Expect the Chargers pass rush to thrive in 2022
By: Jake Rajala
The Los Angeles Chargers exhibit two Thor-like edge rushers on their roster with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. The older Bosa bro unleashed 10.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, 51 combined tackles, and a personal-best 7 forced fumbles last season. PFF also gave Bosa a very impressive 85.8 grade for his 2021 performance. In the 2020 off-season, the 2016 DROY winner inked a five-year extension worth $135 million dollars.
Bosa’s new roommate (well, maybe), Khalil Mack, will be licking his chops to have a double-digit campaign next season, too. Mack registered six sacks, 7 QB hits, and six tackles for loss in seven contests last season. It was clear that Mack didn’t lose a step last season and it’s clear that he’s unleashed hell this off-season, as well. Take a look yourself at the scene of Mack looking like the Incredible Hulk below.
Bucky Brooks of NFL.com pegged the Khalil Mack-Joey Bosa duo as the second-best pass-rushing duo in the league. It’s clear that the Chargers possess a gifted pass-rushing duo. I honestly believe that the combination of an ascending Justin Herbert and a Chargers pass-rushing combination will carry them to the top of the AFC West in 2022.
Besides the Chargers top two pass rushers, LA will anticipate production from Kyle Van Noy, Jerry Tillery (4.5 sacks last season), and Sebastian Joseph-Day (3 sacks in 2021). In particular, Noy is a quality third-string OLB and he will often be a fresh, pass-rushing menace in the upcoming season. He unveiled five sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception last season. PFF also gave him a quality 72.9 grade for his 2021 season.
The Chargers ranked 20th in sacks a season ago (with 35 sacks). It would be an understatement to say I expect them to significantly improve with the former Buffalo edge rusher that witnessed Jadeveon Clowney get drafted ahead of him. The Chargers have an MVP-darkhorse QB with Herbert but don’t forget about their tenacious pass rush that will make life miserable for Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the league in 2022.
