NFL
By: George Lopez
Coming up just short of making the playoffs last season, the Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2022 season with Superbowl aspirations. They have added some key pieces this offseason to help strengthen their squad under 2nd-year coach Brandon Staley.
At times, Staley coached like a river boat gambler, making some questionable calls going for it on 4th down when the smarter play would have been to punt. Most Chargers fans are upset with Staley’s decision to call a timeout late in the overtime quarter in the final game with the Los Vegas Raiders. The Chargers needed the game to end in a tie to make the playoffs and the Raiders seemed intent on ending the game in a tie. When Staley elected to call a timeout with time running out, the Raiders chose to kick the game-winning field goal that eliminated the Chargers from playoff contention.
The Chargers are led by 3rd-year quarterback Justin Herbert. Last season Herbert threw for 5014 yards with 38 touchdowns. He did throw 15 interceptions last season. In his 2nd year in offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s offense, look for Herbert to continue to put up impressive numbers this season. At wide receiver, Herbert has 2 receivers that he’s a good connection in Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Last season, Allen led the Chargers with 106 receptions for 1138 yards and 6 touchdowns. Williams complimented that with 76 receptions for 1146 yards and 9 touchdowns. Running back Austin Ekeler had a good year for the Chargers in 2021. He rushed for 911 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also accounted for 70 receptions for 647 and 8 touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield. Look for Ekeler to have similar numbers this year.
The Chargers’ offensive line is considered as a middle of the pact unit. A weak spot the offensive line will have to keep a close eye on is at right tackle. Storm Norton, a 3rd-year player is expected to be the starting right linebacker this season. The Chargers will rely on him to protect Herbert’s front side in the passing attack.
The Chargers made a big splash in the offseason when they acquired Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears. Mack did most of last season with the Bears accounting for 19 tackles and 6 sacks. Look for Mack to have a bounce-back season playing opposite Joey Bosa this season. Last season Bosa had 51 tackles to go along with 10.5 sacks. Playing with Mack should help to increase those numbers this season. The Chargers also picked up Sebastian Joseph-Day, who played with the Rams last season. Having played for Coach Staley when he was the defensive coordinator for the Rams, Joseph-Day should have a smooth transition coming to a new team. The Chargers also picked up former Rams linebacker Troy Reeder who should provide solid depth at the linebacker position.
The secondary is led by safeties Derwin James, Jr. and Nasir Adderley. James led this unit with 118 tackles and Adderley added 99 tackles. Staley likes J.C. Jackson as this defense’s shut-down cornerback. Last season he accounted for 58 tackles and 8 interceptions. With Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa being accounted on to have big years to put pressure on the opposing quarterbacks, the secondary could see more opportunities to generate turnovers off rushed passes.
The Chargers have the 10th toughest schedule this year. Their opponents had a .519 winning percentage last season. On top of playing 2 games against division opponents Raiders, the Chiefs, and Broncos, teams who have a good look at making the playoffs, the Chargers will also face 5 other teams who made the playoffs including the defending Superbowl champs Los Angeles Rams. Going into their 2nd season under Coach Staley, the defense is expected to be even better this year. Justin Herbert continues to improve each season in the NFL and should be in the conversation for MVP this season. If Coach Staley learned from the mistakes he made as a first-year head coach, the Chargers will be serious contenders to represent the AFC in this year’s Superbowl.
