(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
This article is an assignment for a college class, but the content inside is great! Boltup!
The Los Angeles Chargers are back in playoffs for the first time since 2018, and just the third time in Tom Telesco's tenure as General Manager. There is reason to be excited if you are a Chargers Fan as things are about to get interesting after the Charger's meaningless Week-18 matchup.
Getting Healthy at the Right Time!
That's right, the Chargers are finally getting healthy. Early in the season, when the Chargers were struggling to win games, they were dealing with injuries to almost all of their star players. First, it was J.C. Jackson and his ankle surgery. Then it was a hamstring injury to Keenan Allen that was supposed to be short-term but lasted until the back end of the season. Corey Linsley missed spurts with tendonitis in his knee. Rashawn Slater tore his left Bicep and Joey Bosa tore his groin, both of which required surgery. The Chargers saw additional injuries to key players like Mike Williams, Trey Pipkins, Joshua Kelley, and Austin Johnson.
On top of all these injuries, Justin Herbert, our very own franchise quarterback, was diagnosed with fractured rib Cartledge in the second game of the season. This, with the combination of injuries to key players on offense, significantly impacted the Charger's ability to move the ball early this season. Now, the Chargers are nearing full health, with the potential that Rashawn Slater could be back in time for playoffs.
Hitting the Stride at the Right Time
By the time Week-11 rolled around, the Chargers were (5-5) with major losses to the Chiefs twice, Jaguars, Seahawks, and the 49ers. The season was looking bleak, and fans were calling for Brandon Staley and Joe Lombardi's jobs. Since Week-11, the Chargers are now (5-1) including a four-game win streak against the Dolphins, Titans, Colts, and Rams. Now, Staley is in the running for the NFL's Coach of the Year award, and fire Joe Lombardi chants have started going quieter.
The most crucial wins came against the Dolphins and Titans because they gave the Chargers tie-breaker scenarios in the AFC wildcard race, and almost assured them that they would make playoffs once they won them. One week later, it was official after the Chargers win in Indy. It can be so crucial for teams to hit a stride at the right time, and the Chargers managed it perfectly.
What Can Fans Look Forward to When the Wildcard Round Rolls By?
Joey Bosa returned on a snap count against the Rams last week, and there have been rumblings that Rashawn Slater could be returning to practice very soon. Justin Herbert seems to have moved completely past the rib injury and the rest of the roster looks healthy with the exception of JC Jackson and Austin Johnson whose injuries were season-ending. The Chargers are now as healthy as any team headed to playoffs, so fans will likely get the best players out on the field come game day.
The play-calling has really improved, and Joe Lombardi seems to have gotten at least some of the the red zone issues fixed, considering the Chargers put up 31 points against the Rams. The defense has continued to generate turnovers, but they still need to find a way to slow the run. Even so, this looks like a team ready to compete for a Super Bowl this season. What are your thoughts on the Bolt's chances? Leave your comments below!
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