CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 09: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers scrambles during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Last season was a disaster for the Los Angeles Chargers; they finished with a 5-12 record and suffered a devastating blow when Justin Herbert got injured in week 14 due to a broken finger.
Easton Stick took over for the remainder of the schedule, losing the remaining five games. The Chargers struggled in close games, as seven of their losses have been decided by one score or less. Head coach Brandon Staley was fired following week 15’s embarrassing loss to the rival Raiders – the defense allowed 63 points. Defensive line coach Giff Smith was named interim coach for the final three games.
Los Angeles made a blockbuster hire, bringing 2023 national champion Jim Harbaugh in to right the ship. A new general manager was hired; Joe Hortiz will replace Tom Telesco. The Chargers will field almost the same players on defense, with a few additions. Those additions are Denzel Perryman, Poona Ford and Troy Dye. Safety Alohi Gilman returns to Los Angeles on a two-year deal.
Los Angeles’s offense went through a makeover as receiver Mike Williams was let go on March 13th, signing with the Jets six days later. Keenan Allen was dealt to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick in 2024. DJ Chark Jr., J.K. Dobbins, Bradley Bozeman, Gus Edwards and Hayden Hurst highlight the moves made to improve the offense.
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Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt was taken fifth overall to help the offensive line protect Herbert, as he was pressured 828 times since 2020. Ladd McConkey was picked early in round two to give Herbert another reliable target in the passing attack.
The Chargers have one of the easier schedules: the 27th-toughest NFL schedule.
The Chargers have the potential to have a good season, as they have Herbert and a good defense. However, it all comes down to whether critical players stay healthy and how effective coaching is in tight games.
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