The Chargers enter 2023 with a very talented offense that is led by star quarterback Justin Herbert. However, the team boasts a bunch of other players that will help elevate this team over the top. You can look at their position players or even the studs on defense, but the one group that often gets overlooked may, in fact, be the most important, the offensive line.
LA has a very solid offensive line, and keeping Herbert upright will be the most important aspect of the coming season. Left tackle Rashawn Slater was named as the team's biggest non-quarterback MVP by NFL writer Eric Edholm of NFL.com, and for good reason.
"It's pretty hard to go against pass rusher Joey Bosa here, but Slater returning to health after missing most of 2022 with a torn biceps could be huge for Justin Herbert and the passing game. Jamaree Salyer, who did yeoman's work in Slater's left tackle spot last season, is now expected to shift to right guard."
Slater really had his coming out party back in 2021 as a rookie and was limited last season due to injury. But he still managed to post a PFF grade of 84.0, and one allowed one sack in the 175 snaps he saw. He is going to be a major piece to this offensive line for this year and beyond.
If he can replicate his production, then the Chargers will be in good shape. Slater is a key cog in how this line operates, and they need him to make a deep playoff run. Him protecting the blindside of Herbert is important.
LA has one of the better offensive lines in the NFL, with Slater leading the charge. If this line can do its part, the sky is really the limit for the Chargers in 2023.
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