The Los Angeles Chargers came off a 9-8 record in the 2021 season. The 2021 season ended in disappointment. It ended with a loss to the Los Vegas Raiders in the final game of the season. There were issues in the team that caused the disappointing season in 2021. With a great offseason, the Chargers seem to be serious playoff contenders. Could the Los Angeles Chargers be the Next Team Up?
Keys to the Offense
The Chargers’ offense was spectacular during the 2021 season. However, the Chargers’ seemed to get better. The addition of Isaiah Spiller adds a true running back to the team. Spiller has a hard-nose running back that fights for yards. Zion Johnson bolsters the Chargers’ offensive line. Johnson is both a threat as a run and pass blocker and fills in the hole at Guard, which the Chargers had an issue with last season. Bringing in Gerald Everett, he will be a good weapon for Justin Herbert in the passing offense. Everett is also able to be used as a blocker.
Justin Herbert is the key to Chargers making a playoff run. After a great second year, Herbert is to make strides for his third season. Austin Ekeler will be crucial for the Chargers’ success too. Similar to Herbert, Ekeler will be expected to make strides for the 2022 season. Also, Keenan Allen’s consistency will prove key to the success of the Chargers, making the next team up.
Keys to the Defense
The Chargers’ run defense was laughably bad last season, they allowed for an average of 138.8 rushing yards per game. This ranked as the third worst rushing defense in the league last season. To turn the tide the Chargers brought in Sebastian Joseph-Day who provides size and strength to the defensive line. In addition to Joseph-Day, they brought in Kyle Van Noy. Similarly to Joseph-Day but in a different position they brought Van Noy to strengthen the front seven to bolster the run defense.
To polish the stone the Chargers have made additional moves in the offseason to bolster their defense. Firstly adding J.C. Jackson would provide hope to relief in pressure in the secondary. Secondarliy the Chargers drafted in JT Woods would an Isaiah Simmons type of player that will primarily line up at safety but also play slot cornerback and roaming linebacker when needed.
Time Will Tell
It is very easy to say if a team will be good in time. But in the case of the Los Angeles Chargers that is not necessary. The Chargers made the moves they needed to make to go from good to great. They Added to a spectacular offense and provided protection for Justin Herbert. They added crucial to aid in their tragic run defense. With these additions to both the Offense and the Defense this makes them the NEXT TEAM UP.
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