Chargers News: Crucial Season Looms for LA's Young Linebacker
We're less than one week away from training camp, Charger fans. Football season is upon us, and your Los Angeles Chargers will be out in Costa Mesa, preparing for one of their biggest seasons to date.
LA didn't do much this offseason, but they did plenty to put themselves in a great position to compete among the league's best. One of the moves they made was signing free agent All-Pro linebacker Eric Kendricks. Kendricks will undoubtedly play a huge role for the Bolts as he will help propel the defense to the next level.
The veteran linebacker will most likely be the starting linebacker, which means guys like young linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. may not get the opportunities he likes. Nonetheless, that doesn't make a difference to Bleacher Reports Maurice Moton, who believes this will be Murray's Make-or-Break season.
As a pass defender, Murray made strides in the previous campaign, allowing an 86.3 passer rating in coverage, but he must show continued improvement in that part of his game to stay on the field for third downs with Henley behind him on the depth chart. In his last two collegiate years, Henley recorded five interceptions. He could carve out a decent role if Murray struggles to keep up with pass-catchers in the middle of the field.Like running back, guard and safety, linebacker isn't a premium position. A one-dimensional linebacker isn't going to garner a lot of attention on the open market. Murray has to put his range in coverage on full display this year.
Murray will be heading into his fourth season in the league after being drafted by the Bolts in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
He was the number one linebacker last season and showcased it, as he had 76 combo tackles, one interception, seven tackles for loss, four QB hits, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
The thing for Murray now is to excel when the opportunity arises; however, he must always be on point. One thing Murray must improve on is his coverage, as he allowed 112.9 and 129.2 passer ratings in his first two seasons.
At that point, he is unplayable, which is unacceptable when you want to improve your defense. This will be a big year for everyone, not just Murray. Many Charger players have a ton of weight on their shoulders going into this season, and they will try to prove they still have enough to be great.
