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Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Is Tuli Tuipulotu the next Joey Bosa for the Chargers? Edge rusher 'does it all'
Tuli Tuipulotu is still finding his voice. Naturally, he speaks through force on the field — a relentless pass rusher with a patented spin move that is disruptive to most offenses. Yet the third-year edge rusher for the Chargers remains reserved and soft-spoken in the locker room, still growing into his presence. 'He's a quiet dude,' said Khalil Mack. 'But when he speaks up, everybody listens.' In the past, the homegrown talent — a Lawndale High product who played just 10 minutes from the Chargers' facility — identified himself as an 'underdog.' Now, he's coming into his own vocally, stepping out of that label and doing it so convincingly that Mack, a future Hall of Famer, wants even more from him. Read more: With Mike Williams gone, Quentin Johnston confident he can deliver for Chargers 'When we're on the field, signals being called on the sidelines, he kind of calls it,' Mack added. 'He's always been that guy anyway. Just to hear him speak in the room and speak in a group, amongst the defense, everybody hears him loud and clear.' Since his rookie year, Tuipulotu has filled in as a spot starter. But with franchise stalwart Joey Bosa's departure to Buffalo in the offseason, Tuipulotu could be primed for a breakout season, becoming a central piece in what was the top-ranked defense last season. Even with more snaps and higher expectations, his standard hasn't changed. 'I've been starting since my rookie year, and if that's my role this year, then it's going to feel the same,' Tuipulotu said. 'I don't think it's anything different from what I've been doing.' What has changed is Tuipulotu's role as a leader. Read more: Chargers got more 'Tongan Power' than expected when they drafted Tuli Tuipulotu 'That comes with credibility,' he said. 'You can't just talk and not have stuff to back you up. I wouldn't say I've been talking too much, but I've been talking enough.' Last season, Tuipulotu boosted his credibility by filling in for Mack, who missed time because of an injury, and Bosa, who could never get fully healthy when trying to return from injury. Despite starting just nine games, Tuipulotu logged 732 defensive snaps — a heavy workload that showcased his rising potential. He led the Chargers with 8½ sacks and emerged as a key piece of a defense that ranked top seven in total sacks (46). The conversation now shifts to Tuipulotu's ceiling. With Bosa gone, he'll take over a starting role and see a major uptick in snaps. Still, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and veterans such as Mack remain measured — careful not to pile too much pressure or expectation on the 22-year-old. Even so, those around him can't help but be impressed by his playmaking ability and growing comfort in Year 2 of Minter's system. 'The really good players — can they do what you want them to do, but also have that little magic where sometimes they go outside of their realm and make a play?' Minter said. 'They've always been that way, and he can be that.' Opposite him on the edge, Mack says he is 'taking all the steps and is playing all the different roles — inside, outside, dropping [into coverage]. He does it all.' 'I want to see him ball and make plays this year,' Mack added. 'Not putting too much on him. I know what I expect from him this year … [It's] just letting it happen naturally, just putting the action to it and not speaking on it too much.' Early in his career, Tuipulotu's versatility kept him on the field, particularly on special teams — a role that might now take a back seat despite his influence. As a backup, he logged 339 snaps on kickoff and field-goal units, second most on the team. While Tuipulotu stays willing to contribute wherever needed, his coaches remain cautious, careful not to overextend him or slow his defensive development. Read more: With Chargers back in San Diego, players hope to win back their traditional fan base 'You wish you could clone and have a bunch of him,' special teams coach Ryan Ficken said. 'But there's some give and take. Now you gotta take [his starting role] into consideration. … He wants to do it all. He wants to play on all those phases, and it's just going to depend on the situation.' Those around Tuipulotu are noticing his growing confidence — through his actions on the field and his voice off it. Building that confidence has been a key focus early in training camp, and he aims to carry it through the season. With his elevated responsibilities, confidence will be key to his success as he steps into a new position that comes with leadership expectations and greater demands. For now, though, he isn't making it bigger than it needs to be. 'It's a game,' Tuipulotu said, nonchalantly. 'It's not hard to go out there and do your best. This is what we do. This is what we love to do.' Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top 4 LA Chargers Training Camp Questions for 2025 NFL Season
What's up, Bolts fans? As the Los Angeles Chargers gear up for the 2025 NFL season, Jim Harbaugh enters Year 2 with high expectations after an 11-win playoff run in 2024. In this video, we break down the top four burning questions heading into training camp: How will the offensive line shake out at center and left guard with Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson competing? Who steps up as the No. 2 playmaker behind Ladd McConkey (who had 82 catches, 1,149 yards, and 7 TDs as a rookie)—Quentin Johnston or rookies like Trey Harris and Keandre Lambert-Smith? Can the edge rusher depth hold up after Joey Bosa's departure, with Khalil Mack leading Tuli Tuipulotu, Kyle Kinnard, and Bud Dupree? And will the elite defense (No. 1 in points allowed last year) rely on young talents like CBs Cam Hart and Tariq Still, LB Junior Colson, and DL Jamir Caldwell under DC Jesse Minter? From Justin Herbert's protection to defensive pressure in a tough division with Patrick Mahomes, Bo Nix, and Geno Smith, we analyze what it means for the Chargers' Super Bowl aspirations.
New York Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Chargers training camp report, Day 5: Khalil Mack proves he is still a ‘game-wrecker'
SAN DIEGO — The pads came on, and Khalil Mack took over. The Los Angeles Chargers held their first of two training camp practices at the University of San Diego on Tuesday, and Mack single-handedly wrecked an entire series of 11-on-11 while going up against the second-team offense. This was the Chargers' first padded practice of camp. Trey Lance was at quarterback, and the offense set up at the plus-30 yard line, facing a first-and-10. The starting defense was tasked with holding ground in the short field. Ryan Nelson, a former UFL standout who signed with the Chargers last week, was at right tackle. Nelson had no help to his side, and he was lined up across from Mack. Advertisement Lance took the snap, and Mack sped off the line. He bent around the outside, dipped his shoulder and won the rush virtually untouched. Mack had a clear path to Lance. In a full-contact scenario, this would have likely resulted in a strip sack. As Mack got close to Lance, though, he peeled away. It was ruled a sack for a loss of 8 yards. On the next play, the offense faced a second-and-18 from the 38-yard line. Lance took the snap. Mack beat Nelson again with speed to the outside. Another sack, and a loss of 6 more yards. That moved the offense back to 44-yard line, just on the fringes of kicker Cameron Dicker's range. On third down, Lance completed a pass to rookie receiver Tre' Harris on a comeback route to the left side. Harris was well short of the first down. Dicker came on to attempt a 53-yard field goal, and he missed it wide right. A stop for the defense, courtesy of Mack. 'He's a game-wrecker,' safety Derwin James Jr. said. 'Khalil can do that when he wants to. Khalil is one of those guys. … You need a play, he can go in and rush and get the sack, knock the ball down, get us off the field.' Mack mulled retirement after last season, but he eventually returned to the Chargers on a one-year deal. He is entering his 12th season and fourth with the Chargers. He turned 34 in February. How much does he have left in the tank? 'He is the judge of that, honestly,' James said. 'He's not slowing down. He's speeding up. He's getting stronger. He's still buying in.' dominated the day camp report day 5 → — Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 23, 2025 Mack had a career season in 2023. He was not as productive as a pass rusher last season after suffering dual groin strains in a Week 9 game against the Cleveland Browns. But based on Tuesday's practice, Mack still has a dominant level to his game. Mack also brings immeasurable value as a leader. He was back in the Chargers' facility not long after he signed his deal in March so he could work out with executive director of player performance Ben Herbert. He has taken young players under his wing, like cornerback Tarheeb Still. Advertisement During spring practices, Still shared a story about Mack. Early in the offseason, Still was working out at The Bolt four days a week, Monday through Thursday. One Thursday, Still finished working out, and he said goodbye to Herbert. 'I'll see you Monday,' Still recalled saying to Herbert. Mack chimed in: 'Why are you not coming in tomorrow?' 'You know what? You're right,' Still replied. 'The next morning,' Still said, 'I went to the weight room and we got the work in, and after that, it was an every Friday thing.' Said edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu of Mack: 'He's the standard.' Mack has made the postseason five times, with three different teams. He has never won a playoff game. It is the last box he has to check in his career, and that is what is driving him. 'You're chasing that feeling of wanting to win important games deep in the season,' Mack said. 'Being that I haven't reached that point yet, I couldn't give up on that dream and that goal for myself and for this franchise.' 'He ain't just all talk,' James said. 'He really wants to win.' • Rookie cornerback Trikweze Bridges had a bounce-back practice. On Monday, Bridges was beaten for a 58-yard touchdown by receiver Quentin Johnston down the left sideline. On Tuesday, Bridges made three plays while in isolation in the deep part of the field, including an interception. On the first play, Bridges was in coverage on receiver Brenden Rice, who ran a go route down the right sideline. The offensive line's protection was outstanding, and rookie quarterback DJ Uiagalelei had plenty of time. He saw Rice one-on-one with Bridges and heaved a deep ball downfield. Bridges stayed tight on Rice and challenged the throw, forcing the incompletion. On the second play, Bridges was in coverage on receiver Jalen Reagor. The reserve defense was facing the starting offense. Justin Herbert set up at the 35-yard line. Bridges was one-on-one with Reagor, who ran a go route down the right sideline. Herbert threw to Reagor in the end zone. Bridges undercut the route, tipped the ball with his right hand and came down with the pick. Advertisement The third play came in the two-minute drill. Taylor Heinicke was at quarterback with the third-team offense. The offense set up at the 50-yard line with 50 seconds on the clock. On the first play of the drive, Bridges was one-on-one with rookie receiver Dalevon Campbell, who ran a go route. Heinicke threw the deep ball. Bridges was again in perfect position and leapt to break up the pass. The Chargers drafted Bridges in the seventh round in April. He has ideal size and speed for the outside cornerback position. After an uneven start to camp, this could be a sign of Bridges turning a corner. 'He had an amazing day,' James said of Bridges. 'I told him, 'Don't forget this feeling. Remember how this day felt coming off the field.'' • Johnston had two more touchdown catches in Tuesday's practice. He now has five touchdowns in five training camp practices. Both of his touchdowns Tuesday came in a red zone period while working with the first-team offense, facing the first-team defense. Johnston beat Cam Hart on a dig route for a 20-yard touchdown. Later in the period, he found space on a slant for a 5-yard touchdown. Johnston's chemistry with Herbert is growing in real time. 'We're learning from each other how we can play best together,' Herbert said. Herbert later added: 'Q's just my brother. We go out there, and it's not always going to go our way. But I know that he's got my back just like I got his back. At the end of the day, I can count on him.' okay Q — Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 22, 2025 • Rookie defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell continues to work with the third team. But the third-round pick flashed with the pads on Tuesday. He had a sack in 11-on-11 drills, beating center Josh Kaltenberger with a sudden explosion off the line. Caldwell has real pass rush capability. His short-area quickness makes him a threat to get to the quarterback. Advertisement • Campbell dropped a touchdown from Herbert in Saturday's practice. He nonetheless continues to get reps with the first-team offense, and he proved worthy of those snaps in Tuesday's practice. Campbell had one of the best catches of practices, coming down with a touchdown from Herbert in traffic from 30 yards out. • Left tackle Rashawn Slater sat out his third straight practice. He worked off to the side at the start of practice with Ben Herbert. Coach Jim Harbaugh said Slater is dealing with a 'minor' injury. Slater remains in contract extension negotiations with the Chargers. He is on the final year of his rookie deal. The Chargers starting offensive line in Slater's absence: LT Joe Alt, LG Zion Johnson, C Bradley Bozeman, RG Mekhi Becton, RT Trey Pipkins III. • With the pads on, the Chargers held their first pass rush one-on-ones of camp. Bozeman did not participate in the one-on-ones. He snapped for Herbert in DB vs. WR one-on-ones. Johnson was at center for the pass rush one-on-ones. Johnson split his two reps against Naquan Jones. Jones won the first rep with a quick win on a swim move. On the next rep, Johnson showed off a sturdy anchor and smothered Jones. Backup center Andre James won both of his reps convincingly against defensive lineman Christopher Hinton. The biggest collision of the period: Mack's bull rush on Alt. Alt withstood the power. • Four other Chargers did not practice Tuesday: receiver Luke Grimm, running back Raheim Sanders, edge rusher Kylan Guidry and cornerback Benjamin St-Juste. • Harbaugh said running back Najee Harris is 'progressing.' Harris remains on the non-football illness list with an eye injury he sustained in a fireworks accident. 'He's healing and doing everything that he can,' Harbaugh said. • The Chargers adhered to Harbaugh's requested tempo — outside of one play. Herbert handed off to running back Kimani Vidal on a stretch rush to the left. Linebacker Troy Dye filled the gap and knocked Vidal off his feet. That earned Dye a shove from the offense after the play. 'No surprise,' James said of Dye. 'Troy has been flying around all camp.'
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
20 Most Important Chargers of 2025: No. 12 EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
The Chargers are gearing up for the new season, which features a mix of new and returning faces within the organization. Several players are crucial to the team's success this season. Every day from now until the start of training camp, we're counting down our 20 Most Important Chargers for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead, and hit on the biggest question facing them this year. Advertisement Next up at No. 12 is edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu. Background Age: 22 Position: Edge rusher Experience: 3rd season 2025 cap hit: $1.19 million 2024 recap In Tuipulotu's second season in the league, he played in all 17 games, with nine starts, which came when injuries occurred to Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa. He led the Chargers in sacks with 8.5. He was also 16th among qualified edge rushers in pressure rate with 14.9%. While he was steady as a pass rusher, Tuipulotu wasn't as effective as a run defender as he was in his rookie season. In Year 1, he posted an 88.4 run-defense grade in 2023, and that number dropped to 65.3 last season. Advertisement 2025 season With Joey Bosa now with the Bills, Tuipulotu is set up to start opposite Mack. Despite a career-high in sacks in 2024, Tuipulotu seemed to be more dependable in the pass-rush department in his rookie season. He must regain that consistency to continue to make the edge rusher group a strength of the defense. Nonetheless, the traits and talent are there for Tuipulotu to excel in the starting role. Veteran Bud Dupree and rookie Kyle Kennard will be behind Mack and Tuipulotu. Big question: Can Tulipulotu successfully transition from a complementary role to a starting role? We're counting down our 30 Most Important Chargers of 2025. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp. Advertisement 20. OL Bradley Bozeman 19. LB Junior Colson 18. TE Oronde Gadsden II 17. S Elijah Molden 16. RB Najee Harris 15. CB Cam Hart 14. DL Teair Tart 13. WR Tre Harris 12. EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu 11. TBA 10. TBA 9. TBA 8. TBA 7. TBA 6. TBA 5. TBA 4. TBA 3. TBA 2. TBA 1. TBA This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 20 Most Important Chargers of 2025: No. 12 EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
USA Today
16-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Khalil Mack explains his decision to re-sign with the Chargers
Khalil Mack explains his decision to re-sign with the Chargers The Chargers brought back a key piece of the team this offseason, as they re-signed edge rushers Khalil Mack to a one-year deal. Mack contemplated retirement following the 2024 season, but decided not to hang up the cleats and stay with the team that traded for him in 2022. The 34-year-old Mack has been vocal about wanting to win and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, which was the primary reason he stayed in Los Angeles, calling it a "no-brainer." "I had to be fair in the approach to things and not making it about just finances and all the different things," Mack said. "I tried to make it more so just about winning ball games." While winning the Super Bowl was a key factor for re-signing with the Bolts, Mack also values the relationships he has built with players and coaches, even highlighting Executive Director of Player Performance Ben Herbert. Mack is coming off another productive season. He finished first among the team in quarterback pressures (54) and second in sacks (6). Mack also had the second-highest Pro Football Focus run defense grade among all edge rushers in the NFL (88.0). As a result, he earned a third consecutive Pro Bowl nod. In 11 seasons in the league, Mack has played in five playoff games but has yet to notch a single postseason victory. He sees the potential in the current roster and coaching staff and believes they have what it takes to win it all. "Just not wanting to give up on that goal and that ambition that I have ever since I stepped into the league," Mack said. "I knew I wanted to play in important games and win a Super Bowl."
