NFL
By: Brock Vierra
The Los Angeles Chargers find themselves back in the playoffs for the first time since 2018 behind second-year Head Coach Brandon Staley. The former Rams defensive coordinator has built his defense via players from his stops with the Rams, Denver, and Chicago. Khalil Mack, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Morgan Fox, Bryce Callahan, and Troy Reeder were his home picks while the acquisition of Kyle Van Noy has provided a pass-rushing attack that allowed the Bolts to post one of the best defenses in the past five weeks. Justin Herbert has led the injury-stricken offensive attack to an efficient but not explosive output in 2022. Both Staley and Herbert have been put under a microscope and media scrutiny despite winning and with the injury to Mike Williams ruling him out for the majority of the playoffs, both have the weight of tremendous pressure put on their shoulders as they make their way to Jacksonville.
The Good: Despite having arguably his worst statistical season, Justin Herbert has still posted over 4000 passing yards and a 5-2 TD to INT ratio. Austin Ekeler has posted an underrated season, essentially becoming Herbert’s number-one target throughout points in the season. His over 1600 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns is a welcomed sight but career highs in both fumbles and fumbles lost should spell concern for Bolts fans. Keenan Allen looks to have hit his stride once again. Gerald Everett has been a welcome sight for the Chargers as he has been the sure-handed Tight End the Chargers have needed since Antonio Gates retired (no offense Hunter Henry). Ironically enough, the Bolts last playoff appearance was when Gates was in pads.
The Chargers defensive improvement comes as no accident. Big-time play by Mack, Fox, Van Noy, and Joseph-Day has helped plug the gaping holes teams used to exploit and the lack of Jerry Tillary has made the Chargers much stouter. Alohi Gilman who has standout performances against the Browns, Dolphins, and Colts has been a welcomed sight for the injured Derwin James. Michael “Vato” Davis has been one of the best corners in the NFL as of late while Asante Samuel Jr continues to make his dad and his dads’ nickname of Mr. Pick Six proud. Rookie Ja’sir Taylor has put in impressive performances while Drue Tranquill has been a force at linebacker. The Chargers have held opponents to 28 points or less in 13 games this season with opponents under 25 points in 7 of their last 10 matchups.
Ryan Ficken has been the true difference-maker. The Special Teams coach has had to work with three different kickers this season with all performing at a high level. Cameron Dicker has been a big boost for the Bolts and his coaching has been the missing piece to the special teams success that has alluded the Chargers for around a decade.
The Bad: The problem is that the most amount of points put up on the Chargers in 2022 was 38 and that was hand delivered by their playoff opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Historically the Bolts do not have a good playoff track record in Florida. Besides their victory in the Epic in Miami, the Chargers have lost their three following playoff games in Florida including Super Bowl XXIX against the 49ers. The only good thing is all those games were in Miami and they’re playing in Jacksonville. Alongside history is the fact the Bolts have to travel across the continental US and play a game, only six days removed from their last contest which was a road game as well. Mike Williams being out hurts a lot as the continuing trend of Justin Herbert playing without his full allotment of weapons continues.
Jacksonville has won their last 5 games, 6 out of 7 and 7 of their last 9. Long story short, they’re hot right now. Travis Etienne’s 1000-yard rushing season to go along with the career year for Christian Kirk who despite the criticism of his contract has outperformed expectations and Zay Jones who had a career year as well gives Trevor Lawrence a lot to work with. Lawrence, Etienne, Kirk, and Jones had big games against the Chargers in week 3 while their defense played lights out.
Jacksonville’s defense is grossly underrated with Foyesade Oluokun, Josh Allen, and Travon Walker putting in run-stuffing and stellar performances. Allen is one of the most underrated pass rushers in the NFL and expect him to be a disrupting force.
The Call: The Bolts pull this one out in a back-and-forth affair. A lot has changed for the Chargers since week 3. In that game, Herbert was playing with ribs he broke just the week prior and was considered out until 10 minutes before game time. Rashawn Slater, Joey Bosa, and Jalen Guyton all suffered season-ending or close to season-ending injuries in that contest, and the Chargers were caught like a deer in headlights. Sony Michel was the game’s leading rusher for the Bolts while Austin Ekeler got only 4 carries.
The Bolts will be a different beast on paper. The defense is 100x better and Joey Bosa will be expected to play. Khalil Mack will be hungry as well since this is only his 4th playoff appearance in his Hall of Fame career. Joshua Kelly has established himself as the number two back the Bolts have been missing since Ekeler got elevated to RB1. Keenan Allen will be playing and this is the healthiest the Bolts have been since well…week 3.
On the other side, Jacksonville rode the back of James Robinson who posted a 100-yard rushing performance in week 3. Robinson is now on the Jets. The key to this game is will the Bolts get pressure on Trevor Lawrence? The Jags use of screens and quick-out routes stifled the Bolts pass rush but with this revamped DB room, the Jags might not be able to do that anymore. The real question is how will Lawrence and Herbert perform when the lights are this bright? Herbert has posted many stellar night performances and Lawrence won his must-win game so both have somewhat proven track records. I got the Bolts 21-17.
