Some can make the argument that the Chargers got better this offseason, while others would beg to differ. They brought in a crop of players that should help put the team in position to win, but they also lost some key players from the previous season.
Los Angeles lost offensive tackle Russell Okung, running back Melvin Gordon, safety Adrian Phillips, fullback Derek Watt, but most importantly, quarterback Philip Rivers – the heart and soul of the franchise of the past 16 seasons.
Heading into the new decade, the Bolts may have suffered some losses, but they received some reinforcements with Bryan Bulaga, Trai Turner, Chris Harris Jr. and Linval Joseph via free agency and some through the draft, including first-round picks Justin Herbert and Kenneth Murray.
What does a panel of analysts think of the Chargers’ offseason? ESPN ranked teams based on how much they improved, factoring free-agent signings, trade acquisitions, draft selections, coaching changes and even, in some cases, long-term injuries or retirement.
For Los Angeles, they ranked No. 22 overall out of the 32 teams.
As they begin the eventual transition from Rivers to Herbert, the Chargers oddly signed three veteran free agents — Bulaga, Joseph and Harris — who are each 31 years old. Perhaps they wanted to load up for one run with veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor before turning the offense over to Herbert. It might be the Chargers’ best play under the circumstances of the pandemic, but it’s not easy to argue that the Chargers have a better team than they did in 2019.
I believe Los Angeles is still capable of getting the job done with Tyord Taylor or Herbert, especially with the new offense that they’re going to run, which should be similar to the Ravens of last season, and given the amount of talent they have from top to bottom.
The most vital key to any kind of success for them is health of the players. Like last year, if they can’t stay injury-free it’ll be hard to have a bounce-back season. If they do, the Chargers are capable of making some serious noise during the regular season and into the playoffs.
Another key to success will be dethroning the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, who are 27-3 against AFC West teams since 2015 and have claimed four straight division titles.