Cook impressed
The former Saints receiver says he is happy with the Chargers’ offensive talent.
COSTA MESA >> Many expect Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to be an MVP candidate and to operate one of the best offenses in the NFL in his second season.
The bar was set high for the Chargers’ offense in 2021 because of Herbert’s historic rookie season and the offseason additions of head coach Brandon Staley, center Corey Linsley, tight end Jared Cook and several other newcomers.
All 85 players from the Chargers’ promising roster gathered Tuesday for the start of their two-day mandatory minicamp. The twohour workout in June didn’t answer questions about whether the Chargers will meet those high expectations, but the potential was on display with so many Pro Bowlers and promising players on the same field.
The Chargers’ revamped offensive line was together for the first time this offseason, as they formed a wall in front of Herbert, who had an abundance of playmakers to throw to during the practice.
Cook knows what it’s like to practice with a stacked roster. He spent the past two seasons with the New Orleans Saints, who have been near the top when it comes to ranking the best rosters in the NFL the past few years. Cook went from playing with Drew Brees, Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara in New Orleans to Herbert, Keenan Allen and Austin Ekeler.
Cook added to the Chargers’ offseason hype Tuesday when he said this offense probably has more talent than his teams with the Saints.
“Absolutely,” Cook said after being asked if this offensive roster compares favorably to New Orleans. “When you have a highpowered offense and guys with the talent to make your offense high-powered, I think there are a lot of questions in the air about how well we will be. That’s always going to be a question, but seeing the talent that we have at receiver, it’s just as good. We probably got better talent here than we had in New Orleans.
“Just seeing those guys — Mike (Williams) and Keenan — lining up all across the field in different formations, splitting us out in different packages, I definitely think that this offense has what it takes to become a highpowered, prolific offense in the NFL.”
Cook sees lofty potential for the offense, but he declined to predict how many points they’ll average per game in 2021.
“I’m not really one to put predictions on anything, but, usually, you want to be scoring around 26 points a game,” Cook said. “Usually, that’s going to get you to win. You want to average about 26.
“I think that we do have the ability to come out and put up what you want to be able to go out there and win games and compete in the league, because a lot of times when you’re not putting up close to that 24, 26 points, a lot of the time, you’re not going to be able to hang in there in those tight games in the fourth quarter. So, I definitely think that we have what it takes to be that type of offense.”
Jelling O-line
For the Chargers’ offense to become prolific, they need their revamped offensive line (four new starters) to develop chemistry quickly.
Linsley, a 2020 All-Pro center with the Green Bay Packers, met offensive guard Oday Aboushi for the first time in person Tuesday. Aboushi played with the Detroit Lions last season before signing with the Chargers this offseason.
Aboushi hasn’t been guaranteed a starting spot, but he will likely be a part of the Chargers’ starting interior with Linsley and offensive guard Matt Feiler, who left the Pittsburgh Steelers to sign with the Chargers in March.
Rookie left tackle Rashawn Slater and right tackle Bryan Bulaga, the team’s only returning offensive lineman, are expected to protect Herbert on the outside.
As the center, Linsley will be tasked with getting all the new faces on the same page, but he already has familiarity with Bulaga because of their six seasons together in Green Bay.
“The (offensive line) room is awesome,” Linsley said. “I know Bryan. I knew what I was getting there. He’s a great dude.
Everybody else, we’ve been jelling pretty good so far. Hoping to take that into camp and keep this thing rolling.”
Three roles for Harris
Chargers cornerback Chris Harris Jr. said he’s eager to learn what his role will be in Staley’s defensive system, but he expects to play three positions, likely slot cornerback, outside cornerback and a hybrid safety.
Staley coached Harris in 2019 when he was an assistant coach with the Denver Broncos.
“It’s been great,” Harris said about reuniting with Staley. “I love the way he’s running it as the head man. I think he fits in perfect. We’re excited. It’s been a great offseason so far. … I feel good and very healthy, so I’m excited for how Brandon Staley is going to use me this year.”
The Chargers’ starting cornerback trio will have a new player this season with the addition of rookie Asante Samuel Jr. He’ll likely start with Harris and Michael Davis.
Harris, an 11-year veteran, had high praise for Samuel.
“The kid has great technique, great feet,” Harris said. “Now, it’s just learning the tidbits of the game in the NFL; learning route recognitions, learning how people like to attack you off of different splits, different stems. Now, it’s getting into the more detailed parts with him. That’s what raises you up to that next level to be a good player in this league.”