Many Questions Loom as Chargers Bolt to LA

By Tom Cummings
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: February 3, 2017

The San Diego Chargers are no more. After 56 years of playing pro ball in California’s southernmost city, the Chargers have bolted to the City of Angels. There, they will play in front of the smallest crowd in the NFL, at the 30,000-seat StubHub Center. While trying to get their bearing in 2017, the Los Angeles Chargers will try to secure a new fan base and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. It won’t be easy.

New Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn steps into a situation in flux. This will be Lynn’s first permanent head coaching job in the NFL, and he has his work cut out for him. The one saving grace for Anthony Lynn is that to win in the NFL you need a quarterback. The Chargers already have a good one. To be successful in 2017, Lynn must fill in key pieces around that quarterback, Philip Rivers. Above all, he must find a way to keep Rivers protected next year.

Let’s take a short look at each position grouping, and see how it shapes up:

Quarterbacks

As mentioned, the Los Angeles Chargers have a keeper at the QB position. Pro Football Focus ranked Philip Rivers as the 11^th best QB in the NFL in 2016, and that was with the world collapsing around him on every play. If they give him time, he can chew a defense apart. Building around him is key. Behind him, heading into the offseason, there is no one. Finding a quality backup, and a future replacement, for the 35-year old star is going to be essential during the break.

Running Backs

Melvin Gordon really came on in 2017, his sophomore season with the Chargers. He’s a lock. Behind him, we’ll likely see Danny Woodhead move on and Branden Oliver retained. Regardless, the Chargers will be looking for additional support for this unit behind Gordon. Most likely, that help will be found somewhere in the draft.

Wide Receivers

This unit is loaded. With Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, Stevie Johnson, and Tyrell Williams all set to return – and Dontrelle Inman likely retained as well – the Chargers are stocked. Injuries took their toll in 2016, but Phillip Rivers made contributors out of each replacement. Even if the Chargers decide to cut some cap money from this position, there is plenty of talent left. Expect any additions to come from low-price waivers or late round picks, if at all.

Tight Ends

It appears that the Chargers have found their long-term replacement for Antonio Gates, at last. Hunter Henry, a 2^nd round pick in 2016, came on as a rookie, nabbing 8 touchdown catches. Gates is under contract for 2017, as well, so the Chargers are all set at TE.

Offensive Line

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. Much like their city counterparts, the Rams, these Chargers head into the offseason with one of the worst offensive lines in the league. Worse yet, every starter from 2016 is under contract. To improve, the Chargers will have to bite the bullet and make some cuts. The lone bright spot is Matt Slauson, who will return at center. Joe Barksdale at right tackle, coming off a bad year, will return as well. He is signed through 2019 so they’re really hoping he bounces back. Everyone else is on the chopping block. The Chargers will be scanning both free agency and the draft for improvements here.

Defensive Line

The Chargers will be changing their defensive scheme under new coordinator Gus Bradley, so the front seven will get a lot of attention. The good news is there is a lot of talent here with which to work. Joey Bosa proved his worth quickly. Brandon Mebane is a rock. Corey Liuget is solid, and still under contract. How Gus Bradley sees the defense lining up next year will go a long way toward deciding if this unit needs an added starter or not. Either way, finding quality depth will be important.

Linebackers

One of the most important questions of the offseason is this: is Melvin Ingram an important part of Gus Bradley’s plans? PFF calls him “an edge defender in the midst of his prime,” and ranks him as the 5^th best free agent in the offseason. Versatile players like Ingram come rare, and at a premium. Will one of the young linebackers be able to replace his talent? If not, Ingram must be resigned. The rest of the squad under contract is young and improving. Expect Bradley to maximize the existing talent instead of adding to it.

Secondary

This unit could be divided right down the middle as one of the strongest and weakest units on the Chargers. With Brandon Flowers, Casey Hayward, and Jason Verret returning, the cornerback position is solid. With Dwight Lowery and Darrell Stuckey the lone safeties under contract, this unit needs help. The resigning of Jahleel Addae will solve half of that equation. The free safety position, however, is still waiting for a long-term replacement for Eric Weddle. It is highly expected that the Chargers will nab one of the great safeties in this year’s draft with the #7 overall pick.

The Chargers, like the Rams, have a lot of question marks heading into the 2017 season. Los Angeles, bereft of professional football for 21 years, now hosts two NFL teams. Both teams have been down in recent years, but both look to reload this offseason. How effective either team will be in securing a fan base will depend on how quickly the Chargers or the Rams can turn their fortunes around.

Look alive, Los Angeles. You’re back in the game.

Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things Los Angeles Chargers and the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, all the time!

← Previous Story Philip Rivers Heading To The Pro Bowl

Next Story → Joey Bosa Wins Defensive Rookie Of The Year Award

Tom is a Southern California sports fan perpetually stuck in the north state. Since he fell in love with the Los Angeles Rams at the age of 10, any team that prefixed itself with the LA moniker won his heart. When he’s not walking his pups, making a living at his day gig, or spending precious time with the incomparable Mrs. C, he’s writing. To be honest, he's often writing then, too. One of his primary goals as a writer is to get the Rams to win another Super Bowl. Writers can do that, right?