The Los Angeles Chargers had another disappointing season in 2017 as they finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight year.
This is a team that needs a lot of work not only to make the playoffs but to finish better than 9-7, something they haven’t accomplished since the 2009-10 season.
What Needs To Change:
1.- The Chargers wide receivers need to step up: This team has players with enough potential to become one of the best receiving corps in the entire NFL and this year they will need to shine.
Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, Mike Williams, and Tyrell Williams are very complete and capable receivers that last year proved that they can make plays every single week, but this year they need to take it up a notch.
Starting quarterback Phillip Rivers is not getting any younger and the Chargers’ staff may feel tempted to lean on running back Melvin Gordon this season, but in today’s NFL the truth is that they need an efficient and successful passing game to win 10 or more games and reach the postseason.
2.- Find a way to beat the Kansas City Chiefs: They have lost eight straight games against the Kansas City Chiefs. In fact, the last time the Chargers beat the Chiefs was 2013 when they swept the season series.
After losing the first two games of this fierce rivalry head coach Andy Reid has not missed a beat against the Chargers as he’s led his team to eight straight wins and that has to change if the Chargers want to make the playoffs and win 10 or more games.
3.- Finish games strong: The Chargers need to avoid late-game struggles because in the last two seasons they have the most losses in one-possession games (14) than anybody else in the league. In fact, the Chargers have a 7-14 record in one-possession games since 2016. Last year the Chargers came really close to making the playoffs, but these late heartbreakers keep holding them back against both division and non-division rivals.
4.- The offense has to find ways to put points on the board: With playmakers such as Gordon, the aging Rivers, and Allen on the offensive side of the ball the Chargers have enough weapons to put as many points as they need and compete with anyone.
These players are the standouts on offense, it all starts with them and their chemistry on the field as they have the potential to create some great plays and help put away opponents to avoid the aforementioned late-game struggles.
