As the Chargers finished their first week of training camp, the foundation is being laid by players and coaches alike. While this is the second year of head coach Jim Harbaugh and his staff, they know that keeping a constant standard is more important than any expectation.
“It’s good getting the guys back together and building towards what you want to accomplish for the following season,” Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter said about the mentality early in camp. “It’s a hungry group, and they enjoy putting the work in to become better, and you saw it today with some of the plays the defense made and the high level of competition between offense and defense.”
Last year, the Chargers’ defense finished the season ranked 1st in points allowed, averaging a league-low 18. Last year we had a top-ranked defense, and while many expect that to be an expectation, I operate on standards,” Minter said about the improvements and next step for the defense. As a group, we have a standard on how we want to play, and we will live with the results. Regardless of what the final stats are, as long as we are consistently maintaining our standard, we accept the result of it.”
Minter mentioned that he doesn’t want his players chasing expectations because it will get in their way. He wants them to focus on improving every day and keeping a competitive mindset. Early in camp, this mentality has led to the defense creating two turnovers on Friday during the 11-on-11 period. Linebacker Daiyan Henley intercepted a pass from Justin Herbert intended for receiver Ladd and returned it for a touchdown. Rookie safety R.J. Mickens, who has been impressing coaches, created the second interception by catching a sailing pass from Taylor Heinicke.
Outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (Tu for short), who’s going into his third year, says it’s business as usual. “I feel like every year I come into, it has to be a big year,” Tuipulotu said Friday. “That was my mindset coming into last year, and it’s going to be the same mindset coming into this year.” With Joey Bosa gone, Tuipulotu knows the opportunity that lies in front of him. “I want offenses to be confused about who to shift protection between me and Khalil. He is the standard I strive to meet every day because I know we will both have the opportunity to eat well.”
Minter mentioned the growth in things off the field, as he does speak up on occasion and has become a respected voice entering his third year.
“Tu, he’s a quiet dude. But when he speaks up, everybody listens,” Mack said. “It’s good to see him coming into himself from a vocal standpoint. Especially when we’re on the field or on the sideline, we’ll get the call,l and he’ll kind of call it.”
