Struggling Chargers Rookie Being Phased Out of Defense Heading Into Week 9
The Los Angeles Chargers have been a surprise team this season. They've made Jim Harbaugh the lead man, changed the philosophy of the group, and become a more physical squad.
Los Angeles is 4-3 on the season and will travel to play the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. As they look to extend their win streak to two games, it appears the Chargers are phasing out a rookie defender as he's struggled immensely this season.
Linebacker Junior Colson was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, where he spent three seasons at the University of Michigan with Harbaugh.
While he has a connection with Harbaugh, his play on the field has been terrible, and his snap count has been slashed. In Weeks 6 (32 snaps) and 7 (31 snaps), he played in over 50% of the defensive snaps. Even though Colson got the reps, it took a sharp turn in Week 8 as he only played 10 snaps (14%).
Colson has played badly in 2024, logging a 35.6 overall defensive grade, according to PFF, ranking 150th out of 154 qualified linebackers. The 21-year-old often looks lost on the field and has trouble taking the correct pursuit angles to bring down opponents.
Kyler Murray traveled nearly 72 yards in total on this 44 yard touchdown run.
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) October 22, 2024
Looks like he hit Chargers rookie LB Junior Colson with the pass hesi in order to hold him and turn the corner for the score. @PHNX_Cardinals pic.twitter.com/yjURH9sGP8
This season, he has 14 total tackles and one pass breakup. He also has trouble in pass coverage, logging a 39 coverage grade per PFF.
Linebackers Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman have been the two best players in the position for this team. Going forward, it appears that Colson will be featured less in the linebacker rotation. The time on the sideline may help him develop more and see the game differently.
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