The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off of a somewhat disappointing 2022 season. There were plenty of ups but also baffling losses including blowing a 27-point lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round. This type of inconsistency plagued the Chargers for much of the season. If not for a late 4 game winning streak they wouldn’t have made the playoffs. Still, there is plenty to like when looking at the Chargers prospects for next season. Let’s break that down further and offer a record prediction for the 2023-2024 season.
The Good
There were a handful of young quarterbacks that were due big deals this offseason. One of those is the Chargers Justin Herbert. Herbert had his share of struggles in 2022 where he posted his lowest QBR of his career at 58.2. Despite that, he has shown time and again that he belongs as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL today. The Chargers agreed and paid him a massive 5-year, $262.5 million contract extension right before training camp. With the contract out of the way, Herbert is poised to take another step forward in his young career.
One of the main reasons Herbert and the Chargers offense are in for a big year is new OC Kellen Moore. In somewhat of a surprising move, Moore decided to leave the Dallas Cowboys for the Chargers this offseason. Moore and the Cowboys offense had been one of the top offensive units in the NFL the last two seasons. He now comes over to a loaded Chargers offense full of weapons. If they can stay healthy I expect the Chargers to finish near the top in total offense for 2023.
The Bad
If you’re looking for a weakness on this Chargers team it’s on the defensive side of the ball. The secondary in particular has question marks beyond SS Derwin James Jr. At the FS position the Chargers will rely on Alohi Gilman who will need to take another step forward this year. Gilman has only nine total starts in his young three-year career. With not much depth behind him, I am not sure he is ready yet to be the full-time starter.
The Chargers also have to get better against the run for the defense to be successful. In 2022, the Chargers ranked 32nd in yards per rushing attempt at 5.42. They brought in LB Eric Kendricks for that reason as he should fit in well for the Chargers.
The Prediction
This is a big year for Chargers head coach Brandon Staley. In my mind, he will need to make the playoffs and at least win one game to be safe. I expect the Chargers to do that on their way to the AFC Championship game.
2023 Record: 11-6 (2nd in the Division)
Leave a comment