The Chargers’ collapse in January’s playoffs was an unmitigated disaster. Still, veteran defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day is doing everything he can to make the most of the dire situation ahead of the 2023 season.
Asked about his ability to perceive the brutal playoff loss as an opportunity for growth, Joseph-Day clarified that he is using last year’s results to motivate his game in 2023.
In your approach, re-evaluating yourself as a player. You re-evaluate what you need to work on and improve on, the way you train, how hard to go. Honestly, I just think, no matter what, it’s always going to be that thing behind your back that pushes you to never let whatever your part is in this team sport, whatever your part is, to make sure that you never allow yourself to let your teammates down or the man next to you down. At the end of the day, you never want to feel that feeling again.
The promise of what will come next season may not placate Chargers fans who are still reeling from the disappointing end to Los Angeles’ 2022 season, but Joseph-Day seemed intent on doing his part to see the team reach its full potential in 2023.
The Bolts will enter the upcoming season with a new offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore, who the team is hopeful will unlock Justin Herbert’s strengths. In addition, Herbert will have a new weapon in first-round pick Quentin Johnston. The defensive side of the ball, which dealt with injuries last year, will include some fresh new faces, highlighted by Eric Kendricks.
Time will tell if his efforts are enough to get over the hump, but judging from his comments, Joseph-Day is on a trajectory to make a big difference for the Chargers when the regular season starts in September.
