SAN DIEGO -- Jason Verrett read the eyes of Philip Rivers, jumped a corner route and intercepted a ball intended for Keenan Allen in the end zone during 7-on-7 drills.
Plenty of back and forth action during today's competitive 7-on-7.
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) May 31, 2016
More 🎥: https://t.co/gcvfUuZdwXhttps://t.co/W9YGLPWbqn
You can bet Rivers noticed Verrett speeding the other way, because on the very next snap Rivers went at Verrett and hit Allen on a back-shoulder fade for a touchdown.
.@Chargers the very next snap... https://t.co/gcvfUuZdwX pic.twitter.com/pQkgSp9Gyh
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) May 31, 2016
The two plays were part of a spirited Tuesday practice during organized team activities for the San Diego Chargers as they continue to build toward the 2016 season.
“The main focus is to not allow the offense in the end zone, so it was real intense out there,” Verrett said. “He got me on that back-shoulder, but that’s what it’s all about. I’m learning from that, so I appreciate him doing that.
“That’s the way I play. Every snap when me and Keenan line up, we’re like, ‘Let’s go.’ That’s the same mentality we had last year, and we’re looking to do the best on the best.”
The Chargers worked mostly in the red zone during 7-on-7 and team drills. While the defense did a good job at creating turnovers, they didn’t keep the offense totally out of the end zone.
Danny Woodhead made some nice catches for scores along the sideline, and speedy receiver Travis Benjamin continues to show he can create separation for Rivers to find him down the field.
Running back Melvin Gordon participated in team drills for the first time during offseason work but looked tentative as he continues to rehab from microfracture knee surgery in January.
Gordon still has a ways to go before he’s fully healthy, but it’s good to see that he can put some pressure on his knee and attempt to make some open-field cuts. Slowing down is another issue.
Some tidbits from practice:
Cornerback Larry Scott, an undrafted rookie out of Oregon State, made back-to-back interceptions and almost had a third during red-zone work. Scott also worked as a slot defender with the second unit during team drills.
One person pleased with the arrival of Zach Mettenberger has been cornerback Richard Crawford, who picked off the LSU product for a second time on Tuesday. Mettenberger took snaps with the second unit and made a couple impressive throws on deep balls during team drills.
Two edge rushers who look the part are Chris Landrum and Ben Gardner. Both have shown good speed off of the edge as pass rushers.
Undrafted rookie Kenneth Farrow has shown some nice flashes as an inside rusher in team drills, but it’s hard to take too much away from that because defenders do not have pads on.
Players who did not practice on Tuesday include Chris Watt, Trevor Robinson, Antonio Gates, Jamaal Jones, Steve Williams, Terrell Chestnut, Branden Oliver, Nick Dzubnar and Shaq Petteway.
