The Chargers have always been a challenger to the Chiefs, but have never really scared me. Even though their roster is loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, I know they’ll choke down the stretch. Now that Philip Rivers is gone, I have even less fear of the Chargers. I believe Tyrod Taylor isn’t going to lose you a game, but he sure as hell isn’t going to win you a close game with his arm. I’d be remiss to not give a shoutout to one of my all-time favorite players to watch, Junior Seau. Although his ending was tragic and heartbreaking, his play on the field was incredibly special and a pleasure for all football fans to watch.
Ultra Game Men’s NFL Jogger, Los Angeles Chargers, Heather Gray, Small
Quarterback: Tyrod Taylor
Living in Blacksburg, VA (VT alum) has given me more than enough insight on who Tyrod Taylor is as a QB. With a completion percentage just above 50% (53.6%) and a career QBR of 80%, he’s more than capable of winning games. Watching Tyrod Taylor play is like watching Alex Smith, except Alex’s completion % is always in the ’70s. I’ve seen him play many times in college and a couple times live in the NFL. Every time I see him play, I think he deserves to be a starter in the NFL. With the weapons, he now has with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Hunter Henry, he’ll be better than average this coming season.
Reason For Optimism…
As a Chargers fan, I’d be pumped to know that my QB is not going to throw ints during the game. Tyrod Taylor is exceptionally careful with the ball (hence, Alex Smith Comparisons). Taylor is going to give you a better chance to win than Philip Rivers did in the past couple of years due to his great Turnover margin. The Chargers are going to draft a QB at some point this draft (Justin Herbert), so Tyrod will be given his chance for 1 season to impress before the new draft pick is given the reigns. My point is, either way, the Chargers will be better at QB than they were last year.
FOCO Los Angeles Chargers NFL Mancave Team Logo Man Cave Hanging Wall Sign
State of the Offense
As an overall offense, the Chargers always seem to be really good at the skill positions and not great on the offensive line. The Chargers must draft a QB or an Offensive lineman in the draft if they want to be better. The additions of Pouncey and Bulaga are good, but both of those players are 10 and 11 years into their careers. As a Chiefs fan, I have no worry that Tyrod Taylor is going to be able to score enough points to keep up with Saint Patrick and company.
Offensive Line
Bringing in established veterans, such as Mike Pouncey from Miami and Bryan Bulaga from Green Bay are solid moves. However, theyre old and have a history with big time injuries. I think they’re weakest at the Guard Position and that’s bad news against the Chris Jones with the Chiefs and Jurrell Casey with the Broncos. The Raiders are incredibly young, but they’ll be able to push those interior guys around too. Trai Turner is decent, but he wears down too fast against top talent.
Running Backs
I think the RB’s are the strong suit of the Charger’s offense led by the swiss army knife known as, Austin Ekeler. He’s incredibly dynamic and adds an element to their offense that makes them very difficult to stop. Justin Jackson impressed me a lot in the past couple years with 5.5 yards per carry. He’s big, fast, and has absolutely no fear. I believe his maturation is the reason the Chargers felt ok with letting Melvin Gordon walk.
Wide Receivers
I have to be honest, Keenan Allen is an incredible route runner and almost impossible to cover 1-on-1. However, I can’t stand him anytime he opens his mouth. He always talks a ton of shit about my Chiefs and loses more than he wins. Mike Williams is always a threat, especially against my Chiefs. He’s just too big and strong to cover man-to-man in jump ball situations. That’s about it though as far as receivers I’m scared of on the Chargers. Charvarius Ward will keep Allen to modest gains and I just don’t see any way in which the Chargers can score 30 points a game.
State of the Defense
The Chargers defense just got better with the addition of Kenneth Murray from Oklahoma. They have one of the best young pass-rushers in the NFL with Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram provides a more than a serviceable running mate. However, the Chargers are weak at defensive back, even with Chris Harris Jr. being traded. The Chiefs dominate their defense every year because they know that if they block the edge rushers, it’s over. I think Kyzir White will get better as time goes and Murray will make them more formidable in the middle. I see the Chargers going after a Corner or safety to play alongside Derwin James. As a Chiefs fan, the only person I get nervous about in their secondary is James. He has absolutely incredible instincts, quickness, leadership, and toughness. WIth another DB, the Chargers will be a force to reckon with in the AFC West for many years to come.
Defensive Line
FOCO Los Angeles Chargers NFL Mini-Print Logo Gaiter Scarf
The defensive line for the Chargers is better with the addition of Linval Joseph from the Vikings. If he can stay healthy, they’ll have a great D-line with Bosa and Ingram coming off the edge. I think the Chargers need to figure out if Jerry Tillery is the best answer to play alongside Joseph. If not, look for them to draft Blaylock from TCU tonight (I hope they don’t draft him).
Linebackers
Rawlings NFL Los Angeles Chargers Tailgate Kit, Team Color, One Size
As of now the Linebackers for the Chargers are the weakest link on their defense. Kyzir White needs to stay healthy and Denzel Perryman has not performed at his full potential. If he had, they wouldn’t have drafted Kenneth Murray to play inside and traded up to get him. Overall, they’ll be better with the addition of Murray, but they still don’t scare anyone. I guarantee the Chargers still don’t want Murray in coverage against Travis Kelce or Darren Waller.
Defensive Backs
I will hate by saying Derwin James isn’t an elite Safety in the NFL, because he’s a monster in the back end. The addition of Chris Harris helps, but no Chief is afraid of Chris Harris. Tyreek Hill uses him for his annual highlight tape of running past helpless CB’s while throwing up the peace sign. He’s a very good Corner, but I think his age is starting to catch up to him. He’s going into his 11th year and he’s not getting any faster or quicker. The Chargers don’t have a serviceable CB outside of him and I would be stunned if they didn’t draft a CB tonight.
NFL Los Angeles Chargers Spirit Series 3-Piece BBQ Set
Where Will the Chargers Finish in the AFC West?
With their initial investment in Justin Herbert, the Chargers are playing the long game instead of win now. This is evident by giving the reins to Tyrod Taylor for this year while Herbert will sit and learn. Murray is a great pick-up, but they still have too many holes to fill to compete with the Chiefs and Broncos. I believe the Chargers will fight it out with the Raiders for 3rd and 4th place. They’re not a playoff team, but I see them getting better in the next couple of years. Either way, it’s the Chief’s time right now and I can’t hide my joy! Go Chiefs!
WHGJ Los Angeles Chargers NFL 3×5 FT Flag Super Bowl Stars and Stripes Indoor/Outdoor Sports Banner
WOW Outdoors & Sports 