The Los Angeles Chargers realize their window to win with Philip Rivers as their quarterback is closing soon. Nonetheless, the Chargers are one of the top teams in the NFL with Rivers still under center.
In 2018, the Chargers finished the season with a 12-4 record, but that was only good enough for second in the AFC West. The Kansas City Chiefs also had a 12-4 record but held the tiebreaker over the Chargers.
Therefore, Los Angeles was the fifth seed in the AFC and faced the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Game. The Chargers advanced but would run into the New England Patriots in the next round, losing 41-28.
Rivers—like everyone besides Eli Manning—has struggled to get past the Patriots. In his career, Rivers is 1-5 against Tom Brady and the Patriots. This season, the Chargers are ready to finally take down New England.
In just a few weeks, the Chargers begin their training camp and may be without Melvin Gordon. According to multiple reports, Gordon has asked for a new contract, and will request a trade if he doesn't get it.
Besides the other running backs on the roster, there are a few players who have the most to gain during training camp this year.
3. Michael Davis
Coming into 2019, the Chargers will have a battle at their second cornerback spot. Currently, Casey Hayward is the number one starting cornerback, but Michael Davis and Trevor Williams will battle for the other spot.
Last season, Davis started in nine games while Williams started in seven of them. Williams is currently expected to be given the nod at the beginning of training camp.
Therefore, Davis is going to have to impress during training camp to earn his way into the starting defense. Hayward is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, but he needs someone to step up on the other side. Davis will get an opportunity to play a huge role for Los Angeles.
2. Jatavis Brown
This offseason, the Chargers added Thomas Davis to strengthen their linebacker corps. Along with Davis, Los Angeles is slated to start Denzel Perryman and Jatavis Brown as well.
Brown comes into training camp as the starter of the Chargers for the first time in his career. Last season, Brown started in 10 games but didn't get the nod until after Week 3.
In his 10 starts, Brown had 97 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Brown has done enough to get the chance to secure the weakside linebacker position for the Chargers in 2019.
If Brown impresses, he can be a mainstay on the Chargers' defense.
1. Hunter Henry
In 2016, the Chargers selected Hunter Henry with the 35th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. When drafted, Henry was seen as an immediate weapon in the Los Angeles offense.
Injuries have caused Henry to miss plenty of games in his three-year career. Furthermore, Henry missed all of the 2018 season after tearing his ACL during OTAs last year.
Now, Henry seems to be healthy and poised to have a breakout season in 2019. Antonio Gates is no longer with the team, so Henry is expected to have a large role in the offense.
This may be Henry's first training camp at 100-percent. He will benefit from having time to get adjusted to the offense and get his body ready for the NFL season.