Eric Smith
The countdown is on for the Chargers season opener.
The Bolts are off this weekend however will get to work Monday in preparation for Week 1 in opposition to the Raiders. Kickoff is Sept. 11 at 1:25 p.m. (PT) from SoFi Stadium.
With the common season looming, we acquired a number of of the Chargers’ beat writers collectively to debate the place the Bolts are at proper now.
Here’s what Daniel Popper (The Athletic), Jeff Miller (Los Angeles Times), Elliott Teaford (Southern California News Group) and Eric Smith (Chargers.com) needed to say:
What’s the largest storyline surrounding the Chargers coming into Week 1?
Popper: Does J.C. Jackson play? The Chargers signed Jackson to a five-year deal this offseason to be their No. 1 nook, however he underwent minor ankle surgical procedure final week. He would possibly miss this matchup in opposition to the Raiders and Davante Adams. Jackson goes to be a vital piece of this new-look protection at any time when he will get again on the sector.
Miller: The Sin City Sequel! The Chargers’ first opponent of the 2022 season occurs to be their final opponent of the 2021 season, the Las Vegas Raiders. The NFL’s schedule makers could not wait to throw these two groups again into the identical pit once more. This very effectively could possibly be probably the most emotional recreation of the yr for the Chargers given the way in which final yr ended. Coach Brandon Staley has brazenly talked about not being over that loss but. I anticipate SoFi Stadium being electric-plus.
Teaford: Revenge. Can the Chargers actual payback from the Raiders after their season-ending loss in Las Vegas value them a playoff spot? It must be an emotional season opener. It’ll even be our first view of the Chargers’ upgraded protection, a have a look at all the brand new names and faces acquired in a really busy offseason.
Smith: The Chargers and Raiders have met 125 instances of their storied rivalry. But the feelings may be at an all-time excessive for this one contemplating how final season ended, when the Bolts noticed a playoff berth slip away in heartbreaking style. The Chargers wish to be within the dance this time round, and step one to making sure that occurs in taking good care of the division rival at residence.
Which rookie or newcomer do you’ve got your eye on?
Popper: Khalil Mack. We get our first have a look at Mack and Joey Bosa as a pass-rushing tandem in Week 1. I’m anticipating fireworks.
Miller: J.C. Jackson. Not certain we’ll get our eyes on Jackson till Week 2 or 3, given his latest foot process, however he is undoubtedly this staff’s most fascinating addition to me. The Chargers have not been nice at creating takeaways, and interceptions are the precise motive Jackson acquired paid this offseason. Seeing if he can proceed his turnover manufacturing with a brand new staff – a staff that desperately wants it – shall be very intriguing.
Teaford: Well, cornerback J.C. Jackson, in fact. He’s acquired fairly the popularity as a playmaker and he joins a fairly good secondary with Derwin James Jr. as the most effective within the NFL at security. He’s actually the highest-paid security within the league now after signing his contract extension final month.
Smith: Mack. The man is as motivated as I’ve ever seen a participant be earlier than the beginning of a season. I acquired an up shut view of Mack over the previous few seasons within the NFC North. If he is nonetheless the participant he was a number of years in the past (which is very seemingly), he’ll create havoc all around the area in 2022.
An unheralded title to look at in 2022 is…
Popper: Donald Parham. He is again in follow after lacking time with a hamstring damage, and I feel the tight finish goes to have a breakout season. He has nice chemistry with Justin Herbert and could be very exhausting to defend one-on-one due to his measurement.
Miller: DeAndre Carter. Before the season’s over, Carter’s title could possibly be a lot heralded by these of us who cowl the Chargers. We’ll see how a lot he’s used on offense. It was fairly a bit in coaching camp. Not certain how a lot of that can carry over now, but it surely actually could possibly be an honest quantity. Returning kickoffs is the place Carter most assuredly can have an opportunity to influence video games instantly. Every yard that particular groups can shorten the sector for Justin Herbert is a bonus.
Teaford: Justin Herbert. No, I’m kidding. Sony Michel simply signed as a backup operating again after Miami minimize him unfastened. I’m curious to see how he suits in behind Austin Ekeler. They appear to play the same kind of recreation, operating and catching.
Smith: Chris Rumph II. Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley already stated he plans on deploying Mack and Bosa fairly a bit this season. But Rumph was among the many preseason standouts and might need carved out a job for himself this season. If the Bolts get artistic with Mack, Bosa and Rumph on the sector collectively, the 23-year-old might excel.
Finally, take a peek into your crystal ball. What will we be saying in regards to the Chargers after Week 18?
Popper: AFC West champions.
Miller: We’ll be assessing their first-round playoff matchup. How’s that for the L.A. Times being optimistic?! The Chargers are in for a rugged experience in a deep and gifted AFC West. But I nonetheless have them bettering sufficient on a 9-8 end a yr in the past to advance to the postseason in Staley’s second season. The protection needs to be improved and there is no motive to suspect the offense will not be nearly as good or higher.
Teaford: The writers shall be attempting to determine which Marriott is their most suitable choice for the playoffs, which implies I absolutely anticipate the Chargers to advance to the playoffs. Will they’ve dethroned the Chiefs for the AFC West title? I do not know, however I’m guessing they’re going to have made the playoffs and maybe posted a 10-7 file.
Smith: That the Chargers have snapped a four-season playoff skid. That’s the expectation amongst gamers and coaches because the calendar has turned to September. Does this staff have the potential for a deep postseason run? We’ll consider that because the season goes alongside. But in an ultra-competitive AFC West, the Bolts shall be among the many seven AFC groups left standing. And one ultimate factor … this season could possibly be a particular one for Justin Herbert, too.
Bolt Up for 2022!
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