“Back Together Saturday” for the Los Angeles Chargers brought out the crowd and franchise legends Lorenzo Neal, Kassim Osgood, and LaDainian Tomlinson.
All three joined the Chargers spectators in watching two of the youngest members of L.A.’s future put on a show in Costa Mesa: Quentin Johnston and Asante Samuel Jr. Their play drew sideline reactions from the franchise icons and, in the case of the offensive rookie, impressed one longtime veteran.
Quentin Johnston Continues To Impress Chargers With Work Ethic and in Picking up Offense
Johnston has hit the ground running for the Chargers in his first NFL camp. And he showed the explosive skill set that made him L.A.’s first 2023 draft selection not only in front of fans, but another TCU standout in Tomlinson.
On the second play of 7-on-7’s and with the Bolts in shirts, shorts and helmet on a humid day, Justin Herbert swung a pass to his right toward the former Horned Frog — only to later watch him turn upfield for the field-stretching 40-yard score.
Johnston then came right back during team drills by hauling in a leaping sideline grab that would’ve been complete if he were still wearing a TCU helmet. Unfortunately, he had one foot in and was ruled out of bounds. But that play still generated excitement among Charger fans.
but he can’t catch with his hands????? pic.twitter.com/WqYf700cwJ
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 29, 2023
Even veteran wide receiver and longtime face of the Chargers wideout room Keenan Allen has been impressed with “Q” so far in camp.
“Q is definitely explosive. He’s strong to the catch,” Allen said. “He makes some crazy catches out here…jumping up and getting them.”
Before Saturday, Johnston became the deep ball igniter for Herbert and the Chargers. But with a standing room only crowd and past franchise legends in attendance, he continued his trajectory with the Chargers.
Asante Samuel Jr. Tested on Back-to-Back Plays, Wins Both Battles for Defensive Highlights
On the defensive side, third-year cornerback Samuel got tested twice during team drills. And claimed both individual wins.
First sequence, Keenan Allen cutting inside with Samuel trying to stay attached to the hip. Samuel got enough extension to break up the pass intended for the perennial Pro Bowl veteran wideout.
But the second sequence? Samuel reading a short screen, leaping to the sky, then bringing the roar out of Bolts fans by returning it for the pick six.
zont called ball pic.twitter.com/H7l7w2Jg4Z
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 29, 2023
One defensive mind wasn’t surprised to see Samuel make that play: His head coach Brandon Staley.
“Asante is a starting-caliber corner in the league,” Staley said. “He has made a lot of big plays for us in his first two years.”
It helps, though, that now in season three, he’s gotten used to facing veteran wideouts like Allen and Mike Williams, then the AFC West gauntlet featuring Jerry Jeudy, Davante Adams and the Kansas City Chiefs’ plethora of weapons, to sharpen his game.
“I think that he has proven himself against the top receivers in the league. We’ve trusted him that way,” Staley added. “We’re going to try and keep training him in multiple spots because we know that he can play inside, too.
Training Camp Absence, Plus Eric Kendricks Loving California Return
Center Corey Linsley was one notable absence, but due to him and wife expecting a child. Linsley is entering his 10th season in the league.
While Johnston put his catching prowess on display, second-year pro John Hightower set the early tone with a turning and leaping grab near the 10 during 7-on-7.
Back to defense, Eric Kendricks is readjusting to California humidity having grown up in Fresno and starring at UCLA. He shared how he feels more rejuvenated being in front of family and friends again after so many years in the midwest.
“I’ve been telling my wife, I’ve been having so much fun just smiling in the California sunshine,” the former Minnesota Vikings linebacker said.
Kendricks, though, knows he can’t always overspend basking in the Golden State sun again. He’s set to wear the green dot in his first season with the Bolts. He’s already brought a presence expected from a veteran — one who leads by example and leads others as Staley has seen.
“There are a lot of things I like about Eric Kendricks,” Staley said. “You see him every single day and there’s little things, but things. But he’s calm, and you need that out there in the middle. He’s got full command and he can see the game.”
Staley then gave Kendricks this other strong title.
“He’s a complete player at linebacker,” Staley said. “In the run game, pass game, as a blitzer, he’s got outstanding feel.”
Kendricks was also officially joined by his former Vikings teammate Blake Lynch on Saturday, who made his Chargers debut by wearing No. 53. Lynch was claimed off waivers Friday.
Quote of the Day
“I still think I’ve got a chip on my shoulder. Still got something to prove…obviously with the Madden ratings coming out, obviously got to go out and prove more stuff,” Allen on his motivation for 2022.
Someone wasn’t too pleased with his 89 score by the video game giant. So along with aiming to maintain his speed, he’s out to prove he’s better than what his score indicates.
Allen mostly worked underneath routes with Herbert during group and team sessions. He also agreed to one reporter’s question that sometimes, it feels he and Herbert can operate on the field blindfolded and still produce because of how strong their chemistry is.
