It was only a year ago when the Chargers were being viewed as Super Bowl contenders after an outstanding 2018 season. But after a disappointing 5-11 2019 season, there’s a lot of uncertainty with the team from Los Angeles as they march into the upcoming season.
Despite boasting one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, there’s a lot of doubt with the most important position on the field. With the marriage between the Chargers and Philip Rivers coming to an end, Tyrod Taylor and rookie Justin Herbert take over.
The fact that no one knows how the quarterback play will shake up due to the lack of experience in the starting role, it has had a significant impact on the team’s positioning in preseason power rankings.
NBC Sport’s Peter King was the latest and most notable to put one out. King slotted the Chargers in No. 24 overall slot, citing that the team is capable of being a lot higher, but it all depends on how Taylor, who is projected to be the Week 1 starter, does.
“The Chargers could be eighth in these rankings and they could be 24th . . . so much depends on how Tyrod Taylor (31 on opening day) plays early,” King said.
King highlighted Taylor’s regular season success, but his play from the postseason and the fact that Los Angeles drafted Herbert draws some doubt with him under center.
“Let’s reflect on Taylor’s three-year run as Buffalo’s starter after backing up Joe Flacco in Baltimore for four years. A 63-percent passer, not a risk-taker, 51 touchdowns, 16 picks, 92.5 rating, rushed for between 420 and 580 yards each year, let go after leading the Bills to the playoffs in 2017 but scoring just three points in the postseason loss at Jacksonville.
Always well-liked by his mates. “The players here respect the hell out of him,” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said. But when you draft a quarterback (Justin Herbert) sixth overall, it’s pretty clear your team retains doubts about the incumbent.”
Outside of the questions with the quarterback position, the rest of the roster is loaded with talent which should be able to help keep them in positions to win throughout the season, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
“The defense should keep the Chargers in games. The free-agent signing of cornerback Chris Harris Jr., who can fill at both slot and outside corner, is a good one, and first-round linebacker Kenneth Murray, should anchor the front seven from day one.”
You can find the rest of King’s rankings here.