By John Sarianides
The Chargers relocated to Los Angeles this off-season and also hired a new coach in Anthony Lynn.
Lynn kept offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and hired former Jaguars coach Gus Bradley as his defensive coordinator.
The Chargers loaded with young talent on both sides of the ball and are led by veteran signal caller Phillip Rivers who is entering his 14th season the NFL.
Rivers will lead an offense that features young stars such as running back Melvin Gordon, rookie wide receiver Mike Williams and tight end Hunter Henry. Keenan Allen is returning from a knee injury while good ol reliable Antonio Gates will serve as the second tight end and be a reliable red zone target.
Defensively, the Chargers are going back to the 4-3 Under defense under Bradley. That means Los Angeles will be in a lot of seven man fronts and they will rely on their defensive ends to generate pressure against opposing quarterbacks.
Here are three keys for the 2017 Chargers
1. Adapt to a New Home: Former Charger great Dan Fouts was right. Playing in a 30,000 seat stadium is embarrassing but the Chargers don’t have a choice. Los Angeles is their new home. They need to adapt and make it work. Fans don’t want to hear execuses.
2. Mike Williams Must Get Healthy: The Chargers need the rookie receiver to get back on the field. If Williams is healthy, he gives the Chargers a big target that can stretch the field and complement Allen and the tight ends.
3. Generate a Consistent Pass Rush: Bradley will not blitz as much as former coordinator John Pagano did. He will rely more on the defensive line to generate pressure. That means the down four must get consistent pressure or else the Chargers will have to play outside their philosophy and blitz more.
In the End: The Chargers are a sleeper wild card team but in order for that to happen, they will need to win half of their division games and win at least nine games. If they cannot do those two things, then they will continue to be just another team in the AFC. The Bolts must make the playoffs if they want to develop a fan base.