At the dawn of the 2022 season, We Sport looks back on the situation of the 32 NFL franchises. Today, focus on the Los Angeles Chargers, an ambitious California franchise.
The balance sheet of Los Angeles Chargers last season
A promising season but a frustrating finish. In 2021, the Chargers have long believed they can find the playoffs, being in the fight until the last moment. Unfortunately, the overtime loss to the Raiders in the Week 18 was prohibitive, at the same time propelling their division rival towards the postseason. A tragic end to an interesting season, where Los Angeles particularly impressed in attack, confirming the upward slope taken by the players of rookie coach Brandon Staley.
[9-8]no playoffs
The movements of the off-season
After coming very close to the playoffs, Los Angeles decided to put the means to cross a threshold and in particular to plug certain holes in defense, the most delicate sector last season. Thus, the Chargers achieved two huge blows by offering themselves JC Jackson, the most courted cornerback on the free-agent market, but also Khalil Mack, reference on the pass rush poached from the Bears for a second-round pick. Sebastian Joseph-Day comes to reinforce a defensive line that is rebuilding, while Bryce Callahan numerically replaces Chris Harris Jr. Also noteworthy is the departure of two starting linebackers (Nwosu, White), weakening a squad already in difficulty in 2021.
In attack, the objective was again and always to put Justin Herbert in the best conditions. Already remodeled last year, the offensive line records the arrival of Zion Johnson, drafted in the first round and who should be directly incumbent as guard. Among receivers, Mike Williams has been extended, while Gerald Everett reinforces the position of tight-end, he who comes out of the best season of his career in Seattle.
Major arrivals: CB Bryce Callahan (Broncos), THE Dold Everett (Seahawks), CB J.C. Jackson (Patriots), DL Sebastian Joseph-Day (Rams), Edge Khalil Mack (Bears)
Notable departures: THE Jared Cook (—), CB Chris Harris Jr. (—), LB Uchenna Nwosu (Seahawks), AND Michael Schofield (Bears), LB Kyzir White (Eagles)
Extensions: WR Mike Williams
Draft* : AND Zion Johnson (Boston College), S J.T. Woods (Baylor)
* Only the players selected during the first two days are mentioned.
Los Angeles squad Chargers 2022/2023
Despite the multiple defensive reinforcements recorded during the offseason, the strong point of Los Angeles remains its attack. Around the phenomenon Justin Herbert, we find excellent targets (Williams, Allen, Everett) but also a good runner (Ekeler), without forgetting other promising players on the skills positions (Palmer, Guyton, Spiller). Surround all of this with a constantly improving offensive line that has a All-Pro on the blind side (Slater) and you have a solid squad.
On the other side of the pitch, the rookies could do the most good. On the defensive line, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson revitalize this part of the field, while Khalil Mack comes to form a potentially destructive duo with Joey Bosa, the Chargers’ main quarterback fighter. The secondary also seems to have improved over the offseason, with JC Jackson positioning himself as a true No. 1, while Bryce Callahan brings all of his experience into the slot. We will not forget either Derwin James at the post of safety, he who is a reference to his position when his body leaves him alone. Note however the relative weakness of the linebacker group, where Kenneth Murray will have to progress to fill a gaping hole (see below).
Los Angeles Chargers : Ambitions and ranking
Author of an ambitious recruitment, Los Angeles cannot hide: this season, the Californian franchise is aiming for nothing other than the playoffs. In a very tough division, the Chargers have armed themselves to be able to adjoin the Broncos, the Chiefs and the Raiders, and are far from being ridiculous against their rivals. If Justin Herbert continues to progress at high speed and that the alterations made in defense bear fruit, the Californians will be able to doubt any franchise. Win theAFC West for the first time since 2009, maybe not, qualifying for the playoffs, of course yes.
Player to watch: Kenneth Murray
If we follow the beginnings of JC Jackson carefully, the progress of Kenneth Murray will also be closely scrutinized. Choice of the first round in 2020, the former Oklahoma in the NCAA is struggling to assert himself and confirm the hopes placed in him. On a position which is surely the biggest weak point of the Chargers, its evolution will be essential to bring stability to a defense which must be at the level if LA wants to claim the playoffs. Brandon Staley was the linebackers coach for his NFL debut, it’s up to him to develop a talent that struggles to express itself.
The calendar of Los Angeles Chargers in 2022
Week 1 vs Las Vegas Raiders | Week 2 @ Kansas City Chiefs | Week 3 vs Jacksonville Jaguars |
Week 4 @ Houston Texans | Week 5 @ Cleveland Browns | Week 6 vs Denver Broncos |
Week 7 vs Seattle Seahawks | Week 8 BYE | Week 9 @ Atlanta Falcons |
Week 10 @ San Francisco 49ers | Week 11 vs Kansas City Chiefs | Week 12 @ Arizona Cardinals |
Week 13 @ Las Vegas Raiders | Week 14 vs Miami Dolphins | Week 15 vs Tennessee Titans |
Week 16 @ Indianapolis Colts | Week 17 vs Los Angeles Rams | Week 18 @Denver Broncos |
Feature image credit: Chargers.com
Louis Rousseau
The words “Minnesota Miracle” and “No-Call” are scratched from my vocabulary. My heart mourns the retirement of Drew Brees as my eyes finally widen watching the Knicks.
