The LA Chargers are preparing to head to training camp. Questions are swirling around the offensive line, particularly at the left guard spot. Understandably, Trey Pipkins struggled in his first eye-opening role last year. Now, he’s facing a daunting battle as the team tests a variety of setups ahead of the new season. With head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz hinting at potential changes, the Chargers are looking to solidify their offensive strategy around quarterback Justin Herbert.
Pipkins and former Duquesne guard Zion Johnson started together last season as the offensive line’s starting guards. Pipkins was one of the biggest culprits all year long as far as struggling, especially in the run blocking department. He ended up ranked just 50th in run block win rate among guards, which is troubling considering how important that ability is to the position. Pipkins has never played a regular season game at left guard or, for that matter, since high school. This reality injects even more mystery into his position as the team prepares to head off to training camp.
The battle for that left guard spot just got a whole lot more interesting! Johnson and Pipkins who are now being measured against other well qualified candidates. There are rumors making the rounds that Johnson will move to center this year, which would change Pipkins’ status significantly. Some have gone so far as to call this move a way to position Pipkins as the front-runner for the left guard job. As Harbaugh himself explained at last week’s owner’s meetings, that’s not necessarily the case.
“We were pretty good last season. Eleven wins, right?” – Joe Hortiz
Hortiz’s remarks reflect the overall performance of the team last season, but the offensive line’s inconsistencies in run blocking could hinder their chances for success moving forward. Bottom line, the Chargers are going to need good performances from Pipkins, Johnson, or whoever emerges in training camp. If they’re not up to snuff, then the team will likely need to do more shuffling along the o-line.
Even with Pipkins’ track record of struggles, coaches remained positive about his potential. Hortiz noted, “Coaches are excited about him. He’s smart, he’s tough… [he’s] a people mover.” Such endorsements suggest that there remains a belief in Pipkins’ ability to improve and contribute positively to the Chargers’ offensive efforts.
As training camp nears, the Chargers will be keeping a hard eye on their possibilities on the ol’ line. The decisions made during this time could significantly impact their offensive effectiveness and overall success in the upcoming season. Should Pipkins falter or fail to secure the left guard position, it is likely that the Chargers will explore alternative lineups or personnel decisions.
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