After finishing 9-8 and coming up just short of the playoffs in 2021, many believe that the Chargers are equipped to make some noise this upcoming season, with Super Bowl LVII being well within reach.
Los Angeles will again have stiff competition with the Chiefs, who are seeking their seventh-straight divisional crown, but also revamped Broncos and Raiders squads.
However, there are reasons to believe that the Bolts can come out on top of the AFC West and make some noise in the playoffs.
Here are four reasons why the Bolts will make a deep run in 2022:
QB Justin Herbert
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After having one of the best rookie seasons by a quarterback, Herbert continued to set the league on fire and prove that he is worthy of being considered one of the NFL’s top signal-callers in 2021.
Herbert shattered records weekly, with the most notable being the most touchdown passes by a Charger in a single season, dethroning Philip Rivers’ previous record of 34.
Under offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and quarterbacks coach Shane Day, Herbert dazzled with his arm talent and athleticism, and showed continuous growth, especially in reading complex coverages.
In the end, Herbert orchestrated one of the best passing offenses and finished Year 2 with a 65.9 completion percentage, 5,014 passing yards, 38 touchdown passes to 15 interceptions, 302 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns.
Herbert currently ranks first among quarterbacks in their first two seasons in NFL history in passing touchdowns (69), passing yards (9,350), and completions (839).
Heading into Year 3, Herbert could be in for an even bigger season, given that he will have all key skill players from last year returning, including Mike Williams, who inked to a long-term deal, along with the additions of Gerald Everett and rookie Isaiah Spiller.
Most importantly, Herbert will have plenty of time to distribute the wealth to those guys, as he will be well-protected by an offensive line that consists of rookie phenom Rashawn Slater, Corey Linsley, Matt Feiler, and first-round pick Zion Johnson.
Revamped defense
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The Chargers were on the fringe of making the postseason primarily due to the play of Herbert, who had to mitigate a defense that finished 29th in points per game allowed, 30th in rushing yards per game allowed and last in opponent’s third-down percentage.
While injuries were a factor,…
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