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As the Los Angeles Chargers look to rebound from a dismal 2019, these five players will have to perform at a very high level.
The Los Angeles Chargers looked to be on to something in 2018, with a 12-4 finish and a playoff win over the Baltimore Ravens. But they collapsed to 5-11 last year, with some key injuries and a litany of Charger-esque games (nine losses by seven points or less).
It’s the dawn of a new era for the Chargers, as they’re set to move into the Rams’ new stadium in Inglewood. With Philip Rivers gone, someone else will start under center for them for the first time since Drew Brees’ final game with the franchise in 2005. Tyrod Taylor is set to be the Week 1 starter, but rookie Justin Herbert is waiting in the wings.
On paper the Chargers are one of the most talented teams in the NFL, and many key players from the 12-4 squad in 2018 remain. A rebound season in 2020 is easy to see coming.
But for the Chargers to rebound and reach their ceiling this year, these five players need to be great.
5. Whoever The Left Tackle Is
The Chargers have had some trouble at left tackle in recent years, and after trading Russell Okung it felt certain they’d draft a potential replacement. But they did not draft an offensive tackle, which leaves Sam Tevi, Trey Pipkins, Trent Scott and Forrest Lamp as the top options.
A circle back to sign a free agent like Jason Peters is possible, since Tevi did not play a snap at left tackle last year. But better protection on the quarterback’s blind side, even though Taylor and Herbert are far more mobile than Philip Rivers, will be a critical order for the Chargers in 2020.