2021 Los Angeles Chargers: Several Positives But Need to See Wins

The Chargers aren’t a bad team; they just lose too many close games and let others get away from them. Good teams don’t do that. They have hired defensive guru, Brandon Staley who has moved up the ladder rapidly. He inherits a rookie quarterback who exceeded all expectations in 2020 and should get nothing but better. They have other pieces in place also. But, alas, they were 7-9 last year and had to win the last four games to get there. I want to see them improve the record before I get excited about them.

Justin Herbert set NFL rookie records for total touchdowns (36), passing touchdowns, (31), completions (396), games with 300-plus passing yards gained, (8), and games with three-plus touchdowns (6). He threw for more than 4000 yards. He accomplished this behind an offensive line that was the biggest weakness of the team. The Chargers signed All-Pro center, Corey Lindsey and guards Matt Fieler and Oday Aboushi. They drafted tackle Rashawn Slater in the first round. Keenan Allen is a quality receiver and he has Mike Williams and Jaylen Guyton to share the load. The running back position lacks start power although Austin Ekeler has shown promise as a dual threat.

Joey Bosa is the star of the defense and had 27 quarterback hits and 15 tackles for loss in 2020. Rookie linebacker Kenneth Murray led the Chargers in tackles with 107 and will be joined by Kyzir White who chipped in 77 tackles of his own. The secondary has some talented players with Michael Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. as the starting cornerbacks. They need Derwin James to stay healthy and Nasir Adderley to realize his potential.

Must Wins: Las Vegas, at Philadelphia, Minnesota, NY Giants, at Houston, Denver

Toss-Up Games: Dallas, Cleveland, New England,, Pittsburgh, at Cincinnati

Probable Losses: at Kansas City, at Baltimore, at Denver, at Washington, Kansas City, at Las Vegas

Summary in Two Sentences: The Chargers are not a bad team and have a chance to be decent but they have to win the games they should and quit blowing so many others. Management has tried to shore up a lot of areas and hopefully they can show some improvement.

Predicted Finish: 4th Place in AFC West