The LA Chargers have a knack for being crowned offseason champions. They'll spend ample resources on a big-time player and the media responds swiftly by making a bold proclamation of where they'll finish the next season.
Nothing topped last offseason, however, after the Chargers made two high-profile defensive additions. They surprised everyone when they acquired Khalil Mack from Chicago for two draft picks, and took things a step further by signing prized free agent J.C. Jackson to a five-year, $82.5 million contract.
Like clockwork, the familiar narratives returned: If the Chargers stay healthy, this roster is talented enough to compete in the loaded AFC.
Bolts fans are tired of hearing it, and rightfully so. They're well aware of how many Pro Bowl-caliber players are on both sides of the ball. Like any winning-starved fan base, they want the talent to translate to something.
Don't tell that to Dan Orlovsky, though. The ESPN analyst and renowned Bolts (and Justin Herbert) promoter spread this exact tired narrative on "NFL Live" last week" and got LA roasted on social media.
"If they stay healthy, this is as good a roster, talent-wise, as there is in the NFL."
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 31, 2023
—@danorlovsky7 on the 2023 Chargers ⚡ pic.twitter.com/mKlG2uwgK0
Chargers' roasted on Twitter thanks to ESPN's Dan Orlovsky
It was only a matter of time. While the Chargers went toe-to-toe against the Chiefs in their two matchups last season, what evidence is there to suggest Los Angeles is primed to dethrone the defending champs?
Suffice it to say Twitter let Orlovsky (and the Bolts) hear it.
This has been said every year about the Chargers since 1792 https://t.co/b27SqR9KJw
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) June 1, 2023
Might want to fact check the date, but it's certainly felt that long.
Offseason hype champions once again. Hang the banner https://t.co/xtAOHhJBV8
— how bout those CHIEFS (@hbtCHIEFS) June 1, 2023
Is there even a worthwhile rebuttal? Thanks, Orlovsky.
Death, Taxes, the media hyping up the Chargers in the offseason https://t.co/nCSbYBTkFt
— Sterling Holmes (@HomestretchKC) June 1, 2023
Again, what can we even say in response to Chiefs fans? They're the reigning Super Bowl champs and beat the Chargers in both matchups last year.
You can play the same tape every year from the past 20 years and it’s the same commentary on the Chargers lol. They’re always talented. They never finish. https://t.co/tSmAbR42aI
— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) June 1, 2023
Even Ravens fans are piling on now.
Last year had a different feel for the first half of the Wild Card Round, until Brandon Staley and the Chargers choked away a 27-0 second quarter lead against the Jaguars. The team is still searching for its first playoff win since 2018 and just its second playoff win since 2014.
Oh look, another Media Pre-season Championship awarded...again. 😳
— Shashi Jairam (@ShashiJairam) June 1, 2023
What are they up to, like 30 Chips now?
GOAT Pre-season Team of all time! No question! https://t.co/6ajCnSE1QZ
Of course Raiders fans joined in on the fun. That's hilarious because they haven't won a playoff game in over 20 years and have two winning seasons in the last decade.
If the Chargers fall short of their (apparently) lofty 2023 expectations, you can count on rival fans circling back to this Orlovsky clip.
Let's hope Justin Herbert and company shut them up by giving the Chiefs a serious run in the AFC West and exercise their playoff demons by going on a deep run.