The Los Angeles Chargers’ offseason wasn’t just about replacing franchise stalwart Philip Rivers. They also managed to extend Joey Bosa, draft a future franchise quarterback, and re-tool their offensive line.
Quarterback
The Chargers began 2019 with fringe Super Bowl aspirations, following a 12-4 season in which they returned most everyone. But Philip Rivers had a dreadful campaign. The gunslinger tossed twenty interceptions and suffered a career-low touchdown percentage. The Chargers slumped to 5-11, and most everyone knew we’d seen Rivers in powder blue for the final time.
For most franchises, losing an established quarterback would be cause for a roster makeover, but the Chargers are hoping to rebuild on the fly behind quarterback Tyrod Taylor. And while Taylor isn’t as talented as his predecessor, there are some things he does better. Namely, limiting turnovers and the ability to make plays with his legs.
Is Tyrod Taylor an upgrade over Philip Rivers for the Chargers? pic.twitter.com/d4a2TORrQS
— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) August 12, 2020
Between 2015 and 2016, while in Buffalo, (where Chargers Head Coach Anthony Lynn had multiple coaching roles at the time) Taylor threw for a combined 6,058 yards and 37 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions. He tacked on another 1,148 yards and 10 touchdowns with his legs. Taylor isn’t likely to reinvent himself into a must-have fantasy add, but the situation he finds himself in could lead to some fantasy value, especially if he runs the ball consistently.
The Chargers spent the No.6 overall pick in this year’s NFL draft on Oregon product Justin Herbert. While he is clearly the long term solution at QB, he’s expected to sit the year behind Taylor.
Running Back
Philip Rivers wasn’t the only Charger allowed to hit free agency this offseason. Melvin Gordon took his 47 touchdowns to the mile-high air of division rival Denver, leaving the backfield in the seemingly capable hands of Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson. While Gordon feuded with ownership in an ill-fated holdout, Ekeler got off to a hot start in 2019. A start that fueled a full-blown breakout. The Western Colorado product parlayed his 1,550 scrimmage yards and 92 receptions into a 24.5 million dollar contract extension, and watched as the Bolts said goodbye to his former backfield mate.
While capable, it may be difficult for Ekeler to repeat 2019. According to Pro Football Focus, QB Philip Rivers checked the ball down on 8% of his throws. This was three percent higher than the league average. In contrast, expected starter Tyrod Taylor checks the ball down on just 3.3% of his career passing attempts, electing instead to make plays with his legs. There’s also the question of just how much Ekeler will carry the ball. The team added Joshua Kelly in the draft. During the season’s final month, Justin Jackson accounted for 28% of the club’s rush attempts while averaging a staggering 7.8 yards per carry.
Wide Receiver
Wide receiver is perhaps the strongest position group on the team, and superstar Keenan Allen is no doubt the best of the bunch. The talented WR has played in all 48 games the last three years, freeing himself from the injury bug moniker that plagued the first part of his career. While it may take time to build rapport with his new QB, I expect business as usual for Allen, who is one of the best route runners in the league. Able to create separation at will, Allen has averaged 101 receptions and 1,262 yards the last three years.
Keenan Allen BEEN ready for training camp 😤 @Keenan13Allen @Chargers
(via @Keenan13Allen) pic.twitter.com/aMB2XO7t1b
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) July 29, 2020
His running mate, Mike Williams, finally remained relatively healthy in 2019 and seemed to find his footing. As the team’s big play threat, he averaged a league-best 20.4 YPC and eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time. Oddly enough, it was the red zone where the big-bodied wideout struggled. Williams crossed the goal line just twice all year. It will be interesting to see just how much the Chargers try and push the ball with Taylor under center. The rookie Justin Herbert would be a much better fit for Williams.
Offensive Line
The offseason shuffle continued along the offensive line. Gone is Russell Okung. He was traded to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for five-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner. The front office also shored up the tackle spot by signing coveted free agent Bryan Bulaga. Center Mike Pouncey has also been cleared to return to action. The most important thing with this group is continuity. With no offseason and a truncated camp, it’s imperative that they gel quickly.
As mentioned earlier, the Chargers and standout defensive end Joey Bosa reached an agreement on an extension that not only keeps him in LA for the next several years, but also makes him the highest paid defensive player in the league. The deal also includes a record number of guaranteed money for a defensive player.
With the Chargers preparing to move into the spectacle that is SoFi stadium, they do so clearly looking to reinvent themselves. With a new franchise quarterback and a re-tooled offensive line, all they need now are some fans to appreciate it.
Follow Randal @FF_Terminator and The Undroppables @TheUndroppables for more fantasy football content.
