1. Justin Herbert Does NOT Have the Year Everyone Thinks He Will

Yes, you read that right. And, trust me, as a die-hard Bolts fan – I hope it doesn’t come true. But, we’re all aware of “Sophomore Slumps” – and Herbert never had one. Don’t think we got off easy. I’m not trying to say that this will be the year we see his “true colors” – I think we’ve already seen that. I’m just being realistic – the dude is due for something of a slump. I hope I’m proved wrong, and if I am – this dude is truly on track for GOAT status. 

2. Khalil Mack Returns to His All-Pro Form.

That is, if he plays more than 10 games. Again, as a Los Angeles Chargers fan, I’ve come to know the injury bug all too well. But, if Khalil can weather whatever injury storm that has resided in our clubhouse, he’ll be an absolute beast. With Bosa gaining the attention on the other side, Mack will dominate. It’s pick your poison, and more than likely – teams will bet on the previously-fallen star.

3. The J.C. Jackson Signing is a Disappointment

This isn’t so much commenting on J.C. – but more so, the type-cast he’s now grouped among. High priced cornerbacks who come to a new team in free agency have not worked out in the past. Nmadi Asomugha. Josh Norman. Richard Sherman. Do you need some more names? Last but not least, it doesn’t help that Jackson is coming off of an injury. Let’s also keep in mind that J.C. Jackson got all of his picks in a defense led by who? Oh yeah, the Nikola Tesla of Defensive schemes. 

4. We Make a Deal at the Deadline

Whether it be for Defensive Line help to further sharpen up the Los Angeles Chargers’ run stopping woes, or an O-Tackle – my crystal ball sees a deal coming at the deadline. I’m sorry, but I wouldn’t even let Storm Norton hold my baby if given the chance. Let alone the QB sent from the heavens. Maybe Salyer will give us hope – but you have to believe there was a reason he slid so far in the draft. The point is – the Chargers are all-in on a “win now” bid – so don’t be surprised to see a move. 

5. We Finish 2nd in AFC West, Earn a Wild Card, and Get a Playoff Win

While I don’t think we will top the behemoth 4-headed monster of the AFC West, I’m damn sure we’ll get in. Logically speaking, there’s two spots. Who else will take it? The Colts/Titans? Ok, who else? Crickets… And when we get in, we’ll be slotted up against either a team in our Division, or a team that’s worse than a team in our Division. After what happened last year – Staley’s out for blood. I can smell it, right there with the sweet smell of fourth down conversions.

Conclusion

All in all – like most of the Bolt Fam – I’m pretty damn excited for this year. That doesn’t mean I’ve wandered into the territory of blind optimism. Mistakes still happen. Players get injured. Things don’t go right. After all, that does seem to be the Charger way. But the tides are shifting. Management cares. This is the most stacked squad since we went the AFC Championship in 2008. It’s going to be one hell of a year – one way or another…