The Chargers and Cowboys held joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for their Saturday preseason matchup.
While usually in the news for scuffles they cause, joint practices are another critical opportunity to see how talent stacks up when going against unfamiliar opponents.
Here are my takeaways from this week’s sessions:
Offensive line still a work in progress
All of the Chargers’ starters reportedly gave up a sack in Wednesday’s session, including both Storm Norton and Trey Pipkins. Dallas has a solid defensive line headlined by Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence, but it’s still not an inspiring sign for LA. The AFC West has loaded up on pass rushers this offseason, and the Chargers’ offensive line will have to have better showings in the action that counts if this team is going to make a run. Hopefully, with time comes better performance, as LA is still working rookie Zion Johnson into the fold while determining the right tackle battle. A consistent lineup will only help build the chemistry that offensive lines desperately require.
Michael Davis stepping up
Davis struggled to open camp with a seemingly challenging path to starting reps with J.C. Jackson, Bryce Callahan, and Asante Samuel Jr. taking the majority. But Samuel gave way to Davis as the second corner in the first preseason game against the Rams, and Davis has refused to hand the spot back to him thus far. Working as the boundary corner opposite Jackson, Davis had an interception of Dak Prescott and a fumble recovery across the two sessions. It seems he’s stepped up his game since telling the media last week that off-field distractions led to his poor play last season. Meanwhile, Samuel doesn’t look like he’s taken the leap the coaching staff was hoping for. It’ll be an exciting battle to watch leading up to the regular season.
Run defense improvements
The Chargers’ run defense has reportedly looked strong against a Cowboys team known for its prowess in that area – Dallas was 13th in rush DVOA last season. Sebastian Joseph-Day also got into it on Thursday, throwing the first punch of either session during a scrap with Cowboys tackle Terence Steele. I’m not saying the Chargers should be going out there and starting fights, but to know that the defensive line has more of that edge to them is good news. LA desperately needs to improve upon a league-worst run defense from 2021, and so far, it seems as though they will.
Offensive chemistry building
On Wednesday, Justin Herbert went 10 of 12 when targeting Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, his top two receivers from last season. Thursday, Allen said after practice that Herbert stays “an hour and a half after practice” to throw with the receivers, a sharp contrast to Philip Rivers, who “never stayed,” according to Allen. That chemistry, and the extra work Herbert is putting in to build it, will be a key factor down the stretch. That’s doubly true if the offensive line continues to struggle, as Herbert has the tools to extend plays. Having a telepathic connection with his receivers when he does so will lead to some highlight outcomes.
Renewed vigor for Khalil Mack
We’ve heard all offseason that Mack is eager to show the NFL that he’s still a top ten pass rusher in the game. These practices with Dallas were his first opportunity to beat up on another team after sitting out the preseason opener against the Rams, and beating up on them, he did. The former Defensive Player of the Year set up camp in the Cowboys’ backfield for most of Wednesday’s practice, logging multiple quick pressures, including a sack and a hurry leading to an interception during Dallas’ two-minute drill. If this is the version of Khalil Mack the Chargers get all season, the offense may not even have to do much work to win games. Mack, Joey Bosa, and Derwin James will do everything themselves.
