Three reasons to be optimistic about the Los Angeles Chargers

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts during the fourth quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Los Angeles Chargers are back in the building, and the road to Super Bowl 54 is underway. The Bolts set high standards in 2018, but there’s still plenty to do.

The NFL draft is just around the corner, general managers, analysts and fans are running through the hundreds of permutations. The writers’ community has written much about which player will land at which franchise, it’s now a case of hurry up and wait. The NFL draft is the perfect segue to the first reason for optimism for the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers GM

Tom Telesco hasn’t done a bad job in identifying rookies to fit the Chargers’ roster.

In 2013 Telesco opted for a third-round pick who would be an accomplished wideout, he was Keenan Allen. In 2015 the Chargers had the 15th overall pick, and Melvin Gordon became a Bolt. Gordon was an exciting prospect, and despite failing to find the end zone in his rookie season, the potential was there for all to see.

The Chargers had a forgettable season in 2015, finishing 4-12. With that record came the third overall pick. The Chargers opted to draft an elite prospect in pass rusher Joey Bosa. Telesco’s first-round pick of 2017 was a beauty.

Will Telesco approach this year’s draft to trade up, or will he wait patiently at pick number 28? We have to put our trust in Telesco, he’ll do what‘s right for the football team. The first-round draft pick of 2019 has a big act to follow.

Derwin James

Derwin James had a lights-out rookie season. The social media caption ‘Approach with caution’ sums up what a gifted player James is.

Gus Bradley asked James to play here, there and everywhere. No.33 isn’t just a good athlete, he is smart and versatile. The key to success in 2019 is integrating the rookies into the Chargers scheme.

James will have plenty of advice for the new pros, they should hang on every word. Don’t bet against James having another stellar year, he along with 51 other players have got to get our quarterback to the Super Bowl, it’s a huge challenge.

Philip Rivers

Rivers keeps rolling when the naysayers keep knocking him. Watching Rivers throw a deep ball to Tyrell Williams at Wembley Stadium was a joy to behold.

Team sports can be cruel, Rivers has been in touching distance of a Super Bowl appearance, but the Chargers haven‘t been able to bridge the gap. Two of Rivers’ draft class of 2004 have gone on to win the Super Bowl. It would be a shame if No.17 wasn’t able to emulate Ben Roethlisgberger and Eli Manning.

Rivers has broken passing records for a quarterback not to have appeared in a Super Bowl. Anthony Lynn has done a great job at coaching the Chargers into a competitive team. 2019 is going to be tough, but Rivers and the Chargers’ senior squad members have what it takes to reach the playoffs. Topping the AFC West should be priority number one.

Next. Los Angeles Chargers full 7-round mock draft

Our division will arguably be the toughest in the NFL. Rivers is a leader and a competitor. It’s easy to see why the opposition respects him. Come on Bolts, let‘s get Sir Philip to the Super Bowl, he deserves it. Bring on 2019, there’s plenty for the Los Angeles Chargers to be optimistic about.