The Los Angeles Chargers have a very promising season in front of them, and it all starts on Sunday when they take on their bitter division rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders.
Most people now consider the Chargers legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and some are even picking them to win the AFC West or actually represent the conference in the Phoenix area come February.
The Chargers not only have a loaded offense but their defense has also been massively upgraded, as has their offensive line.
Optimism is easy to come by right now for the Bolts, and in fact, The Athletic’s crew of NFL analysts feel they will definitely make the playoffs.
The publication broke down each team’s chances of making the playoffs this season, and along with the Buffalo Bills, the Chargers were the only team given a 100 percent chance of reaching the postseason.
That is some very high praise for a franchise that has struggled for many years.
The Bolts Feel Charged Up About 2022
Over the past dozen seasons, L.A. has had a good amount of talent, starting at the quarterback position.
For many years, it was Philip Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler was under center, and right after he departed following the 2019 season, Justin Herbert took his place and exploded.
In 2021, just his second season in the league, Herbert posted 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns, which were single-season marks Rivers never achieved.
Still, ever since the 2010 campaign, the Chargers have made the playoffs only twice.
Their defense has been suspect for years, but this year, it could actually be one of the best.
The team added pass rusher Khalil Mack, a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro First Team selection, J.C. Jackson, a Pro Bowl cornerback, and defensive tackles Austin Jackson and Sebastian Joseph-Day.
That’s in addition to existing stars such as safety Derwin James and defensive end/outside linebacker Joey Bosa.
Defense is the key to winning championships, and the Chargers have just about as many defensive weapons on paper as any other team in football.
It comes in stark contrast to last season, when they finished towards the bottom of the NFL in many key defensive categories, especially when it came to defending against the run.
Chargers run defense 😬 pic.twitter.com/VWjB24rnKd
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) October 17, 2021
The Offense Is Stacked
Any discussion of L.A.’s offense begins with Herbert, who is now one of the game’s elite QBs and a legitimate threat to win this year’s MVP award.
He has two near-elite wide receivers he can count on in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, as well as an outstanding dual-threat running back in Austin Ekeler.
Last year, Ekeler ran for 911 yards and 12 touchdowns, but he also hauled in 647 yards and eight touchdowns in the air, and his 20 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns were tied for the most in the NFL.
Most Rec TD among RB since 2019:
Austin Ekeler 18
Aaron Jones 11
Alvin Kamara 11 pic.twitter.com/aaBsQ0k52q— Pinhead Sports (@_PinheadSports) September 6, 2022
Now, the Bolts will have a new weapon in running back Sony Michel, whom they signed last week.
Michel posted 845 yards and four touchdowns for the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams last season, and prior to that, he spent three seasons with the New England Patriots, allowing him to experience another championship culture.
Perhaps this is the season the Bolts finally build such a culture of their own, whether it results in a world championship this winter or it takes a little bit longer.
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