The 2023 NFL season for the Los Angeles Chargers turned out to be a forgettable nightmare, marked by a series of unfortunate events, subpar performances, injuries, and coaching mishaps. The team, initially expected to compete for the division crown and make a playoff run, concluded the season with a disappointing 5-12 record, far from the anticipated success.
Players, coaches, and the organization as a whole are understandably displeased with the outcomes. However, star offensive tackle Rashawn Slater sees a silver lining in the disappointing season. In an interview with Chargers insider Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Slater adopted a glass-half-full perspective, suggesting that sometimes a team needs a wake-up call in the form of adversity.
“It sounds so corny, but sometimes you just need an experience like that to remind you what it’s like,” Slater said. “I feel like if you see this side of it, that’s just fuel that you can use forever.
Sometimes, you need to get smacked in the mouth to be put in check, but most of the time, a significant portion was self-inflicted. There were many moments where the team, players, coaches, and the organization played a part in this season's debacle.
The signing of former All-Pro J.C. Jackson also proved to be a disappointment, contributing to the team's struggles. At various points, the offense and defense undermined their own efforts, adding to the season's woes. Slater hoped this disappointing season would serve as a turning point, a wake-up call for the Bolts.
With the prospect of a new head coach and general manager on the horizon, coupled with high draft picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, there is renewed optimism for the Chargers. Slater believes that hitting rock bottom in 2023 can only mean an upward trajectory for the team. The response to adversity, strategic coaching, and successful draft picks hold the key to a brighter future for Los Angeles.
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