Charger fans, the time is almost arriving. In just less than three weeks, your Chargers will be back in Costa Mesa for training camp. Training camp sets the tone for the upcoming season, gets guys back into the groove of things, and lets guys fight for a roster spot or a starting spot.
For the most part, we already know who will be starting where, but others, even those not in jeopardy of missing the team, are still fighting for a starting spot. There are a handful of positions like that on the Botls, but the one that will stand out this training camp will be the nickel back position between Asante Samuel Jr. and Ja'Sir Taylor. At least, according to NFL columnist Nate Gosney.
Gosney listed this training camp battle as number one on his list, and here's why.
The Chargers cornerback battle is the most important training camp competition for Los Angeles. This has real implications to both the start the season and future roster management. After a three-interception game in the heartbreaking loss to the Jaguars, you would think that Asante Samuel Jr. has his spot on complete lockdown. Although, leading up to the playoff game it wasn’t all smooth for the former second-round selection. The Chargers coaching staff benched Asante Samuel Jr. for Ja’sir Taylor in Week 15.
This will be Samuel Jr.'s third season in the league, while Taylor will enter his second season in the league.
Samuel Jr. played in all 17 games, starting in 15 of them, and finished it with two interceptions, 57 total tackles, and one tackle for loss. He allowed 48 out of 87 balls caught, totaling a completion percentage of 55.2%, a seven percent jump from his rookie season. Asnate had an incredible playoff game (regardless of the result) and should be his position to lose in 2023.
It was a different story for Taylor, as he only started in three games while playing in nine of them. The 2022 sixth-round pick was mostly in for special teams but ended the season with 13 tackles and seven receptions allowed in 10 targets.
This year should be different for the two, and a lot will be expected out of both. One could say the secondary for LA is the weakest of all their positions; regardless, they'll show that not to be true this upcoming season.
We can't wait to see them duke it out come late July.
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