Bolt Beat
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How the Chargers can solve their offensive line woes in 2020

By Steven Haglund

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Anthony Lynn (R) of the Los Angeles Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers #17 look up at the replay during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Anthony Lynn (R) of the Los Angeles Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers #17 look up at the replay during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Michael Schofield #75 of the Los Angeles Chargers lines up on the offensive line during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 06: Michael Schofield #75 of the Los Angeles Chargers lines up on the offensive line during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Dignity Health Sports Park on October 06, 2019, in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Step 2: Re-sign Michael Schofield

Whether or not Chargers fans want to admit it or not, Michael Schofield was one of the most reliable players on the team this year. Media pundits often talk about the importance of availability, and consecutive game streaks are often made out to be a large accomplishment.

To that end, Schofield finished the season as the only player to play 100 percent of all snaps on the season. That matters for a team that had every other position of the offensive line in flux at one point or another during the season.

Not only was he reliable, he graded out as elite several times throughout the season. He finished as the highest-graded player on the Chargers offense on three separate occasions, per Pro Football Focus. He ended the season as the highest-graded Chargers offensive lineman after only giving up seven quarterback hits and one sack on 634 pass-blocking snaps.

Michael Schofield finishes as the only guy on the roster to play 100% of the snaps on offense. No one on defense hit 100% either.

In 634 pass-blocking snaps, he gave up 7 QB hits and one sack, per PFF.

Have to believe he returns next year on a new contract. At right guard. https://t.co/H7YvW0sgKX

— Bolt Beat (@BB_Chargers) December 30, 2019

Continuity matters on the offensive line, especially for a team that has rotated in so many different players up front and should likely have at least one new starter again in 2020.

This brings up an important aspect to building a successful offensive line and that is chemistry. There is so much communication that goes on both before and during the game that you need to be able to trust the guys next to you.

If the Chargers burned this position group down to the ground like some fans suggest that means you start every aspect from scratch. The grass isn’t always greener in this regard.

Schofield improved greatly in 2019 and was unquestionably the team’s most consistent lineman. He has earned the right to an extension and deserves to remain with the Chargers for the next few years.

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