Bleav in Chargers

Athlon Sports draft analyst Luke Easterling joins Matt “Money” Smith to preview the Chargers’ offseason. They break down Luke’s latest mock draft, why improving the interior offensive line is key to protecting Justin Herbert, and how the Chargers should approach free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. 1:30 Luke Easterling joins the show 2:30 Free agency approaching & Chargers cap space 3:40 Mock Draft Pick #22: Chargers must address interior OL 6:30 Why protecting Justin Herbert is the top priority 9:30 Free agency scenarios: Zion Johnson, Tyler Linderbaum & OL options 13:00 If the Chargers address OL in free agency, what happens at pick 22? 16:20 Deep edge rusher class in the 2026 draft 20:00 Trade-back possibilities for the Chargers 24:00 Offensive tackle class breakdown 27:30 Chargers defensive line needs & Day 2 draft targets 31:00 Malachi Lawrence scouting report 34:00 Why the Chargers must build around Justin Herbert 38:00 Tight end options in the draft 41:00 Chargers wide receiver depth & Bryce Lance upside 45:30 Free agency strategy: OL vs defense 50:00 Ideal Chargers offseason plan 54:00 Luke Easterling on Athlon Sports draft guide 56:00 FanDuel odds update & closing Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Broadcasting from Indianapolis during Combine week, Matt “Money” Smith is joined by Lorenzo Neal to recap what the latest at the Combine. The discussion starts on defensive line workouts and how teams are evaluating explosiveness, depth, and positional value. They also dive into roster construction, emphasizing the importance of building in the trenches first, staying disciplined with cap space, and identifying potential key free agents who fit the long-term vision. 0:38-1:57: Documentaries on LaDainian Tomlinson and Lorenzo Neal. 2:09-2:47: Chiefs vs. Bills AFC Championship 13-second comeback. 3:00-4:00: Chargers' offseason priorities: Mack, Bosa, and Zion Johnson. 4:01-5:20: Importance of offensive line and cap space. 6:12-10:29: Chargers' center position and draft strategy. 10:35-12:26: Player loyalty to current teams. 12:27-14:29: Chargers' draft strategy: building in the trenches. 13:50-15:30: Zion Johnson's potential move to center. 19:50-20:29: The crucial role of a veteran center. 20:31-21:12: Free agency options for guards. 22:17-26:18: Mike McDaniel's coaching and long-term vision. 27:24-28:32: Dominant interior linemen in successful teams. 30:31-30:43: Finding good guards in later draft rounds. 31:22-32:08: Free agency's impact on draft strategy. 35:38-35:50: Jim Harbaugh's preference for passionate players. 35:51-36:27: Post-combine focus on mock drafts and free agency. 36:28-38:13: Drafting edge rushers and managing the rookie pool. 39:37-40:12: Player development timelines. 42:27-44:06: Quentin Johnston's future with the Chargers. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal break down the Chargers’ offseason priorities, starting with the ongoing conversation about restructuring Justin Herbert’s contract and how it could create valuable cap space without limiting roster flexibility. The guys dive into the economics of the NFL salary cap, explaining how teams like Kansas City and Philadelphia manipulate contracts to stay competitive. From there, the focus shifts to free agency — particularly the urgency of fixing the center position and stabilizing the interior offensive line. The hosts debate whether to pursue top-tier options like Tyler Linderbaum, retain Zion Johnson, or allocate resources elsewhere, while also discussing the futures of Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and other key defenders. With FanDuel listing the Chargers among the top AFC contenders, the message is clear: the Super Bowl window is open — but it hinges on smart financial decisions and solidifying the trenches. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal react to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win and use it as a blueprint for the Chargers’ future. The biggest takeaway: games are still won in the trenches, and protecting the quarterback is everything. The guys detail the pounding Justin Herbert has taken over the past three seasons and argue the Chargers must prioritize rebuilding the interior offensive line and investing fully in their franchise QB. Their offseason message is clear — protect Herbert, build inside-out, and follow the physical, disciplined model that just won a Lombardi. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Daniel Popper joins Matt “Money” Smith to break down the Chargers’ coordinator hires, what Chris O’Leary brings defensively, how Mike McDaniel can elevate Justin Herbert, and the biggest roster questions heading into free agency and the draft. 0:00 – Welcome + Daniel Popper Joins the Show 2:10 – Chargers Hire Chris O’Leary as DC 5:00 – O’Leary’s Jesse Minter Roots 8:40 – Defensive Scheme Continuity Explained 12:30 – How Derwin James Shapes the Defense 16:15 – Is Hiring a First-Time DC a Gamble? 20:40 – Why Continuity Was the Chargers’ Smart Play 24:30 – Mike McDaniel’s Offensive Vision 28:45 – Fixing the Justin Herbert Problem 33:20 – Creating Easy Throws & Offensive Rhythm 38:10 – Why the Old Offense Failed in Big Games 42:30 – Free Agency Priorities for the Chargers 46:10 – Zion Johnson Contract Debate 51:30 – Interior Offensive Line Concerns 56:40 – Draft vs Free Agency Strategy 1:01:30 – Edge Rushers & Defensive Investments 1:06:15 – Cornerback Needs & Draft Options 1:11:00 – Linebacker Room Outlook 1:14:40 – Tight End Room Questions 1:18:20 – Running Back Fit in McDaniel’s Scheme 1:22:10 – Ladd McConkey’s Role Going Forward 1:25:30 – WR Room Construction & Speed Needs 1:29:40 – Special Teams & Roster Depth 1:33:00 – What the Chargers Must Do to Win Now 1:36:45 – Final Thoughts on the Chargers’ Offseason Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal break down the  Mike McDaniel hire on offense and what it means for the Chargers. They discuss McDaniel’s relationship with Jim Harbaugh, why Harbaugh is empowering him, and how their collaboration could shape the team’s identity. Plus: what the offense and personnel could look like, the biggest changes to expect, and how quickly this could translate on Sundays. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

While it’s not official, rumors are swirling that Mike McDaniel could join the Chargers as offensive coordinator. Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal break down what that would look like, and Lorenzo shares what he knows about McDaniel from his time on Kyle Shanahan’s staff. Plus: what the new staff could look like. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt “Money” Smith welcomes guest Bucky Brooks to break down the Chargers’ biggest offseason takeaway: urgency without panic. With the AFC feeling wide open and unpredictable, they agree this isn’t a blow-it-up moment, but the Patriots’ loss was a gut punch that has to spark real changes in how the Chargers win week to week. They outline a practical path on offense, stress keeping the band together on defense, and run through their short list of offensive coordinator candidates. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt ‘Money’ Smith wrapped up the Chargers’ season, diving into a detailed reflection on the team’s performance and future.  He highlighted key moments against the Patriots, strong defensive performances, and praised several players expected to be essential in the off-season, noting contract situations and hopes for retaining talent. He dissected the struggles, particularly in the run game and playcalling, and talked about Justin Herbert's challenges under constant pressure, noting both the physical toll and missed opportunities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the latest episode of Bleav in Chargers with Matt”Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal, they are joined by NBC Sports Devin McCourty to preview the wildcard game in Foxboro. The conversation dives into what makes this Patriots team tick, especially their disciplined, unpredictable “spin the dial” defense that keeps opponents guessing. Devin McCourty explains how New England’s offense spreads the ball around and why the coaching approach under Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels is keeping them focused and ready for the moment. They agree that this matchup could hinge on the run game, with whoever controls the ground likely having the edge, but that big moments from quarterbacks could define the result. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After calling the game for the Chargers, Matt “Money” Smith shares his immediate thoughts on the team’s recent performance and what’s ahead. He praises the defensive effort despite several key starters being out, emphasizing that most of the Broncos’ points came off turnovers—not sustained offensive drives. Money stays optimistic about the Chargers’ playoff path, pointing to how wide-open the AFC still. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matt “ Money”  Smith and Lorenzo Neal dive into the Chargers’ regular game vs the Broncos and look ahead to the playoffs. They recap the loss to the Texans, highlighting costly special teams mistakes and missed offensive opportunities. They advocate for resting starters like Justin Herbert and Khalil Mack in the upcoming Broncos game to ensure health for the postseason. They discuss playoff matchups, preferring to face New England because of its less intimidating defensive front, and note that the AFC is wide open, with no dominant team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After calling Chargers vs. Texans, Matt “Money” Smith breaks down the loss, highlighting the self-inflicted mistakes that proved costly and what it all means for the Chargers’ playoff path Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Nealbreak down the Chargers’ big win over the Cowboys, and dive deep into the implications of the upcoming matchup against the Houston Texans. They talk about Coach Jim Harbaugh bringing back-to-back 11+ win seasons to the franchise, playoff positioning, and the strengths of the team’s run game, especially the emergence of Omarion Hampton. The conversation covers strategies for both offense and defense, with emphasis on protecting Justin Herbert, winning the turnover battle, and the defense’s emergence as a force. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After calling the game and flying home from Dallas, Matt “Money” Smith recaps a statement win for the Chargers. With the victory, LA now controls its destiny in the AFC West. Money breaks down how Justin Herbert stayed clean all night, wasn’t sacked once, and delivered a 300-yard performance, plus what this indicates about where the team is headed as the playoff push ramps up. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The episode kicks off with Matt Money Smith and Lorenzo Neal discussing the Chargers’ impressive win over the Chiefs, highlighting how the team’s defense dominated and essentially ended Kansas City’s playoff hopes. They praise the Chargers’ physical style of play, especially on defense, and note the impact of players like Khalil Mack and Derwin James, as well as the improved defensive scheme under coordinator Jesse Minter. They dive into the offense’s performance, recognizing the run game’s physicality but also expressing concerns about its inability to turn red-zone trips into touchdowns consistently. Looking ahead, they preview the upcoming game against the Cowboys and discuss playoff scenarios, emphasizing that if the Chargers’ offense can hit 24 points, the defense is good enough to make the team a real contender. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After calling the game, Matt “Money” Smith hops on for a postgame reaction to the Chargers’ win over the Chiefs, eliminating Kansas City from playoff contention and handing Patrick Mahomes his third straight loss for the first time since his Texas Tech days. Money breaks down how the Chargers overcame adversity, how the defense rose with clutch plays, and what this win says about the culture and belief inside the locker room. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Matt ‘Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal break down a critical Chargers win over the Eagles, focusing on the team’s defensive dominance and the struggles of the offensive line. They praise the defense for playing lights out and discuss how the offense, led by a tough performance from Justin Herbert. Looking ahead, they preview the upcoming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, emphasizing the importance of ball security and a strong running game, especially given the Chiefs’ current struggles and the Chargers' chance to secure a playoff spot. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After calling the overtime Monday Night Football thriller, Matt “Money” Smith jumps on to recap the game. Nearly losing his voice from the excitement, Money breaks down the key moments from Cam Hart’s tip to Tony Jefferson’s interception and what Justin Herbert pulled off while playing with a broken hand. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the latest episode of Bleav in Chargers, Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal discuss the team's gritty victory against the Raiders. The conversation focuses on defensive strategies, particularly the increased use of man coverage, blitzes, and effective run-stopping tactics that proved successful against the Raiders. They also emphasize the impressive performance of Kimani Vidal and comment on the stability of the current offensive line. Finally, they look ahead to Monday Night Football against the Eagles, discussing expectations regarding Justin Herbert's injured hand and what more snaps from Trey Lance could mean for the team. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.