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NFL offensive line rankings this season - Sam Monson
Spare a thought for Philip Rivers, who has to watch the other two big QBs from the 2004 draft class steering playoff-bound teams and contending for a championship while he deals with one of the worst offensive lines in the game. Center Matt Slauson was the best part of this offensive line, and his play was average, at best. This line couldn’t pass protect, surrendering 238 total QB pressures for the second-lowest pass-blocking efficiency mark in the league, and its run blocking was no better. Of 1,510 rushing yards as a team, 906 of them came after contact, with the line generating an average of just 1.5 yards before contact per carry.
Coaching Notes: Bradley, Kelly, Bears, Titans - Ben Levine
The Chargers and new head coach Anthony Lynn want Gus Bradley to be their defensive coordinator, reports Michael Silver of Sports Illustrated (via Twitter). It was reported last week that the new Los Angeles franchise was looking at Bradley for the gig, and that interest made more sense following reports that former defensive coordinator John Pagano wouldn’t be returning. However, Bradley isn’t in a rush to sign a deal. The former Jaguars coach is waiting to see whether the 49ers will hire Seahawks offensive line/assistant head coach Tom Cable as their head coach. The duo coached together in Seattle from 2011 through 2012, and we can assume that Bradley would be interested in joining Cable’s 49ers staff. Alex Marvez of the Sporting News reports (via Twitter) that Bradley is a "top choice" for Cable’s hypothetical staff.
Ranking all 32 NFL defensive front-sevens - Michael Renner
No team in the NFL had a more productive edge duo than Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram this past year, as they finished fifth and sixth, respectively, at the position. Outside of that pair, however, there was not much to speak of whatsoever. Nose tackle Brandon Mebane had a career resurgence, but only managed 340 snaps, as he was lost for the season in Week 10. Corey Liuget didn’t manage a sack all season on 495 pass rushes, the most for any such player in the NFL.
Los Angeles Chargers introduce Anthony Lynn as new head coach - Eric Williams
"You can tell right away he has this authentic leadership to him," said Spanos, who had final decision on the head-coaching hire for the first time in his relatively new role. "He's a no-nonsense guy, and he's real genuine. He's a guy that you can just picture leading this team, and the guys buying in and playing hard for him."
AFC Notes: Bolts, Texans, Fins, Browns - Connor Byrne
Before the Chargers hired Anthony Lynn as their head coach, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that he would retain offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt if he got the job. That will indeed be the case, Lynn confirmed Tuesday at his introductory press conference. Whisenhunt, who’s in his second stint with the Chargers, will enter his third season atop the club’s offense. He has a "strong relationship" with quarterback Philip Rivers, notes CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora (Twitter link).