This episode of Bleav in Chargers Matt " Money" Smith and Lorenzo Neal break down the Chargers’ preseason performance, focusing on standout players, depth across the roster, and the tough decisions the coaches will face when cutting down to the 53-man roster. They highlight emerging talents on defense and special teams, discuss key injuries (including Rashawn Slater), and what it all means for the Chargers’ outlook going into the regular season.
01:00 Lorenzo’s appearance on another podcast with Julian Edelman
02:30 Caleb Murphy’s rise as a potential fourth edge rusher
05:45 Chargers’ impressive depth and undrafted free agents making splash plays
08:00 Defensive backs making back-to-back pick sixes
12:20 Standout performances from pass rushers and Jamaree Caldwell
16:00 The importance and leadership of safety Tony Jefferson
22:00 Spotlight on Marlo Wax, standout linebacker performance
27:30 Battle for the running back positions and Najee Harris’ injury
32:00 Special teams battles, Del'shawn Phillips, and depth at linebacker
34:30 Rashawn Slater’s injury and reshuffling the offensive line
39:00 Possibility of trades or additions to offensive line depth40:45 Recap: position battles, quarterback backup competition, overall camp competitive spirit

💰 Presented by FanDuel https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/

☕️ To Purchase the MUG : https://shop.bleav.com/product/bleav-in-chargers-mug/

🎸 Music by: youtube.com/@PrestynSmithMusic

On this episode of Bleav in Chargers, Matt 'Money' Smith and Lorenzo Neal discuss the exciting news of Keenan Allen’s return to the Chargers after his stint with the Bears. They dive into what Allen brings to the team as a veteran receiver and break down how his experience and route-running abilities will complement the young talent in the wide receiver room. They talk about the impact on the offense, questions about Allen’s injury history, and how the coaching staff will integrate both him and second-year receiver Ladd McConkey, especially given both excel in the slot. They also analyze the team’s current roster construction, positional battles, and the challenges on the offensive line, with particular focus on the center and guard spots.

[00:02:32] – Keenan Allen’s return to the Chargers

[00:03:09] – Keenan Allen’s career trajectory and current potential

[00:05:09] – Mike Williams retirement and impact on receiver room

[00:05:40] – Talent and injuries at Chargers training camp

[00:07:47] – Division competition and urgency for certainty at WR

[00:08:38] – Roles of younger wide receivers and veteran presence

[00:11:06] – Offensive formations and Keenan/Ladd usage

[00:11:56] – Managing Keenan Allen’s workload

[00:14:08] – Rookie readiness and responsibilities

[00:15:50] – Rookies and special teams contributions

[00:17:44] – Keenan Allen’s contract details and leadership expectations

[00:19:48] – Gameday active WRs and roster implications of Keenan’s signing

[00:21:30] – Special teams and who gets cut from roster

[00:22:23] – Need for veteran steadiness amid uncertainty

[00:23:17] – Chargers offensive line changes and questions

[00:25:27] – O-line personnel decisions and analysis

[00:28:23] – Importance of O-line, KC/DEN/LV defensive pressure

[00:29:52] – Center/guard importance and QB pocket movement

[00:30:46] – Rookie running backs, Omarion Hampton

[00:31:37] – Chargers offensive line run blocking strengths

[00:32:31] – Offensive line, WR releases, run game complementing weaknesses

[00:34:30] – Running game impact on 3rd downs and outlook for 2025

[00:35:39] – Early down success, running game, and playoff caliber football

[00:36:36] – Red zone issues, need for improvement

[00:40:12] – Defensive line depth and rotations post free agency

[00:42:47] – DL coaches impact,

[00:43:25] – AFC West strength of schedule and Chargers hype

[00:46:01] – Final roster cut logic and WR competition

[00:47:26] – Importance of hot division start, Keenan’s impact

[00:48:11] – Keenan’s career Charger receptions milestone

💰 Presented by FanDuel https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/
☕️ To Purchase the MUG : https://shop.bleav.com/product/bleav-in-chargers-mug/
🎸 Music by: youtube.com/@PrestynSmithMusic

The episode kicks off with excitement over a new FanDuel partnership and dives right into the Chargers’ preseason win in Canton. The hosts discuss Jim Harbaugh’s impact on the team, focusing on the strong organization, staff investments, and immediate on-field results. They highlight the defensive line’s dominance, standout performances from both rookies Reed) and veterans , and emerging depth across running back and wide receiver groups. The show also touches on the upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony honoring Antonio Gates, with guest Arthur Hightower sharing his perspective on Chargers history and culture. The hosts finish with optimism about the Chargers’ future, noting how team depth could be key in a tough division.

00:00:15 — Intro & FanDuel Partnership: Hosts express excitement about the sponsorship. - 00:01:00 — Chargers Win Preseason Game: Recap of the game and the "always compete" mantra. - 00:02:19 — Harbaugh’s Team Preparation: Comparing Chargers’ organization to the Lions; special teams highlighted. - 00:05:12 — Staff Decisions: Importance of leadership and recent struggles. - 00:06:11 — Investment in Coaching: Financial commitment to key coaching hires mentioned. - 00:07:27 — Defensive Line Dominance: Analysis of the Chargers’ interior line performance. - 00:10:09 — Veterans & Standout Plays: Focus on Tony Jefferson and team dynamics. - 00:13:14 — Rookies Making an Impact: Highlighting undrafted rookie Nico Reed's progress. - 00:19:23 — Roster Depth: Discussion on team depth and its impact on injuries. - 00:23:29 — Running Back Battle: Recap of running back performances and competition. - 00:27:04 — Veteran Leadership: Importance of experienced players mentoring younger ones. - 00:28:11 — Trey Lance's Development: Support for Lance’s growth as a backup QB. - 00:32:06 — Upcoming Challenges: Looking ahead to the next preseason game against the Saints. - 00:35:33 — Hall of Fame Focus: Preview of Antonio Gates’ induction. - 00:43:32 — Guest Perspective: Arthur Hightower discusses Chargers history and rookies. - 00:46:24 — Fullback Discussion: Lack of fullbacks in the Hall of Fame, spotlight on Lorenzo Neal.