Arguably the biggest winners of the off-season bringing in two massive pieces on defence, the expectations for the Chargers have never been higher.
Strengths
Second-year quarterback Justin Herbert is one of the best young players in the NFL and the statistics behind the Chargers’ passing game showcase this.
They were pass-happy, having the third-most pass attempts in the NFL, but this resulted in ranking second in total passing yards and fifth in touchdown passes and total points. After regaining all of his offensive weapons and improving the offensive line in front of him, Herbert should explode.
Weakness
Everyone who watched the Chargers at any stage last season will know they had one glaring hole which cost them games and that was their run defence. They gave up the third-most rushing yards, fourth-most rushing touchdowns and gave up 4.6 yards per running play. Multiple teams had over 200 rushing yards against them in a single game.
They signed DT Sebastian Joseph-Day from their cross-town rival Rams who is very good against the run to help counter this
Player to watch
Wide receiver Mike Williams was rewarded for having his most productive season in the NFL last year with a big contract extension. Williams was dynamic, bringing in 76 catches for 1146 yards and nine touchdowns, becoming Justin Herbert’s go-to target.
However, Williams’ big problem has been injury and going into this season at 28 years old, it will be interesting to see if he can match or increase his production while staying healthy.
Who’s under pressure?
When looking across the Chargers roster, it is extremely even and well-balanced, but there is one big hole.
While Rashawn Slater was unbelievable at left tackle in his rookie year, Storm Norton wasn’t as great on the other side. He allowed nine sacks, equal second among tackles and had a PFF grade of just 60.2. With the Chargers’ explosive passing game requiring time, Norton needs to drastically improve, or he could prove to be the big hole.
Projection
It is unbelievable to think this team didn’t make the playoffs last season and it is obvious management is going all in to win while Herbert is on his rookie deal.
J.C Jackson provides a shutdown corner, and the addition of Khalil Mack has created one of the scariest pass rushing duo’s in the NFL with Joey Bosa. If they can improve their ability to stop the run, this will be one of the best teams in the NFL.
Win/loss: 13-4.
Jake Smith
Roar Rookie
I think they are the 4 of the best and most complete rosters in the NFL, so at this stage I have no reason to suggest one of them will miss the playoffs Projections are always difficult but finding losses for these AFC West teams are borderline impossible I think all 4 AFC West teams are objectively better than all of the non AFC division winning teams, with Cincinnati a very close competitor
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
Your projections have the Chiefs and Chargers both at 13-4 and the Broncos and Raiders both at 12-5. You think the AFC West will be a collective 50-18? Considering there are 12 inter-division games, this means they'll lose 6 games outside of the division all season? I know all the AFC West teams look scarily good, but are you suggesting that all 3 wild cards come from the same division?