Chargers offensive line undergoing seismic schematic shift under Mike McDaniel, Butch Barry

Chargers offensive line undergoing seismic schematic shift under Mike McDaniel, Butch Barry. The spring practices emphasize urgency as Barry installs an outside zone blocking scheme intended to replace the previous gap‑blocking approach. Tackle duo Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt line up against Cole Strange, the only lineman with direct exposure to McDaniel’s system from his time with the Dolphins. Strange describes the philosophy as “run off the ball,” a starting point for a unit learning new techniques, including a forward lean that can counterintuitively help against certain defenders. The overhaul marks a transition from Greg Roman’s gap scheme toward a scheme that prioritizes lateral movement and precise zone reads to power the run game.