The Chargers enter the 2022 season with one of the best rosters in the league, but the AFC West is loaded with teams that look like they can compete this year. The Chiefs are still favored among many, the Broncos challenge the Chiefs claim atop the AFC West, and the Raiders are on the outside looking in, but are no easy team most weeks. Where does that leave the Los Angeles Chargers, and will their offseason additions be enough for them?
Offseason Additions
Perhaps the biggest offseason addition for the Chargers was the free agency signing of J.C. Jackson. Jackson played four years at New England before getting picked up on a 5-year $82M contract with the Chargers. Coming from one of the best defensive minds in league history isn’t too shabby. If Jackson isn’t the unanimous best offseason move for the chargers, though, then Khalil Mack is. While Mack is coming off an injury in 2021, nothing suggests that he has any lingering issues. Mack and Joey Bosa coming off the edge is something that defensive coordinators dream of. The Chargers also locked in a few other key players on both sides of the ball, but Jackson and Mack remain the biggest additions to the team.
Herbert and the Offense
Through his first two seasons in the league, Justin Herbert has looked like an absolute freak at QB. The term “generational talent” is typically used to describe him. This throw from him is absolutely insane.
https://twitter.com/Pro__Ant/status/1565424507824881665?s=20&t=ue9krvOhVHVPfm-12mOPYQ
Herbert rides out the pressure and launches the ball 60 yards where is it accurately placed into Jalen Guyton’s awaiting arms. Herbert will also be throwing to Keenan Allen and Mike William who combined for almost 2500 yards last season. Finishing off the skilled players for the Chargers is running back Austin Ekeler who totaled over 1500 all-purpose yards and 20 touchdowns last season. Not to mention the Chargers boast one of the best offensive lines in the league. Offensively the Chargers are sound.
Revamped Defense
The Chargers’ defense is, well, terrifying in a word. Adam Scheln over at NFL.com has the Chargers defense ranked 4th in the league. Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa are likely going to end up as the best edge rusher duo by the end of the season. J.C. Jackson and Derwin James will keep the secondary locked down, and defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day was rated as the best defensive tackle in 2020. Overall, this defensive squad is going to be a nightmare.
Chargers Win the AFC West
Full disclaimer – I am rooting for the Broncos to win this division. However, no one could possibly ignore the reality that the Chargers have a very good squad going into 2022. They lost no major contributors and brought in two players on defense that will take that side of the ball to the next level. Phillip Jones breaks down more of the roster here. The chargers placed themselves in the best position to win the AFC West.
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