue to post Q and A’s because I’m hoping to get these videos up a couple times a week during the busy portions of free agency and the draft, so any material that you want to see covered would be great!</p>
<p id="brhFZn"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKPtr1Sm0Sw">Here is a link to the YouTube page if you prefer following along there.</a></p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2024/3/15/24102259/powderkeg-podcast-ep-4-khalil-mack-joe-hortiz-keenan-allen-trade-bears-joey-bosa-jim-harbaughKyle DeDiminicantanio2024-03-14T19:41:27-07:002024-03-14T19:41:27-07:00Keenan Allen traded to Bears for a 4th round pick
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<p>This news hurts real, real bad</p> <p id="e3qyca">Adam Schefter and Jay Glazer have reported that Keenan Allen has been traded to the Bears for a fourth round pick.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chargers are trading WR Keenan Allen to the Bears for a fourth-round pick, as <a href="https://twitter.com/JayGlazer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayGlazer</a> reported.</p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1768461735659192609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="HzEuoM">This is pretty devasting news for <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> fans. Keenan Allen has been the heart and soul of the offense since <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2019/4/16/18295462/eli-manning-philip-rivers-trade-2004-nfl-draft-giants-chargers-aj-smith-ernie-accorsi">Philip Rivers</a> retired. While Justin Herbert is his own kind of unique leader, Keenan’s charisma and swagger have been stable rally points for the offense to get behind. There are few players on the field whose absence is felt more than Allen for this offense. </p>
<p id="dp2WBi">Yet apparently, Keenan was approached about a pay cut like Joey Bosa and Khalil, and declined.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chargers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chargers</a> approached Keenan Allen about a pay cut and he refused, per source, as <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapSheet</a> said. Now Allen is headed to Chicago.</p>— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) <a href="https://twitter.com/danielrpopper/status/1768464162110443876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="kMgd8D">The fact that a trade was explored shouldn’t be a surprise. Allen is the ultimate security blanket for a young quarterback, with his cerebral approach to the game and ability to consistently great separation and allow a wider window for a quarterback to hit. It wasn’t surprising when news emerged yesterday that the Chargers were getting calls on Allen’s availability.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I obviously want Allen on our roster, but his fit with ANY team that has a young/rookie QB is obvious. His route running and separation make him an ideal safety blanket and WR1 for any new passer looking to gain confidence at the next level. <a href="https://t.co/yarCekOnMF">https://t.co/yarCekOnMF</a></p>— Kyle De (@TheKyleDe) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheKyleDe/status/1767584382691520974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a>
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<p id="gTwEpk">Adding insult to injury, Keenan Allen fetched a fourth round pick. He is coming off a stellar season, at one point was pacing himself for a career year before the combination of injuries and lack of team success made rest after Week 14 the best option. Had the Chargers retained Allen for the season, it was very likely he would have at least fetched a third round compensatory pick in 2026. Present day picks are certainly worth more than future picks, but the Chargers clearly aren’t getting much value for the absence of Allen in the 2024 season. </p>
<p id="g8NdFx">Enough of what I have to say - this is a huge bummer. Post your favorite Allen memory below. We’ll follow up with any updates we have. </p>
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https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2024/3/14/24101452/keenan-allen-jim-harbaugh-joe-hortiz-justin-herbert-khalil-mack-joey-bosa-chargers-new-trade-bearsKyle DeDiminicantanio2024-03-14T18:44:11-07:002024-03-14T18:44:11-07:00Chargers News: Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa took pay cuts with their restructures
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<p>Did Khalil Mack pull the ultimate team-player move?</p> <p id="ODkrTn">More details have emerged from the Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack restructures, and it shed some very positive light on two decisions that left fans initially scratching their heads. </p>
<p id="JgZWK2">Tom Pelissero provided an update on Twitter that not only Mack and Bosa both restructured, they agreed to take pay cuts beforehand to help ease some of the cap burden.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">How did the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chargers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chargers</a> keep both their pass rushers?<br><br>Khalil Mack took a pay cut from $23.25 million to $19M as part of a restructured contract that now prevents him from being franchise tagged in 2025.<br><br>After playing just 14 games over the past two seasons, Joey Bosa also took a… <a href="https://t.co/9PcwUsSEBO">pic.twitter.com/9PcwUsSEBO</a></p>— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1768441858705748064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a>
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<p id="knvCvR">Khalil shed $4.25 million from his salary, going from $23.25M to $19M, which Ed McGuire then restructured. Joey shed $7 million, but the salary became fully guaranteed and was offered $4 million in incentives. They also have him an extra $4 million in his roster bonus next year, meaning the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> won’t have the same window to try and negotiate a trade before guaranteeing with his now $12.36 million roster bonus. </p>
<p id="pjSBkY">We previously discussed how taking a pay cut was likely in Joey’s best interest, and here he’s managed to secure a way to make <em>more</em> money if he’s able to stay healthy and perform, which would be a win for all sides.</p>
<p id="c3RSNO">What is curious is how Khalil offered to take a pay cut as well. $23.25 million is actually an extremely reasonable salary for how much value and production Mack has provided, and it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t have been able to get more , and possible a multi-year deal, if he were to hit free agency.</p>
<p id="R0CBRw">This is pure speculation, but if Joey were asked to take a pay cut to half of his salary, it would have been an $11 million hair cut. Putting the pieces together, Joey and Mack’s pay cut comes out to $11.25 million, $250,000 of which is Mack’s workout bonus. If Joey was the one the Chargers were pressuring to halve his salary, there’s a likely scenario that Khalil actually came in to bridge the gap. If that’s the case - and I doubt either player admits it - it’d be an incredible gesture and vote of confidence from Mack towards Bosa, and really putting action to the following quote:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Khalil Mack on possibly setting a career high in sacks in Year 10: "It's a team game, and I'm trying to win. That's all I really care about. Stats, whatever comes with it, it comes with it. But I want to win ball games. I'm at that stage of my career where I want to f—king win."</p>— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) <a href="https://twitter.com/danielrpopper/status/1730360030300701150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 30, 2023</a>
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<p id="Rweqv7">This is a fascinating story, and is <em>really</em> encouraging to see that both players came together to make this happen. This sheds a far more positive light than Joe Hortiz simply restructuring both players. </p>
<p id="s8iA1C">Most importantly, this is a move from two elite football players that want to <em>win</em>, and despite the Chargers five win season that just ended months ago... they believe this is the place to do it.</p>
<p id="WhcBBh">As Tom Pelissero wrote - this move saved $24 million in cap space, and once the numbers officially come out we'll update on the effect of the 2025 cap.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2024/3/14/24101391/chargers-news-khalil-mack-joey-bosa-joe-hortiz-jim-harbaugh-derwin-james-jesse-minter-pay-cutKyle DeDiminicantanio2024-03-14T11:41:24-07:002024-03-14T11:41:24-07:00Joey Bosa restructures with the Chargers
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<p>Joey Bosa has joined Khalil Mack by restructuring his contract</p> <p id="e3qyca">Joey Bosa has restructured his deal to help open up for cap space for the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a>, as reported by Adam Schefter.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pro Bowl DE Joey Bosa restructured his contract to remain with the Los Angeles Chargers, per sources. So Bosa and Khalil Mack both agree to restructure and both stay in LA. <a href="https://t.co/8Bcq8bcbDz">pic.twitter.com/8Bcq8bcbDz</a></p>— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1768336238128296008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a>
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<p id="qKuVTi">This is an interesting move, as it recreates a similar situation that the Chargers found themself in last offseason. Joe Hortiz undoubtedly has a plan and deserves much more trust at this point than Year 11 Tom Telesco, but the decision to again create cap flexibility from two older veteran players that offered plenty of cap savings if moved is an interesting one.</p>
<p id="X7tsA1">An optimist would point out that it’s been an absolute crime to not have Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack play a full season together, and with the addition of Tuli Tuipulotu, the Chargers could finally deliver on the promise of an elite pass rush after two years of heartbreak.</p>
<p id="3vOTfg">However, Father Time is trying to catch up to Mack, who has done an amazing job of sustaining an elite career through his age-32 season. Bosa hasn’t shown much hope in staying available and healthy, so ignoring the healthy cap savings either of these players could offer is a quite the gambit. Pair the draft compensation Hortiz could likely gain from a trade, and it becomes a little questionable.</p>
<p id="ZcHyF6">Assuming this isn’t a restructure-and-trade situation, the Chargers are actually making moves to compete immediately in Year One with Jim Harbaugh. Perhaps in his first season, it’s simply best to help Harbaugh instill a winning culture with his elite veterans on the roster, setting a tone.</p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2024/3/14/24101040/joey-bosa-restructures-chargers-khalil-mack-justin-herbert-joe-hortiz-jim-harbaugh-jesse-minterKyle DeDiminicantanio2024-03-14T11:25:56-07:002024-03-14T11:25:56-07:00Hayden Hurst to sign with the Chargers
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<p>The Chargers are signing the former first round tight end</p> <p id="e3qyca">Hayden Hurst is reportedly visiting the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> and expected to sign shortly, as reported by Charlie Bennet and confirmed by Ian Rapoport.</p>
<p id="jGCZID">There’s other choices for an embedded Tweet here, but let’s go with the source material for a laugh.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rumors Hayden Hurst headed to LA Chargers <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapSheet</a> - hurst finds a new home. First look in new uni. Art credit <a href="https://twitter.com/flood35_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@flood35_</a> <a href="https://t.co/t5mXbLLLIQ">pic.twitter.com/t5mXbLLLIQ</a></p>— Charlie Burnett (@burnettstheshet) <a href="https://twitter.com/burnettstheshet/status/1768323046329250036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a>
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<p id="7yPDq3">Hurst was a first round pick in 2018, when the Ravens drafted the tight end out of South Carolina. This is another Greg Roman and Joe Hortiz reunion, and should be noted that although Hayden has had an up-and-down career, the two best years of his career were his two years in Baltimore. When Atlanta traded a second round pick for Hurst and a fourth, he had his best receiving stat line, boasting a 56 catch, 571 yard, and six touchdown season, but his most balanced years with a balanced blend of blocking and receiving was with the Ravens.</p>
<p id="i1vB9e">The curious part of this signing - and what fans will likely wonder - is what does this mean for draft priority? </p>
<p id="oKJ8EN">Although the contract details haven’t been released yet, it’s really important to understand the context of how Hayden’s season ended. Hurst had a Grade 3 concussion in November, and was placed on the IR with post-traumatic amnesia. Hurst is a great insurance play for the Chargers to enter the draft with; he can certainly fill a role if healthy, and when paired will Will Dissly create a formidable tight end room for Roman’s scheme.</p>
<p id="48SkPD">However, with a head injury of that magnitude it’s very unlikely that Hortiz and Roman see the tight end room as complete. All options remain on the table, but Hayden does bring a solid veteran presence if the Chargers elect to draft a Day Three tight end with upside.</p>
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https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2024/3/14/24101011/hayden-hurst-cahrgers-brock-bowers-will-dissly-jim-harbaugh-joe-hortiz-greg-roman-justin-herbertKyle DeDiminicantanio2024-03-14T07:38:13-07:002024-03-14T07:38:13-07:00PowderKeg Podcast Ep 3: What kind of scheme will Jesse Minter bring to the Chargers’ defense?
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<img alt="University of Michigan vs East Carolina University" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kDfyrfZWf4PyClPfLNDuksAkGbw=/0x0:2400x1600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73206630/1662928348.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Set Number: X164411 TK1</figcaption>
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<p>PowderKeg Podcast breaks down Jesse Minter’s Michigan defensive scheme from their championship winning team to see what kind of system he will bring to the Chargers this upcoming season.</p> <p id="dfgeUP">Hey Bolts From the Blue Family... </p>
<p id="sqJKUV">The 2024 season is officially underway and the free agency period has kicked off alongside it. Player acquisitions are flying in for all 32 team including the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> who brought in Gus Edwards and Will Dissly as well as re-signing Alohi Gilman. </p>
<p id="XRW6vQ">The next phase of the offseason cycle after free agency is the Draft and a lot of positional gaps still need to be addressed. Jesse Minter’s scheme requires a lot of specific player types to play unique roles so to understand what those roles are and how his scheme works as a whole we decided to do a full schematic breakdown of his championship winning Michigan defense. We'll be looking at personnel groupings, fronts, coverages and pass rush packages in order to understand what kind of defense Jesse Minter will be providing Jim Harbaugh with.</p>
<div id="KCRpoT"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0aKUhlJHJmk?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="vM1wF1">As always, thank you to ALL OF YOU that have support us the way you do. Analytical pieces like this are another part of what The Powderkeg Podcast are trying to build so if you have any suggestions for what we can look at next let us know in the comments! </p>
<p id="brhFZn"><a href="https://youtu.be/0aKUhlJHJmk?si=YWjwGL1Q5u9tl53t">Here is a link to the YouTube page if you prefer following along there.</a></p>
https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2024/3/14/24100020/chargers-nfl-powderkeg-podcast-jesse-minter-jim-harbaugh-michigan-wolverinesRyan Watkins