Going into the first week of the 2022 NFL Training Camp, the LA Chargers have made a lot of noise. The fans have been out every day supporting the new look Chargers, and the players have been loving it. Guys like Sebastian Joseph-Day have been seen hyping up the crowd and getting fans incredibly excited for the season.
One of the other players that is getting fans excited is superstar rusher Khalil Mack. When asked in interviews, he has a sense of urgency and is excited to win games for his new football team. Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater was asked about how matching up against Mack has gone, and he is nothing short of impressed.
#Chargers LT Rashawn Slater on facing edge rusher Khalil Mack through four days of training camp:
— Nick Cothrel (@NickCothrel) July 30, 2022
“We’re barely even rushing right now with no pads and he’s already put a couple variations on some moves that I’ve never even seen before.”
Slater is not the only player who has mentioned how good this defensive group has been. Keenan Allen mentioned in an interview after day two that the defense was all over them, which is a great sign to hear from Charger fans who have seen struggling defensive efforts in the past few seasons.
Mack and the rest of the defense having this much of an impact before they even put pads on has to be something to look forward to on the defensive side of the ball. With all of this excitement and hunger surrounding Khalil Mack, we will see if he will top ten or more sacks for the first time since 2018. Partnering Joey Bosa with this version of Khalil Mack may end up being one of the best edge duos in the NFL this season.
The Chargers defense will be tested to start the season.
The first two weeks of the season come against two AFC West foes in the Raiders and Chiefs. Two high powered offenses that will go head to head with the Chargers, which could give fans a good idea of how this defense will play throughout the season.
Luckily, they will have time to correct any bigger mistakes until after the bye, when their schedule gets much more difficult. It will be exciting to watch how this defense performs week in and week out, and how much improvement we will see from beginning to end.
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It will be fun to keep an eye on the remainder of training camp for the Chargers, and continuing to watch this defense grow together. Seeing Khalil Mack fitting right into this defensive group along with guys like Kyle Van Noy, Sebastian Joseph-Day and much more is something to look forward to.