2017 Record - 9-7-0
Head Coach - Anthony Lynn
2017 Offensive Ranking - 4th (377 ypg, 22.2 points per game)
2017 Defensive Ranking - 15th (328 ypg, 17.0 points allowed per game)
OFFENSE - Entering his 15th NFL season and 13th as starting quarterback is Philip Rivers, who last season passed for 4,515 yards with 28 touchdowns and ten interceptions.
Running back Melvin Gordon rushed for 1,105 yards and scored 12 touchdowns (eight rushing, four receiving) to go along with 58 receptions for 476 yards. Austin Ekeler (260 rushing yards, 5.5 ypc average, two TD) spells Gordon adequately.
The receiving corps is led by Keenan Allen, who had 102 receptions last season for 1,393 yards and six touchdowns. Mike Williams (11 receptions while limited by injuries), Tyrell Williams (43, 728, four TD) and Travis Benjamin (34, 567, four TD) provide more weapons for the passing attack, which led the NFL in 2017 by averaging 277 yards per game. Tight End Hunter Henry was lost for the season in an off-season injury, as was the backup tight end, leaving the Chargers scrambling to fill the void as training camp opened. Virgil Green (14, 191, one TD with Denver) might start at that spot.
DEFENSE - The Chargers have two extraordinary pass rushers with Joey Bosa (12 1/2 QB sacks) and Melvin Ingram, who had 10 1/2 sacks. Overall, the 'Bolts totaled 43 sacks last season while intercepting 18 passes and ranking third overall against the pass.
The run defense was another story as opponents averaged 131 yards per game against the Chargers. Not surprisingly the team drafted four defensive players with their first four picks. Safety Derwin James (Florida State) was the teams' top pick this year. Linebackers Uchenna Nwosu (USC), Kyzir White (West Virginia) and DT Justin Jones (NC State) will look to make an impact this season.
Veteran linebackers Denzel Perryman and Kyle Emanuel back defensive ends Bosa and Ingram along with Corey Liuget in the trenches.
In the secondary, Jason Verrett was lost for the season as camp started with an Achilles injury. But this area is deep and corners Casey Heyward (four interceptions) and Trevor Williams (two INT) along with Adrian Phillips (two picks) have ball hawking abilities.
OUTLOOK - After a poor start (0-4) with three nail biting losses included, the Chargers made a late run to finish 9-7, but fell short of the playoffs again.
Head Coach Anthony Lynn enters his second season looking to end the four-year playoff drought for the Chargers. The offense is capable of putting up big numbers and Rivers continues to be the face of the franchise and will be counted on once again to lead the way. As long as he continues to perform and Melvin Gordon remains healthy and produces in the backfield, the team should be solid on offense.
The Chargers can get after enemy quarterbacks and defend the pass, but the run defense must improve if the team is to be considered a real threat to New England and Pittsburgh in the AFC.
The AFC West looks to be more wide open this season as the Kansas City Chiefs are revamping their team and both Oakland and Denver are looking to rebound after poor seasons. The Chargers can win the division if they stay healthy and play the kind of football they showed in the second half of last season.
Look for an 11-5 finish and a playoff appearance for the first time since 2013 for the Chargers this season. How far they can go in the playoffs will depend on Rivers' play in January and the defense being consistent.
2018 TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. Kansas City
Week 2 - at Buffalo
Week 3 - at LA Rams
Week 4 - vs. San Francisco
Week 5 - vs. Oakland
Week 6 - at Cleveland
Week 7 - vs. Tennessee (in London)
Week 8 - Bye
Week 9 - at Seattle
Week 10 - at Oakland
Week 11 - vs. Denver
Week 12 - vs. Arizona
Week 13 - at Pittsburgh
Week 14 - vs. Cincinnati
Week 15 - at Kansas City
Week 16 - vs. Baltimore
Week 17 - at Denver
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