The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the more hyped-up teams across the NFL right now, and for good reason. Since hiring new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Bolts have had a certain buzz about them that the franchise hasn't seen in years.
Harbaugh brings new hope to this team that has completely underperformed over the last few seasons. His teams are typically tough-minded and wear down their opponents on both sides of the ball.
With star quarterback Justin Herbert under center, Harbaugh at least knows he has a reliable player at the most important position on the field. The rest of the roster is a work in progress, but the team is hopeful for the future.
As are members of the media, who are looking at the Chargers as a potential sleeper team for next season, depending on how the offseason goes. Long-time sports analyst Colin Cowherd has predicted that the Chargers will indeed get back to the postseason next season. He has the Bolts landing as a wild-card team in the loaded AFC.
The Bolts could always make a play for the postseason, but the most important thing for them next year is to establish a culture with Harbaugh. They need to build into the team that he wants to coach, and they can do that by simply playing the right way.
The AFC is a bloodbath for any team, which could give the Chargers some issues. But this team does have talent on it, and with more competent coaching, maybe their luck changes along the way.
Either way, the Chargers can't get ahead of themselves here. While guys like Cowherd will pick them due to the shininess of the offseason, there is work to be done. Los Angeles knows this better than anyone, and it all starts with how they build over the next few months.
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