Bleav in Chargers

Matt "Money" Smith and Lorenzo Neal spend most of the episode on Tuli Tuipulotu's looming extension, breaking down why his agents likely want $40M+ and if the Chargers can manage to swing that. The broader cap picture also gets laid out noting Herbert's cap jump next year and how to manage many other possible extensions. The guys close with OTA takeaways — genuine excitement about Mike McDaniel's offense, concern about edge depth behind Tuli if Khalil Mack fades, and a preview of Lorenzo Neal's Black Classic charity golf tournament in Fresno this Friday.

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Matt Money Smith and Lorenzo Neal report live from Chargers minicamp Day 1, with Money calling this the deepest roster he's seen in 10 years covering the team — and backing it up with a bold guarantee: score 24 points per game and they won't lose more than three. The key storyline is Mike McDaniel scaling back Herbert's throwing entirely to rebuild his footwork from scratch, with buy-in already spreading to defenders like Derwin James and Khalil Mack pulling McDaniel aside to pick his brain. Harbaugh's presser adds fuel — he called Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey, and Tre Harris all "elite," the left guard batt...

Matt "Money" Smith and Lorenzo Neal break down an OTA week headlined by four press conferences from new OL coach Butch Barry, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, center Tyler Biadasz, and left guard Kayode Awosika. Barry's message defines the whole episode: be proactive, establish the standard, force the defense to react. On defense, Tomlinson explains why free agents keep choosing the Chargers: the staff moves interior linemen around instead of planting them over the center, which leads to better production and bigger second contracts. Some players to watch when pads go on next week — Junior Colson, back from two lost seasons, an...

Matt Money Smith and Lorenzo Neal recap a loaded OTA session headlined by Justin Herbert's presser, where he broke down his work with Mike McDaniel on quick-game footwork and anticipation throws. Rashawn Slater delivered a "window is now" declaration, vowing this Chargers roster is too talented not to make a deep playoff run, while Joe Alt raved about the demands of McDaniel's run-blocking scheme. Money and Lo also break down a flawed AFC landscape, making the case that the Chargers match up favorably against the Bills, Ravens, and Patriots heading into 2026.

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Matt "Money" Smith and Lorenzo Neal open by addressing Justin Herbert's brief OTA absence for Madison Beer's European tour, using it as a showcase for how Jim Harbaugh's player-first culture sets this team apart. Money breaks down what he saw at practice — the O-line being put through Mike McDaniel's wide zone scheme at full speed, a tight end group built for heavy 13 personnel, and Quentin Johnston looking sharp as the clear WR2. The back half focuses on contracts: Derwin James' extension as the highest-paid safety in football gets well-deserved praise, and the duo maps out what a realistic Tuli Tu...

Matt "Money" Smith and Lorenzo Neal dig into the Chargers' newly released 2026 schedule, breaking down what is objectively one of the toughest draws in the league. The guys walk through game-by-game projections, landing on a 4-2 record heading into the bye as a realistic best-case scenario after a brutal mid-season gauntlet of Buffalo, Seattle, Denver, Kansas City, the Rams, the Texans, and Baltimore. Matt then recaps what he saw at the open media practice session, including the coach press conference from defensive line coach Mike Elston, who raved about first-round pick Akheem Mesidor's versatility, Tuli Tuipulotu taking another step...

Phil Simms and Matt Simms welcome back NFL legend Joe Theismann to Simms Complete for a wide-ranging quarterback state of the union heading into the 2026 season. They dig into Justin Herbert's new partnership with Mike McDaniel, the growth of Jakson Dart in New York, and Theismann's core belief that protecting mobile quarterbacks from themselves is the defining coaching challenge of the modern era. Theismann lavishes praise on Trevor Lawrence's breakout season under Liam Coen and draws a parallel to what he expects from Caleb Williams and CJ Stroud as they enter those critical Year 3-4 windows. The conversation rounds...

Matt "Money" Smith and Lorenzo Neal report a genuine buzz at Chargers Phase 2 workouts — Herbert absorbed a month of McDaniel's footwork concepts in three days, and when he's getting the ball out sub-2.4 seconds the numbers say he's the best QB in the league. McDaniel publicly compared Quentin Johnston to Julio Jones and Andre Johnson, Money calls 2026 the Year of Ladd McConkey, and the guys make the case that the Chargers' tight end room — Njoku, Kolar, and Gadsden — might be the best in football.

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Matt "Money" Smith and Lorenzo Neal break down the tight end market after David Njoku's visit ended without a deal — and make the case that Jonnu Smith is the better fit anyway, given his monster 2024 season alongside Mike McDaniel in Miami. They explain how the Chargers planned to draft a tight end but got priced out as the board ran on them in the second and third round. Money recaps Joe Hortiz's post-draft session, unpacking the team's draft-and-develop philosophy, the trade-back that still landed Akheem Mesidor at 22, and the "blue star" evaluation system behind the Jake Slaughter pick. The gu...

Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal analyze the Chargers' draft class, led by pass-rusher Akheem Mesidor, who is projected for immediate impact. They examine why the Chargers focused on the trenches, fortifying the offensive line and reinforcing the defensive front to shape a tougher roster. They address the key offseason decision to pick up Quentin Johnston’s fifth-year option and consider how new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel could unlock the offense with speed, space, and creativity.

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With the NFL Draft just hours away, Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal go live to break down what the Los Angeles Chargers could do with the 22nd overall pick.

There’s a strong focus on why adding an edge rusher could have the biggest immediate impact for LA, especially for a team ready to compete now. The guys also touch on how late free agency and potential trades could still shape the roster even after the draft.

Plus, they react to live fan questions, run through mock draft scenarios, and set realistic expectations for Charge...

Matt "Money" Smith and Lorenzo Neal preview the 2026 NFL Draft with one week to go, debating whether the Chargers should use pick 22 on OG Chase Bisontis of Texas A&M — a player Matt calls a plug-and-play Pro Bowl candidate — or trade back to accumulate picks while still landing a starter. The guys address the Rueben Bain Jr. car accident story that resurfaced this week, calling it a transparent attempt by rival teams to drive down the Miami edge rusher's value ahead of the draft. Matt walks through four realistic trade-back scenarios, including a deal where Arizona jumps up to grab...

With the NFL Draft just weeks away, Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal dive into a debate: do you prioritize upside… or go all-in on proven production? The discussion starts with drafting Miami’s Ahkeem Mesidor as a potential plug-and-play weapon or making a trade for Dexter Lawrence.

They also tackle roster decisions, draft strategy, and why blue-chip players matter most when it matters most.

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On a special edition of Bleav in Chargers, Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson joins Lorenzo Neal and Matt “Money” Smith to reflect on one of the most dominant eras of Chargers football. LT discusses his mindset, his team's physical identity, and what made their run game nearly unstoppable.
LT shares stories from legendary battles with Ray Lewis to record-setting touchdowns. He also discusses the current Chargers, changes on offense, Mike McDaniel’s system, and what the team needs for a deep playoff run.

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The Chargers had $100 million to spend in free agency and still have $48 million left — so what's the plan? Matt "Money" Smith and Lorenzo Neal break it all down on this week's Bleav in Chargers. They cover every key Chargers free agency move including the Tyler Biadasz signing at center, Charlie Kolar at tight end, Alec Ingold at fullback, and Khalil Mack's return, why fans frustrated about the guard position need to trust the process, what the Chargers are actually signaling with their spending priorities, and why edge rusher — not guard — should be the pick at 22 in the draft. They also t...

On this episode of Bleav in Chargers, Matt “Money” Smith goes live for a Q&A and dives into where the Chargers really stand after free agency.

Money sees a clear direction: build through the draft, trust the process, and prioritize the offensive line but not in the way fans might expect. The upgrade at center with Tyler Biadasz is massive, but guard is still a question, and it feels like the team is willing to wait and address it later rather than overspend now.

Plus, Money hits on draft strategy, trade-back scenarios, and why this...

The Chargers kicked off free agency with several key moves as Jim Harbaugh and Joe Hortiz continue shaping the roster. Matt “Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal break down the biggest additions, including fullback Alec Ingold, center Tyler Biadasz, and blocking tight end Charlie Kolar, and what they signal for the offense moving forward.
The guys also discuss the departures of Zion Johnson and Odafe Oweh, the Chargers’ strategy for rebuilding the offensive line, and why protecting Justin Herbert remains the top priority. Plus, they look ahead to potential guard signings, draft options, and how the Chargers could fill remain...

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 fr...

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.

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...

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.

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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...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 lik...

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Host...

Matt “ Money” Smith and Lorenzo Neal dive into the Chargers' status coming out of their bye week, heading into Thanksgiving, and preview their upcoming matchup against the Raiders. They discuss the challenging AFC landscape, noting there’s no truly dominant team. They emphasize the Raiders game as a must-win for the Chargers and evaluate the team's playoff prospects and the current division standings, making sense of the schedule and the crucial games ahead.

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On the latest episode of Bleav in Chargers, Lorenzo Neal and Matt "Money" Smith dive into the team's recent tough loss, reflecting on what went wrong and identifying areas for improvement. They discuss the lack of energy and execution from every position group on the field, with a particular focus on the struggles of both the offensive and defensive lines. They emphasize the importance of the upcoming bye week, which comes at a crucial time before facing the Raiders, allowing the team to regain momentum for a playoff push. Be sure to join Money and Lo next week at 8:30...

Matt Money Smith recaps Chargers’ tough loss in Jacksonville, calling it probably their worst game since moving to LA in 2017. He discusses how the team looked flat and tired, perhaps due to a grueling schedule including long travel, early starts, and a late bye week. Offensively and defensively, the Chargers struggled across the board, with Justin Herbert having one of his roughest outings, and the defense unable to stop the run.

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