What’s next for the Los Angeles Chargers?
By Darrell Reese Jr.
The Los Angeles Chargers finished their 2018 campaign with a record of 12-4. They exceed my predictions as I had them going 11-5 for the season.
But the real question is, what’s next for the Chargers. Here is my take on the upcoming season for the Bolts.
With the moves Tom Telesco made in the offseason last year, my expectations on the season were very high, in fact, I had this team not only making it to the Super Bowl but winning it. Unfortunately, the team fell short in the playoffs to the New England Patriots.
But I have reason to believe that my Bolts will be right back in the playoffs, if not the Super Bowl, this season.
The Chargers have a few holes to fill on their roster with right tackle being their main focus so it’s obvious that the team will look to take one in the first or second round. Free safety is another position that remains in question with the release of Jahleel Addae but finding his replacement shouldn’t be too hard with the amount of talent in free agency and the draft.
Re-signing Adrain Phillips was a huge move in my opinion for this team because he’s the type of player that can play multiple positions on the field and provide much-needed help to the defense.
The defense as a whole is only going to get better but positions like defensive tackle and free safety have to be addressed on the tail-end of free agency or draft. Telesco has done an amazing job as of late with contracts and draft so I trust him to make the right decisions come draft day.
I’m also sure guys like Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are waiting to get their hands on opposing quarterbacks but a need for another pass rusher is there. I feel like Uchenna Nwosu can be that guy. Bosa was injured some of the season last year so I know he’s excited to get back on the field.
On the offensive side of the ball is where our future lies because the Chargers have yet to find a successor to Philip Rivers. The team did sign quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a two-year contract so that means that the Bolts aren’t looking to pick a quarterback in this year’s draft, at least not early.
I’m a firm believer in Shae Patterson of Michigan so that’s who I want to be this team’s next quarterback.
The wide receiving corps will be just fine with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams Geremy Davis and Artavis Scott leading the charge. Dylan Cantrell is one guy who I will be keeping my eyes on because he was showing nice signs at camp last year before getting injured.
Tight end Hunter Henry was injured all of last season and only managed to appear in one game so it’s going to be huge for this team to have him back fully healthy this season.
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Another guy who I feel can and will be a dark horse for this team will be linebacker Kyzir White. A guy that can play multiple positions as well. So be on the lookout for him this season.
It’s going to be very entertaining to watch this team this season. Other division rivals like the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders have gotten better but the Chargers on paper are still the best team in the division.
Overall, I feel that this team will compete for a Super Bowl this season and honestly, we have the players and coaching staff to do it. Anthony Lynn is three years in and young guys like Derwin James and Mike Williams know the system now so there shouldn’t be any excuses this season.
It’s going to be a fun year for the Bolts and I’ll be there cheering from afar every week. So what’s next for the Chargers? A Super Bowl win is the answer to that question.