The Los Angeles Chargers have never won the Super Bowl. Playoff dreams were shattered in dramatic fashion last season - but the team has shaken up, strengthened and has legitimate ambitions for the big hit this year.
The wound from last season still hurts. The desire of the Los Angeles Chargers to take revenge for their dramatically shattered playoff dreams is correspondingly great. In the first duel of the new season, there will be a reunion with the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday night. What was that spectacular match and crazy ending eight months ago? With just two seconds left of the game, L.A.'s hopes were dashed by a successful field goal from kicker Daniel Carlson. "I've been thinking about this match for six or seven months [...] I know everyone else is doing the same thing," Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert says. And there's a good chance of a revenge. Because the team from California has recovered well from the shock, had an extremely strong offseason and is one of the favorites for the Super Bowl, the dream game of all NFL professionals.
The Chargers have been going through a major upheaval for the past two years since iconic Philipp Rivers' contract was not renewed after 15 years. The quarterback had only been able to lead his team to five wins at the time - a catastrophic record, time for changes. The face of change became Herbert. After two seasons in charge, he is considered a superstar and a hot contender for the Most Valuable Player of the Season award. A remarkable climb.
In 2020, he was selected sixth in the first round of the draft. The plan to let the then 22-year-old slowly gain experience as a backup didn't work out. Already on the second matchday he had to deliver. Because his quarterback competitor was out at short notice, the responsibility rested squarely on his shoulders. The start of a furious journey. Herbert became the best young player of the season and moved into the Pro Bowl a year later. His stats surpass previous records in almost every key category. No quarterback has had more touchdowns or yards thrown in their first two years in the NFL. He is the quarterback who should now bring his franchise the first title in the club's history.
The fact that this could already be achieved this year is also due to many other pieces of the puzzle. The Chargers have consistently managed to strengthen the team in key positions through top drafts. With Derwin James, one of the best safeties in the league was snapped up in 2018, which could only be tied on a long-term basis a few days ago. In previous years, the team was expanded to include pass receiver Mike Williams and star defender Joey Bosa. The former initially fell short of expectations, but is now a crucial part of the passing game and, along with Keenan Allen, a problem for any defense.
In the past two years, the focus of the draft has been on the offensive line, which is primarily intended to ensure protection for Herbert. Rashawn Slater, who was selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie, secured the best left tackle of the draft before last season. And this year, the O-Line was further strengthened with Zion Johnsen.
The Chargers' new head coach is also bringing a breath of fresh air to Los Angeles. While play-calling has long been criticized for being too conservative, Brandon Staley is bringing a whole new kind of coaching to Los Angeles. Staley came from the champion L.A. Rams as defensive coordinator and is considered a defensive genius.
This is exactly what is reflected in this year's transfer period. With Khalil Mack, one of the most experienced and dangerous pass rushers could be committed. When in top form, the six-time pro bowler is a force of nature. With Mack and Bosa, the Chargers now have what is arguably the best pass rush in the NFL. The signing of cornerback J.C. Jackson. Just a few weeks ago, the New England pass defender was voted the second-best player in his position. Other additions include Superbowl winner Sebastian Joseph-Day on the defensive line and veteran linebacker Kyle van Noy. The message from Los Angeles is more than clear, the team is ready for the Lombardi Trophy.
The biggest stumbling block on the way to the title will probably be their own division, in which each of the four teams has legitimate playoff hopes. The AFC West is considered the strongest in the league. With star quarterback Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos have now found the long-awaited solution to their nagging problem. A lot also happened in Las Vegas in the offseason. The change of star wide receiver Davante Adams attracted the most attention. In exchange, the Raiders' first- and second-round picks from this year's draft went to Green Bay. And at $141.25 million over five years, Adams was given what was then the highest-paying contract by a wide receiver. Alongside this blockbuster trade, another star's move to the Raiders almost went under. Veteran edge defender Chandler Jones ended his longtime association with the Arizona Cardinals and is going quarterback hunting for the Raiders starting this year. With these pieces of the puzzle, the Raiders have highly dangerous options on offense and at the same time will be able to put massive pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Last but not least, there's the perennial champion of the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs. The 2020 Superbowl winner failed to defend the title the following year, losing to Tom Brady and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last year it was already over in the conference finals against the big surprise team, the Cincinnati Bengals. The greed for new successes is correspondingly large. Likewise the expectations of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. For the first time, he has to do without his most reliable and most successful passport recipient. Tyreek Hill joined the Miami Dolphins in the offseason and his new contract promptly made him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league. The Chiefs got a replacement in the form of 25-year-old Juju Smith-Schuster, who after two mixed years in Pittsburgh now has to prove himself again with a one-year contract.
The road for the Chargers is long and hard. He starts with revenge duel. More motivation for game one of the season is not possible. And more location determination probably not.
