By Sean Gannon

May 9, 2020

The Chargers went all out this offseason to make sure their team was in the best position to knock off the Chiefs from the division crown and make the playoffs this time around in 2020. A roster that already features studs, such as, Derwin James, Desmond King and Joey Bosa, the Chargers thought it was best to add depth on defense and protection on offense. They went out and signed 4-time pro-bowl corner Chris Harris Jr from their rival Broncos, two-time pro-bowl defensive tackle Linval Joseph, five-time pro-bowl guard Trai Turner, and tackle Bryan Bulaga, who’s protected Aaron Rodgers since entering the league in 2010. On top of that, the Chargers drafted linebacker Kenneth Murray, a sideline to sideline player whose motor doesn’t quit until the whistle blows, who made this front seven more dangerous. Plain and simple, they went all out. This team is completely loaded, and it’s all centered around beating the Chiefs in the AFC West and slowing down Mahomes, Hill and Kelce. They have the secondary and the front seven to do that now. In 2019 the Chargers defense placed 14^th in points allowed (21.6) and 6^th in total yards allowed per game (313.1). They were flat out incredible, and they only got better with their free agent signings. A full offseason to put all this defensive talent together, will make them a top five defense next year, and a key factor for the Chargers to make a deep playoff run.

Philip Rivers’ tenure with Los Angeles has now come to close, leaving Tyrod Taylor to be the expected starter week 1, regardless of the fact that they drafted Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick. Whoever is sitting under center for the majority of the season is going to find success easily. The offensive line was improved with Turner and Bulaga, ensuring that the quarterback has the protection needed in the pocket Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry, and Austin Eckler provide the necessary weapons for a quarterback to move the offense. Ekeler showed he can be the feature back and do anything the offense needs of him, whether it’s running the ball or a screen pass. Prior to Melvin Gordons week 6 return, Ekeler totaled 227 rushing yards and three touchdowns, to go along with 356 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Allen reached his third straight pro-bowl while simultaneously reaching his third year of over 1,100 receiving yards. Hunter Henry, even though he missed four games, had the most receiving yards of his four-year career at 652 and continued to be a great blocker for the run game. Both Taylor and Herbert have big arms and the biggest beneficiary of that could be Mike Williams. Williams had his best season, since being drafted number seven in 2017, when he reached over 1,000 yards and averaged an amazing 20.4 yards per reception. Herbert impressed at Oregon’s pro-day with a stand still throw for 65 yards and Taylor has shown that he can throw the ball deep throughout his career, this could help make Williams one of the best deep threats in the NFL.

If a revamped defense, a new quarterback, and a great nucleus of players already on the roster don’t get you excited, the Chargers are also getting a brand-new stadium to play in for the 2020 season. Looking at the pictures the new stadium looks absolutely incredible and hopefully the Chargers are able to find a solidified fan base in Los Angeles with their new home. The Chargers have the 10th easiest schedule in the NFL, which bodes well for them should they need a win late in the season. Keep your eye out for the Chargers in 2020, they can edge their way into the playoffs in the AFC.