“Next man up” has been the common theme for the Chargers this season, as injuries have significantly hampered the depth chart.
Center Mike Pouncey is the latest to be hit with the injury bug, likely ending his season. Pouncey was arguably the best offensive lineman last season and supplied the team with a voice in the locker room. But it just so turns out that his injury might be a blessing in disguise when to comes to next man up.
It may sound crazy, especially the thought of losing a key contributor to one of the Bolts’ worst positional groups, but his injury allows guard Forrest Lamp to finally get a starting job, which is what fans have been anticipating for quite some time.
Lamp was in competition for one of the starting gigs with Dan Feeney and Michael Schofield going into the season. He failed to earn one of the spots, but now, it just so happens that all three will be on the field at the same time.
Feeney will slide inside to center, Lamp will plug in at left guard and Schofield will remain at right guard.
Replacing a four-time Pro Bowler won’t be an easy task, but we saw glimpses of this interior look this preseason and most recently this past Sunday when Pouncey was taken out of the game.
The trio showed a lot of promise in a limited capacity, especially in pass protection.
It’s also worth noting Feeney’s pass blocking grade at center in Week 5 (76.9) was higher than any grade Pouncey has had in any category this season.
Even though Pouncey’s presence will be missed up front, there are still some positives to this. Lamp will finally be able to see the field as a starter and Feeney, who’s been a mixed bag at guard, may thrive at the center position moving forward.
