Team Dinners Helping Chargers In Multiple Ways This Season

After some early season struggles, it seems that your Los Angeles Chargers may have gotten over it all. They have played more up to par over the last few weeks, and that could be due to them coming together more as a team.

Veteran LA pass rusher Khalil Mack hosts team dinners each week, and it has helped build trust around the team. But it has also helped rookie Tuli Tuipulotu break out of his comfort zone a bit as well. 

“At first, Tuipulotu sat in the corner at weekly dinners arranged and hosted by Mack for the Chargers’ defensive unit. He came out of his shell and gradually joined the conversation, although he acknowledged that Mack and defensive linemen Morgan Fox and Nick Williams are “the life of the dinner.”

Per Elliott Teaford of The Orange County Register

Tuipulotu has emerged as a big piece to this Chargers defense, and his growth this season has allowed LA to get more creative in schemes. He gives them another solid option to rush the quarterback, and defenses have taken note of his abilities.

The rookie doesn’t play like one, and it has been refreshing for the team to see. Playing alongside guys like Mack and Joey Bosa likely gives him more space to work with, and he seems to be taking advantage of the opportunity given to him.

He said that the team dinners have allowed this team to bond more together. It gives them all a chance to build chemistry and trust, something that all great teams need to have to be successful.

“Camaraderie,” Tuipulotu said. “It builds a lot of relationships. I’ve talked to a lot of people that I wouldn’t normally, just because I’m not in their room and I’m not really good at talking to people like that. It’s a great thing, building connections. I’m grateful for ‘K-Mack’ for having those team dinners weekly. It’s great for us, for sure.”

Per Elliott Teaford The Orange County Register

If Tuipulotu can continue his strong rookie season, maybe he could land himself in the conversation for the Rookie of the Year award in the AFC. He has been a stellar addition to the Bolts, and they are hoping that he can keep the production up the rest of the way.

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