Chargers’ Offensive Line Still Unstable Heading Into Training Camp

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But what was left unsettled was left tackle and center. Through the spring practices, Bozeman and Zion Johnson, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, have been rotating at the position.

“Maybe the combination is going to be better with Zion at center and Boze at guard. But if it’s not, we know we have a great combination with Boze at center and Zion at guard. So we feel like we’re in a really good place.”

Heading into training camp, that rotation continues. On the first day of training camp, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reported that ‘Bozeman was at center, and Zion Johnson was at left guard with the first-team offensive line.’

Today, that was flipped. Which means this matter remains unsettled. The Chargers certainly have plenty of time before the team kicks off their season in Brazil against the Kansas City Chiefs, but as recent evidence from across town proves, getting this sorted out is better sooner rather than later.

The 2024 Los Angeles Rams attempted to switch their 2023 left guard, Steve Avila to center having signed Jonah Jackson. As the season rapidly approached, it became evident that Avila was not suited to play the position, nor was Jackson. The Rams attempted to roll with rookie Beaux Limmer, who was described as a graduate playing against Ph. D.s. While the patch worked, similarly to the Chargers, the Rams felt the consequences in the playoffs.

Unlike Avila, Johnson has no experience playing the position, college or pro’s, and it shows, at least on day 2 of training camp. He once sent a bad snap toward Herbert, which was on target but was a wobbler. On a later snap in goal line formation, Johnson sent the ball over Herbert’s right shoulder, effectively ending the play.

Herbert gave Johnson a vote of confidence, saying, “At center, you’ve got to be one of the fastest players out there mentally. He’s capable of that.”

Beyond simply winning at the line of scrimmage, the center plays a crucial role in communication and building a close, trusting rapport with the quarterback. So while the Chargers have 45 days, each snap counts as the Rams

From day one, Harbaugh has preached the importance of nailing the front 5 of the offense. Within the building, this decision is a closely watched one without a doubt.