The Los Angeles Chargers made some big splashes this offseason. After falling just short of making the postseason following the 2021 season, they are looking to ensure that doesn’t happen again following the 2022 campaign.
They made some major upgrades to the defense, acquiring pass rusher Khalil Mack from the Chicago Bears to pair with Joey Bosa. In addition to that, they signed arguably the best free agent available in cornerback J.C. Jackson, who will combine with Asante Samuel Jr. and Derwin James to make one of the best young secondaries in the league.
What is crazy about the Chargers is that despite all of the big names on defense, it is actually the offense that gets people most excited. Los Angeles can score with anyone led by Justin Herbert at the quarterback position.
Herbert was selected No. 6 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft and was expected to be brought along slowly. He began his career backing up Tyrod Taylor, but after he had his lung punctured accidentally by a doctor, Herbert took the starting job and ran with it.
The Oregon product has set numerous records in his first two seasons, throwing for 9,350 yards and 69 touchdowns in 32 games. He has completed 66.2 percent of his passes as well.
Heading into the 2022 season, there are some heightened expectations for Herbert and the Chargers. Many people feel they are dark horses to contend for the Super Bowl, and one of those people is Mike Tannenbaum.
The ESPN NFL insider is predicting a big season not only for the Chargers but for Herbert as well. He is expecting a deep playoff run and some individual hardware for Herbert.
“This guy right here is going to be the league MVP. … This is the year that Justin Herbert gets over the hump and takes the Chargers to the Super Bowl.”
Those are certainly some lofty expectations, but Herbert is certainly talented enough to realize them. With Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Joshua Palmer at wide receiver, Gerald Everett at tight end and Austin Ekeler leading the backfield, Herbert has all the help he needs to rack up some gaudy stats.
When you take into consideration the upgrades to the offensive line as well, Herbert and the Chargers are poised for a true breakout campaign.
