2 studs and 1 dud from start of Chargers training camp
By Jason Reed
Dud of Chargers training camp: Asante Samuel Jr.
Asante Samuel Jr. is the biggest dud of Chargers training camp thus far and it is not really even his fault. It is not like he is going out there and playing horribly, he is more of a victim of his circumstance. It seemed impossible to many fans but with the way things are trending, Samuel won't even start on defense for the Bolts.
The return of Jackson to the defense, mixed with the fact that Michael Davis played at a very high level last season, has pushed Samuel all the way down to CB4 on the depth chart. Many assumed that Samuel would simply start in the slot but that has not been the case.
It was hinted before camp that Samuel would not be in line for the starting job and training camp has only confirmed that thus far.
In terms of snaps to start camp:
— Garrett Sisti (@GarrettSisti) July 27, 2023
-Ja’Sir Taylor starting slot CB, Jackson/Davis outside
-Joshua Palmer is WR3
-Larry Rountree is RB4
-It’s a IDL rotation next to SJD (with Tito/Johnson out) of Hinton/Williams/Matlock
When asked by reporters if Samuel could push Ja'Sir Taylor for the starting star role in the defense, head coach Brandon Staley gave a run-around answer that doesn't seem to bode well for Samuel. Despite having a great showing the AFC Wild Card Game, Samuel could be the odd man out.
The main reason, outside of Davis thriving and Jackson being the big-contract cornerback, is the fact that Samuel struggles against the run. A slot corner has to be able to defend the run and while Samuel is better in coverage than Taylor, Taylor is miles better than Samuel against the run.
Staley should be able to naturally find a way to still get Samuel plenty of snaps for the defense. The hope just has to be that Samuel is accepting of this role and this potential demotion from last season.