Chargers News: Austin Ekeler Embraces The Pressure For This Upcoming Season

Pressure can be a good thing!

As we inch ever closer to the start of the new NFL season, projections and expectations start to form. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the expectations couldn't be higher. After collapsing in the AFC Wild Card last season, the team knows that they need to regroup and bounce back. After all, they are once again a trendy pick in the AFC and that's due to the talent on their roster.

Running back Austin Ekeler spoke with Sports Central LA and discussed the upcoming season and if there is pressure on the Chargers to perform.

"There's pressure on every single player on this team. You know, the organization, all of us, right? And that's a good thing. Because that means people have expectations"

Per Sports Central LA

It’s #Chargers Media Day!@AustinEkeler knows what it’s like to go from an undrafted free agent to an NFL star. He joined Jim Hill & his former Bolts teammate Jahleel Addae to talk about what it takes to make the roster and the pressure facing the Chargers this season. pic.twitter.com/0T6sUByWnt

— Sports Central LA (@SportsCentralLA) June 12, 2023

Ekeler is absolutely correct when he says that there is pressure on the Chargers. They have a top tier offense and a defense that has the ability to cause damage so they likely will be a top team again. They got over the hump and made the postseason with the core they have in place and while it didn't end the way that they had hoped, they got the experience.

Star quarterback Justin Herbert should only get better this season after dealing with different injuries all last year. With him leading the charge, Los Angeles will be a feared team around the league again. 

This is also a make or break year for head coach Brandon Staley. Staley has been subject to much criticism for his coaching style that embraces taking high risks, even in simple situations. However, the front office believes that he is the man for the job and this season is going to tell us a lot about Staley as a coach.

Pressure can be a good thing and for the Chargers it is. They would much rather have people expect them to do well rather than be a bottom dwelling team. 2023 is a crucial year for this franchise and they need to show that they can take that next step.