The Los Angeles Chargers have begun the 2020 season with a 1-4 start.
Although this rough beginning is not ideal for the Bolts, there are some huge positive factors to take into account what we have seen thus far.
First and foremost, the injuries this team is dealing with are crucial. The list of key names that the Chargers are missing are: Austin Ekeler, Chris Harris Jr, Derwin James Jr, Brian Bulaga, Trai Turner, Mike Pouncey, and Drue Tranquill.
There were also times where we saw Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Melvin Ingram miss some time. Despite the injuries, every single game the Chargers have played has come down to one possession.
On top of that, LA has had to face 3 likely future Hall of Fame quarterbacks in the first 5 games in Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees.
For the Chargers to show that kind of fight against those guys, that is extremely encouraging.
The elephant in the room is how the Bolts young guys have been stepping up in their roles. Obviously, everyone has seen how Justin Herbert has burst onto the scene. There are also guys like Nasir Adderly who got a huge interception that set up a touchdown in a prime-time game against the Saints. Kenneth Murray has been awesome for the Chargers by racking up 38 total tackles thus far right under Kyzir White who leads the team with 45 total tackles.
Justin Herbert has been absolutely dealing for the Bolts. He outplayed Drew Brees in New Orleans on his Monday Night Football debut and broke the rookie record on a Monday Night with 4 touchdown passes. Unfortunately, the Chargers found a way to not close the game out after a huge missed game-winning field goal by Michael Badgley.
Herbert so far has 1195 yards passing, 9 touchdowns, along with a rushing touchdown, and 3 interceptions. That’s a huge positive for the Bolts after the departure of Philip Rivers.
The Chargers’ next two games (following the week 6 bye) are against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Denver Broncos who are a combined 2-7. Look for the Bolts to get back in the win column soon.
In conclusion, we now know the future is bright.
The Chargers may have found themselves their quarterback of the future, and when they get back to being healthy the sky is the limit for Los Angeles.
Featured Image: Alex Gallardo/AP
