The Chargers offensive line must improve if they wish to be Super Bowl champions

The play of the Los Angeles Chargers offensive line declined down the stretch in 2018. Heading into 2019, it still remains a major question mark.

During the first 12 games of the season, the Chargers controlled the line of scrimmage as they were one of the best run attacks and gave Philip Rivers enough time to hit his targets in the passing game. However, the rest of the way, the offensive line struggled mightily and according to Pro Football Focus, they finished 30th overall.

Compared to the four teams that went to the AFC and NFC Championship Game last year, the New England Patriots (4), Los Angeles Rams (6) and New Orleans Saints (8) finished with top 10 grades. The Kansas City Chiefs (13) finished with a very good grade in 2018 ranking above league average.

The Chargers did little to address the offensive line. Aside from drafting offensive tackle Trey Pipkins (who I like as a prospect but is not ready to play in 2019), the Chargers are counting on some young pieces to progress from last year.

Names such as Dan Feeney, Sam Tevi and Forrest Lamp will be counted on to progress from last season, while Mike Pouncey will continue to produce as he did in 2018. Offensive tackle Russell Okung is dealing with an unspecified injury so it will be interesting to see if he will be available for training camp. If not that could be a major scare for all Chargers fans.

The Chargers offensive line must make strides this year. This position group will ultimately be the deal breaker as to whether or not they win their first Super Bowl in 2019.