We'll reveal our top 10 things to watch for at training camp each day leading up to the first practice on July 30.
What is the Mebane Factor?
Brandon Mebane was one of the first players the Chargers inked in free agency, and it's easy to see why the team was eager to bring the nose tackle into the fold.
Now, he'll be counted on to improve the defense in multiple ways.
First and foremost, the Bolts expect Mebane to anchor the defensive line, which in turn anchors the entire defense. The 6-1, 311-pound nose tackle has been a steady force in the middle since entering the league in 2007. While he's logged 15.5 sacks over the years, he is at his best against the run, which is an area the team knows needs improvement after giving up the sixth most yards per game last season.
While Mebane played all 131 career games for the Seattle Seahawks before landing in San Diego, he expects an easy transition for good reason.
"(Defensive Coordinator John) Pagano told me he wanted me to play like I played in Seattle," he said after signing in March. "I appreciated that because I take pride in how I play. I take pride in running to the ball and trying to make plays. I am technique sound and stay in my gap, so it shouldn't be a hard transition for me."
The Chargers also covet Mebane's guidance and ability to rally his teammates as he was regarded as a trusted leader over his tenure with the Seahawks. He flashed those skills once he arrived, and they will further be put to the test through the dog days of training camp.
Finally, Mebane let it be known he has high expectations for his new teammates. As a key component of one of the most dominant defenses while in Seattle, he explained how he sees equal skill in San Diego.
"There is so much talent on this team it's unreal," he said. "I was telling guys there is more talent on this defense than there was in Seattle. If you look at the draft, you have four first round draft picks and you have five second round draft picks all on defense. In Seattle, you only had two first rounders and one second rounder. If we put it together, just play together and work on our skill, I think the sky is the limit for our defense. It's amazing. The skill. The talent level. It's there. All we've got to do is just believe in each other and play together."
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