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Chargers Weekly | Head Coach Brandon Staley: Camp Competition, Justin Herbert’s Work Ethic & Keenan Allen’s Impact

Chargers Weekly | Head Coach Brandon Staley: Camp Competition, Justin Herbert’s Work Ethic & Keenan Allen’s Impact


Highlights of the conversation with Staley are below:

On rookie G Zion Johnson getting compared to 2021 rookie Rashawn Slater:

“I think our initial impression was ‘Hey, let’s be careful about comparing one or the other.’ I think as a coach, you’re guarded about comparisons. And then, your players end up doing it for you. I think for Zion to have earned the respect of Corey [Linsley] and Matt [Feiler] says so much about him. He’s come out and really competed well.”

“…He has a good head on his shoulders and physically, he’s shown he belongs. But it’s that mental side of the game as a lineman that you have to prove. I think he’s shown that he’s got the mindset to be a top player.”

“…He’s still at the beginning though, and I think as his coach, there’s so much for him to experience, there’s so much for him to improve on, but to make that type of impression this early on in pads shows you where he can go.”

On how he feels a week into training camp and the competition so far:

“We’re excited about the foundation. I think your first seven practices is where you really implement the scheme and the situations and the techniques that are going to set the course for your season. I think we’ve had seven competitive practices.”

“…I like the competition. I think it’s complete competition in all three phases, and that’s what i’m looking for. I’m looking for improvement within the football team and our guys got better today. I’m excited to see us finish this next block with a scrimmage on Sunday night in front of our fans.”

“…I think what’s different with this camp [compared] to the last camp is that the competition on both sides of the ball, and in the kicking game, is at a high level. I think that’s what you’re after in being a complete football team. There’s a lot of good individual battles, you know 1-on-1s. Then there’s good unit battles and then on special teams, those guys are really competing hard for spots and that’s what I’ve been excited about.”

On how they practice…

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