LA Chargers: 5 reasons Tyrod Taylor can take Bolts to playoffs
Tyrod Taylor has become a heated point of contention among Chargers fans, but the team is very capable of making the playoffs with him at quarterback.
The Los Angeles Chargers certainly find themselves in a bit of a transition period at quarterback.
Philip Rivers decided to take his talents to the Indianapolis Colts, and the Chargers’ top pick form the 2020 NFL Draft, Justin Herbert, is the eventual starting quarterback in waiting. In the interim, Tyrod Taylor might be the starting quarterback for the entire 2020 season. While Herbert could push him for the starting role, one has to imagine the odds of that have decreased with no real rookie minicamp or in-person offseason up to this point.
As a result of Taylor being the presumptive starter, many analysts have sold the Chargers in 2020. Some projections have them dead last in the AFC West, or just not making enough noise for a Wild Card spot in the AFC.
There are a few reasons that Taylor has a great chance to take this team to the playoffs, though.
Reason No. 1: Lack of turnovers
Rivers’ turnovers in 2020 absolutely cost the team. It’s a side effect of his gunslinger mentality, but there becomes a problem with that mentality when you’re approaching 40 years old and don’t have the arm you used to.
In Taylor’s three seasons in Buffalo, he averaged about five interceptions per season. For those doing the math out there, that’s about 15 fewer picks than Rivers threw in 2020. To some people, that may mean Taylor’s more of a game manager than Rivers. That’s completely right, but also a good thing.
The Chargers’ offense is stacked with quality weapons. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have established themselves as a top wide receiver duo in the league. Hunter Henry is a top-10 tight end when healthy. Running back Austin Ekeler was an incredible weapon in 2019 and could progress even further. When driving down the field, all they needed is a quarterback who won’t throw them out of the game.
Keeping interceptions down keeps the team competitive in games. The bottom line is Taylor will produce fewer turnovers than Rivers would’ve as the starter in 2020.