On paper, the Chargers are seen as having one of the most skilled rosters in the NFL. However, those over at ESPN don’t necessarily agree with the narrative.
Using Pro Football Focus’ advanced grades and statistics, ESPN ranked every roster in the league, and Los Angeles came in at No. 16.
Safety Derwin James and the secondary was highlighted as the team’s biggest strength, while the left side of the offensive line was pegged as the biggest weakness. The X-factor is quarterback Tyrod Taylor, as his play will have a huge impact on the Bolts’ results in 2020.
X factor for 2020: The expectations for Tyrod Taylor — the presumed starter at quarterback to begin the season — are understandably low. When we most recently saw him as a starter he was crashing and burning in Cleveland. Taylor did have several seasons of success under Chargers coach Anthony Lynn in Buffalo, though, and from 2015 through 2017, his PFF grade of 82.3 ranked ninth among qualifying quarterbacks. This roster is talented enough that the Chargers could have success if Taylor plays to that level again. The plug could also be pulled quickly if Los Angeles gets off to a rough start with Justin Herbert waiting in the wings.
Los Angeles lost a few notable players like Philip Rivers, Russell Okung, Melvin Gordon, Adrian Phillips and Derek Watt. But they gained a handful, most notably Chris Harris Jr., Bryan Bulaga, Linval Joseph, Trai Turner and a draft class led by Justin Herbert and Kenneth Murray.
While some may disagree with where Los Angeles ranks, it hasn’t been the level of talent as the reason why the team has produced a mixed bag of results the past few seasons. It’s been the injury bug that they can’t shake off and some coaching mishaps.
L.A. is capable of making some noise this upcoming season, especially with the players that are returning and the additions they made. But when it comes to on-field performance, there are four factors that will ultimately make or break the Chargers in 2020.
