The Chargers are done with training camp and the preseason, and they will now finalize their 53-man roster by 1 pm PT on Tuesday.
With that, it’s a good time to hand out some awards.
I cover different bases, from the best offensive and defensive players to the biggest disappointments.
The envelopes, please…
Offensive MVP: WR Michael Bandy
This was a toss-up between Bandy and Josh Palmer. Bandy brought a new storyline of why the Chargers should keep six wide receivers. He was beyond impressive in what he showed under the lights, running silky smooth routes to get open and hauling in everything thrown his direction. Bandy finished the preseason with an eye-popping stat line of 18 receptions on 23 targets for 172 yards and two touchdowns. If Bandy clears waivers, I expect Los Angeles to sign him to the practice squad. But the chances of that happening are slim with the tape he put out.
Defensive MVP: EDGE Chris Rumph
One of the storylines of the summer was Rumph’s added weight and strength after boasting a lean and lanky frame during his rookie campaign. That translated to the playing field. On top of his athleticism, more power popped in Rumph’s pass rushes and when setting the edge against the run. He showed that he will be a reliable rotational edge rusher behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack in 2022.
Best comeback: CB Michael Davis
Heading into the 2021 season as the team’s top corner, it was presumed that Davis’ versatility in coverage, length, and athleticism would make him an excellent fit for Brandon Staley’s scheme. However, that did not come to fruition. Davis struggled to grasp the complexities of Staley’s coverage systems, and he dealt with a hamstring issue midway through the season that kept him out for a few games. Fast forward, Davis entered this summer as the fourth cornerback on the depth chart following the offseason additions of J.C. Jackson and Bryce Callahan. But as the saying goes, no pressure, no diamonds. That is what Davis lived by, as he responded to all the added competition with an excellent product on the field. He looked sticky in coverage, got his hands on the football, and more efficient as a tackler. If Jackson is out for the first and even the second game of the season, Davis will start on the outside opposite Asante Samuel Jr. However, he earned the billing as CB2 when Jackson returns.
Positive surprise: RB Joshua Kelley
Before the start of camp, rookie Isaiah Spiller was being deemed the second running back. However, out of left field, Kelley was the one who raised eyebrows in the position group and ultimately won the job to start the season. After taking on a detailed off-season training and nutrition regimen, Kelley looked like an enhanced player. Kelley was more physical, elusive, and decisive as a runner, breaking through tackles and making defenders miss. In the passing game, he caught the ball well and improved in pass protection, an area Kelley struggled with early on in his career. He finished the preseason with 16 carries for 74 yards (4.6 yards per carry).
Most impressive: DT Breiden Fehoko
One of the better run defenders from last year’s team, Fehoko made plenty of strides this summer. Building on his strong 2021 campaign, Fehoko racked up tackles for losses, split double teams, and made life for second and third-team offensive lines difficult. However, he looked more technically refined as a pass rusher in one on ones and in preseason action, especially against the Saints. Assuming he makes the initial 53-man roster, Fehoko will provide reliable depth from the jump.
Most valuable newcomer: EDGE Khalil Mack
Mack was, as advertised, a game-changer on the edge. After suffering a foot injury last season, Mack looked completely healthy – gave fits as a pass rusher, and was stout against the run. While he may not return to his Defensive Player of the Year-caliber of play this season, Mack, opposite Joey Bosa, will still present a player capable of boosting a group that ranked 25th in pressure rate and 28th in run defense in 2021.
Biggest disappointment: Mark Webb's injury
Webb was making noise early on in camp, working with the first team defense as the “money” (hybrid safety-linebacker), a reserved role for Derwin James, who sat out while the team negotiated his contract extension. Webb also trained at traditional safety and “star” (nickel cornerback). However, that was short-lived as he had a soft-tissue injury to his calf. This all came after he missed time in training camp last summer with a hamstring injury. Webb then only played in seven regular season games before landing on injured reserve after knee surgery. This is unfortunate for someone who was believed to be a reliable depth piece across multiple positions in the secondary early on this season.
Biggest rookie surprise: CB Ja'Sir Taylor
Entering camp, Taylor was far from guaranteed a roster spot. But by the end of it, he not only earned one, but he was the fifth-best cornerback. Primarily working in the slot, Taylor showed the quick twitch and reactive athleticism to make plays in coverage and high effort in run support. He also played gunner with the punt team really well. The coaching staff had high praise for Taylor.
Biggest rookie disappointment: S JT Woods
This isn’t saying that Woods is a bad player by any means. However, being a third-round pick and envisioned as the second safety next to Nasir Adderley in dime packages, expectations will be slightly higher. Unfortunately, he struggled to live up to the billing. Even though he flashed solid diagnosis skills and range, Woods’ tackling was a major issue. In three preseason games, Woods missed four tackles. The physical tools are there, but tackling is something he will need to improve to make it in this league.
53-man puzzle: EDGE Jamal Davis
With Kyle Van Noy set to start at inside linebacker alongside Drue Tranquill, the question that now lingers is whether the Chargers will roster four edge defenders. If so, Davis made a solid case to fill that gap. While unrefined at rushing the passer, Davis showed plenty of juice, power and the use of length to be disruptive, finishing with eight pressure in three games. He was also stout at setting edges and played with a high effort to make plays in the run game.
Reason for hope: OT Trey Pipkins
I said it before the summer, but I believed that Pipkins had the leg up for the starting right tackle job over Storm Norton. Pipkins played well in his only two starts in 2021 and spent this offseason working with highly touted offensive line developer Duke Manyweather. He carried that over to the summer. Pipkins showed consistency in pass protection, allowing just one pressure in the three preseason games and faring well against Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. In addition, he looked good as a run blocker, moving to the second level and getting out in space. A position that was a glaring problem last season, we will see if Pipkins can put the bandaid over it.
Best quote: Brandon Staley heaps high praise on Derwin James
“I don’t look at Derwin as a safety. I look at Derwin as an impact player. I think if you were just looking at him as a safety, that wouldn’t be doing Derwin justice,” Staley said, via The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. “For me, I look at him as a defensive back. When I see him, I’m like, that’s a defensive back, because he can play anywhere. He can play either safety spot. He can play corner. He can play Star or Money. He can rush the quarterback and make an impact as a blitzer. He can make an impact in man-to-man coverage. And then he can make an impact in zone defense, whether he’s playing low or high. And he’s our signal-caller and the heartbeat of our defense.”
