Coming off an embarrassing playoff defeat in which they blew a 27-0 lead against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Los Angeles Chargers are hoping to take the next step toward Super Bowl contention.
They have one of the best quarterbacks in the game in Justin Herbert who, at age 25, has some room for improvement, as well as some very reliable playmakers.
Those playmakers include dual-threat running back Austin Ekeler and wide receivers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and new draft pick Quentin Johnston.
At least on paper, the Chargers are relatively stacked heading into the 2023 season.
The new-look Chargers offense ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/sJivexFMvB
— PFF (@PFF) May 5, 2023
One problem they had last season was key injuries, which affected Allen and Williams and limited them to 10 and 13 regular-season games, respectively.
The Chargers finished the year ranked third in passing yards, but they were only 30th in rushing yards, and they were criticized for their ultra-conservative approach in their passing game despite having a QB in Herbert who seemingly has a bionic rocket-powered arm.
They have a new offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore, who oversaw some potent offenses, especially when it came to the passing game, with the Dallas Cowboys the last four years.
Los Angeles is also hoping for better play and health from their defense, which struggled for long stretches in 2022.
In particular, pass rusher Joey Bosa, a four-time Pro Bowler, and cornerback J.C. Jackson, who was a Pro Bowler in 2021, missed big chunks of 2022 with injuries.
Perhaps no one will expect the Bolts to reach the Super Bowl next season, but with some better luck on the injury front and a productive rookie year from Johnston, who could be the speed threat they need, they could do some real damage.
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