State of the Bolts: S62 Preseason
by kohkaynerain | 4 years ago | 0 Comments
As we prepare for the start of Season 62, Coach Ian Johns of the Los Angeles Chargers is looking towards the future. After making his first conference championship during season 60, Johns looks to build from a strong foundation and hopefully get over the hill. Let's take a look at the current state of the team, what needs to be improved, and where this team may go down the road.
Quarterbacks
This is a no brainer. Coach Johns has shown since day one that rookie QB Justin Herbert will be the starter under center. Herbert has gotten limited playing time in the two preseason games played so far, but impressed his coaches going 7/8 for 87 yards in one quarter against the Rams.
What Must Improve - Neither Herbert nor his veteran backup Tyrod Taylor are the greatest option at quarterback. But Coach Johns will give the rookie time to develop, and hopefully flourish in his offense.
Running Backs
Another position with no position battles. Austin Ekeler will be the starter at HB and there’s not much surprise there. Based on the preseason thus far, expect HB2 Justin Jackson to share some of the workload as well. Jackson had a monster showing against the Rams, getting 136 yards and a score on 16 carries.
What Must Improve - There is an obvious lack of true talent when it comes to HB depth with this team. While Jackson will make the roster, the front office should be looking toward improving at the position in the future.
Wide Receivers
Coach Johns has been especially careful at this position, as WR1 and WR2 will be essential in helping the growth of QB Justin Herbert. Keenan Allen is a proven commodity and his resume speaks for itself, while Mike Williams is a young but solid WR still looking to come into his own. The Chargers drafted rookie wideouts Joe Reed and KJ Hill, but Coach Johns has also decided to bring in journeymen Devin Smith and Ryan Switzer, both on one year deals.
What Must Improve - Keenan Allen won’t be able to be WR1 forever, and the team will need to find his replacement within the next few seasons. The rest of the wideouts on this team are young and inexperienced or have been around for a few years and most likely have peaked. Look for the team to address this position sooner rather than later.
Offensive Line
The Chargers’ offensive line is a work in progress, and we’ll see them look to improve this rather quickly. The team has already signed FA Guard Cordy Glenn to help protect the blindside, but they are still weak at Left Tackle. Mike Pouncey is a sturdy veteran at Center, and on the right side they have Trai Turner and Bryan Bulaga.Now that the team has its QB of the future, they will need to find a way to keep him protected.
What Must Improve - The line needs to improve across the board. While they are solid in a few spots, both Pouncey and Bulaga are 31 years old. Many aspects of this team have become younger than in previous years, but the offensive line is not one of them. Both tackle and guard could be big targets for the Bolts come draft time.
Defensive Line
This team’s defensive line is strong, and Coach Johns has touted it as a big reason for accepting the head coach position. Melvin Ingram III and Joey Bosa are the starters on the ends and Linval Joseph is the starter at DT, making the line one of the best position groups on the team.
What Must Improve - There is a severe lack of depth behind both edge rushers, and a lack of experience behind Linval Joseph at DT. Joseph suffered a foot fracture in the week 1 preseason game against the Cowboys, making Jerry Tillery the starter until his return. The names behind the DEs are Issac Rochell and Joe Gaziano. If the injury bug decides to bite, this front could be in a lot of trouble.
Linebackers
The Linebacker group is one the team has been increasingly excited about since the new coaching staff arrived. They are young, fast, and hope to grow into one of RZ’s toughest front sevens. The LB group is led by veterans Denzel Perryman and Nick Vigil, but the torch will be passed to guys like Uchenna Nwosu and the second of the Chargers two first rd picks this year, Kenneth Murray Jr.
What Must Improve - Experience is the name of the game here. What the LB corps lacks in that, they make up for with athleticism. Barring any unfortunate injuries or setbacks, expect this group to continue to grow year after year.
Secondary
This Chargers secondary is undoubtedly the most impressive position group on the entire team. Based on what we’ve seen in preseason, the first team looks to be comprised of CBs Casey Heyward Jr, Chris Harris Jr, Desmond King II, and the combo of Nasir Adderley and Derwin James Jr at the safety position.
What Must Improve - This secondary is tough, and hopes to give opposing offenses fits all season long. The primary concern here though is age. The top two CBs on the team (Heyward and Harris) are both over 30 years old, and are working toward the end of their careers. It will be crucial for the front office to make sure their inevitable replacements are capable and maintain the integrity of the current secondary.