Training camp MVP is a familiar name
Training camp is over. And the winners are...
MVP -- Malcom Floyd in a runaway. Newcomer and Pro Bowl cornerback Brandon Flowers said Floyd, soon to be 33, moved like he’s just three years into the NFL.
There wasn’t a cornerback who faced him that Floyd failed to roast once.
Floyd took another step Friday in his comeback from the scary neck injury that ended his 2014 season. Against Seahawks starters and second-stringers, he caught one Philip Rivers pass in traffic and another over the middle.
Floyd said the contest’s speed and contact, which included crack blocks against safeties, was vital to scrape barnacles off his game. He pronounced himself “pleased and confident” after facing the Super Bowl champs.
“It just stunk that we lost,” he said. “I wanted to go back in the game.”
A bonus, both of Floyd’s catches came as an inside receiver. Everyone in the NFL knows Floyd is a slick outside receiver. There’s more traffic, however, working from the slot. He looked comfortable there. He wasn’t spooked by the over-the-middle hit that put him in an ambulance last September.
It’s a big feature in Mike McCoy’s system that receivers are fluent at all three receiver spots -- split end, flanker, slot. The versatility makes the Chargers harder to defend. Floyd, as well as Keenan Allen and Eddie Royal, looks comfortable in each role.
Best development -- Health. The Chargers were spared the carnage that jolted several other teams (see: Chargers’ first opponent).
Best undrafted rookies -- Running back Branden Oliver challenged Marion Grice, a sixth-round pick. Chris Davis mounted a push at cornerback and punt returner, while nose tackle Tenny Paleopoi matched or edged fifth-round draftee Ryan Carrethers.
Top rookie -- Chris Watt. Coming off a strong spring training, he looked comfortable at right guard and backup center despite missing the first preaseason game following an apparent head or neck injury. With Jeromey Clary still not practicing, he’s a candidate to start at right guard in the season opener Sept. 8.
Most energetic performer -- Receiver Dontrelle Inman. Even among workaholics, he was frisky. Not satisfied with full-padded team practices on hot days, he worked out at length on the field afterward.
