The Anthony Lynn era in Los Angeles had a difficult start. The new head coach of the Chargers inherited a team that was moving from San Diego into a facility that provided very little home field advantage. After winning just nine games over the past two seasons, the Chargers 0-4 start in 2017 was just par for the course.
The Chargers would eventually get their wheels back on in 2017 and started winning football games. Their four game win streak in November set themselves up to win the AFC West. The Chargers would end up finishing one game back of the division champion Kansas City Chiefs.
The Chargers offense would become one of the best in the league in terms of racking up yards. Quarterback Phillip Rivers would end the season with over 4,500 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes. Running back Melvin Gordon reached the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his career.
The Los Angeles defense featured one of the best pass rushing duos in the NFL. The team finished 5th in the NFL in total sacks in 2017 with pass rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram creating havoc on opposing offenses. Bosa followed up on his defensive rookie of the year season in 2016 by improving his sack totals to 12.5. Melvin Ingram matched his career high with 10.5. They form a foundation by which the Chargers can build their defense moving forward.
The division champion Chiefs are changing quarterbacks. The Broncos are searching for their next signal caller, and the Raiders are looking to bounce back under new former coach Jon Gruden. It's time for the Chargers to take control of the division in 2018.
Offensive Ranking: 4th
Defensive Ranking: 15th
Key Free Agents:
Jeremiah Attaochu - LB - Has had back-to-back poor seasons after excelling in 2015. Attaochu couldn't get healthy last season and only appeared in four games.
Matt Slauson - G - A team captain and 16 game starter in 2016, Slauson lost nine games this past season due to a biceps injury.
Antonio Gates - TE - Charger royalty. Accepted his role as the complimentary tight end in the offense. Sure-fire Hall of Famer when he decides to conclude his career.
Tre Boston - S - Signed a one year deal and landed the job, starting 15 games this past season. Recorded a team high five interceptions.
EJ Manuel - QB - A backup with skills that can keep a team afloat if the starter is lost for a short period of time.
Potential Cuts/Restructures:
Travis Benjamin - WR - Set to count $7M against the cap in 2018. Benjamin hasn't caught a lot of passes, but he has been very solid as a downfield threat. Benjamin caught just 34 passes in 2017 but he averaged 16.7 yards per catch. Cap savings: $4.5M
Brandon Mebane - DT - Played as part of the defensive line rotation. Did not have the season in 2017 that he did in 2016. Turned 33 year old and appears to be slowing down in his run-stuffing capability. Cap savings: $4.5M