4 nightmare scenarios for the Chargers in 2023
By Jason Reed
3. The Chargers make the wrong choice with the kicking battle
If there is one thing that has constantly followed the LA Chargers it is kicking problems. Let's not forget that the 2010 Chargers were statistically one of the best teams in NFL history but did not make the playoffs because of special teams woes. Granted, those problems went deeper than just kicking.
It looks like the Chargers are in a great place heading into 2023 as the team gets to choose between Dustin Hopkins and Cameron Dicker. Hopkins has been a reliable veteran while Dicker came to LA last season and kicked very well in the regular season.
The better of the two kickers should win the job and that seemingly puts the Chargers in a great spot. But as we have seen multiple times before, having two choices does not always guarantee that the team will make the right one.
Several years back the Chargers decided to move on from Josh Lambo despite him being relatively solid for the team. He went on to be one of the most accurate kickers in the sport with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Then the team gave the boot to Younghoe Koo because of special teams problems that were not totally his fault. He is a Pro Bowler that has made over 90% of his field goal attempts with the Atlanta Falcons.
Ryan Ficken is running the special teams now so there is more confidence in the decision that the team ultimately makes. But both Hopkins and Dicker could end up struggling for different reasons. If the Chargers make the wrong choice then multiple wins could be removed from the team's final record.