Reporter feels Chargers could be one of league's most overhyped teams in 2023

Although quarterback Justin Herbert and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore could help the Chargers reach the next level, some think it's time to pump the brakes on expectations for Los Angeles.

In a Friday column, Mike Jones of The Athletic listed the Chargers as one of the league's most over-hyped teams heading into next season.

"Moore could very well help Herbert in some regards. However, the play caller was rather inconsistent in Dallas," wrote Jones. "And on top of that, [head coach Brandon Staley] and his players have to prove they can do better in those crucial, high-pressure situations."

Moore's system is full of firepower. The Cowboys finished top six in scoring three times while he served as OC from 2019 to 2022. Yet it's interception-prone. Dallas registered 42 picks over the past three seasons, tied for sixth in the league.

Aside from the caveats in the new offense, the Chargers had an awful postseason collapse last season. In a 31-30 loss to Jacksonville in the wild-card round, they blew a 27-point lead, allowing the third-largest comeback in postseason history. The defeat could stifle their momentum next season.

While it's reasonable to question Los Angeles, it could still improve and exceed expectations since it has one of the best QBs in the NFL. Herbert recorded the second-most passing yards (4,739 in 17 games) last season and possesses the fifth-best 2023 MVP odds, per OddsChecker.
If Moore and Herbert form a strong partnership, the Chargers could unlock their potential, become a legitimate AFC contender and silence their skeptics.