The Chargers had a great season in 2018, going 12-4 and making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
Los Angeles made a number of solid additions this offseason to help contribute in 2019. They’ll be looking to build on their previous success in hopes to make a run to the Super Bowl.
To make that happen, the Bolts must answer these three questions prior to and during the upcoming campaign.
What’s the status of the Chargers’ offensive line?
The Chargers’ offensive line struggled towards the end of the 2018 season when games mattered the most, particularly left guard Dan Feeney and right tackle Sam Tevi. This left many to believe that the team was going to address the problem in free agency because they are notorious of resorting to the pool for additional players.
Los Angeles ultimately elected to wait until the draft to fill the need, where they selected former Sioux Falls left tackle Trey Pipkins in the third round. The selection left most supporters scratching their heads since Pipkins is nothing more than a developmental project, and it’s unlikely that he will start Week 1 unless he shows out in training camp and the preseason.
2017 second-round selection Forrest Lamp also remains at question. Lamp was returning from a torn ACL in his rookie campaign. Even though he was healthy in 2018 and appeared to be ready to go, the former Western Kentucky product rarely saw the field.
Appearing ready to go, Lamp will have every opportunity to compete for a starting job. He will push for a starting role at guard with Dan Feeney and Michael Schofield. Lamp could be an insurance at right tackle if needed but the interior is where he will likely see the majority of his reps.
At the moment, the starting offensive line that was on the field against the Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round, will likely be the starters against the Colts to start the year, which is somewhat concerning unless they fix these woes within the next few months.
Who will step up in the absence of Tyrell Williams?
The Chargers elected to not pay wide receiver Tyrell Williams the hefty paycheck, which led him to be picked up by the Raiders in March. With his departure, the No. 3 slot is open to any of the members that’ll be fighting for it.
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have the No. 1 and 2 spot locked up, but Travis Benjamin, Artavis Scott, Dylan Cantrell, Geremy Davis and the undrafted free agents signed, will all have the opportunity to fill in the shoes of Williams.
At the moment, Benjamin likely has the upper hand because of his experience, but he didn’t produce in his opportunities last year and has shown signs that he’s nothing more than a speedster. Cantrell and Scott are both the fan favorite to win the job.
Los Angeles will have to make sure that they have another solid pass-catching option outside of the trio of Allen, Williams and tight end Hunter Henry in order to flourish against the defenses they play this year.
Can the Chargers maintain a healthy linebacker corps?
The Chargers were hit with a few injuries in 2018, and it was the linebacker position that took the main beating. LB Denzel Perryman, Kyzir White and Jatavis Brown were all lost due to their perspective injury, costing them to miss a good portion of the season.
General manager Tom Telesco made sure to give the group a lot of attention to ensure they had plenty of ammo for the 2019 season by retaining Perryman, signing Thomas Davis and drafting Drue Tranquill in the fourth round, followed by Emeke Egbule in the sixth round.
Los Angeles certainly has the pieces now, but it’ll only be a matter if they’re able to remain on the field for the majority, if not, all season in order to avoid the struggles they faced last season.
