The Los Angeles Chargers went 12-4 last season. They picked up a playoff win as well, before losing in the AFC Divisional Round. That loss came at the hands of the eventual Super Bowl winners – the New England Patriots.
With 2019 approaching fast, why should the Los Angeles Chargers be seen as a legitimate Super Bowl contender? Here are five reasons.
Philip Rivers
Since he was drafted 16 seasons ago, Philip Rivers has been one of the best quarterbacks in football. He's 37 now but had one of the best seasons of his career in 2018. Rivers also finally has a complete football team around him.
Rivers has always been criticized for never winning in the postseason. Many believed he was a good quarterback – but somewhat of a stat-padder. He'd put up big numbers in losses. This led to the Chargers losing early in the playoffs or not even finishing the regular season with a good record.
Rivers proved he could win last season though. He led the Chargers to a 12-4 record – only behind the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs (13-3 each) for the best record in football.
Rivers also led the Chargers to a playoff win last year. He's an elite quarterback and should be ready to build off that success.
Hunter Henry
The Chargers brought back Antonio Gates last season after he announced he was retiring. He put up decent numbers but isn't the superstar he used to be.
However, he wasn't supposed to be their tight end last season. The only reason they brought Gates back was because their true tight end, Hunter Henry, was hurt.
Henry ended up missing the entire season after two strong years to start his career. Massive things are expected from the 24-year-old. Things that could make an already dangerous offense that much more lethal. Henry will give Rivers another exceptional target and will create significant mismatch problems for defenses.
His presence could add a lot – especially come playoff time. That could equal a deeper run in the playoffs.
Defense
The Chargers had one of the best defenses in football last season. They were in the top-10 in points and yards allowed.
They have a fantastic secondary that will only get better. Derwin James proved to be a major asset last season, and the safety is ready to take another step in his game in 2019.
Meanwhile, the defensive line boasts another young stud in Joey Bosa. Like James, he's already accomplished so much so early in his career. He'll only get better as well.
It's not all young studs though – and that's a good thing. Veterans like Thomas Davis Sr. know how to win and how to lead a defense. Players like him combined with the young talent is a recipe for success for the Chargers.
Melvin Gordon
Melvin Gordon was one of the best running backs in football in 2018. However, he suffered an injury and missed almost a month of action in December. After he returned, Gordon didn't look like the same player.
The Chargers definitely hurt due to this. Without their star running back at 100%, their running game was damaged. It also severely limited their passing game. Without a rushing attack, teams weren't scared to focus on the pass. He's also one of the better receiving backs in football.
It all boils down to Gordon's injury limiting the Chargers offense. Looking at the stats of his games following the injury, it's clear he wasn't healthy.
Gordon will be ready to go in 2019 though. That could mean big things for the Chargers. If he can stay healthy in the playoffs – they'll look much more threatening.
Anthony Lynn
It's safe to say Anthony Lynn is still relatively new to being a head coach in the NFL. 2017 was his first year as a full-time head coach in the NFL. He led the Chargers to a 9-7 record that year.
2018 saw major improvements as Lynn, and the Chargers went 12-4 and picked up a win in the playoffs.
Clearly, Lynn is getting much more comfortable at the position. He's also developing a fantastic rapport with his fellow coaching staff and his team.
The better chemistry and more experience will only lead to good things for Lynn and the Chargers.
Anthony Lynn has proven himself to not only be a competent NFL head coach but a great one. He's poised to help the Chargers for years to come, and 2019 is another step in that journey.
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