Chargers News: NFL Writer Moves Bolts Offensive Weapons Up From Last Season

The Chargers have all the tools to be a top team this season

The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for possibly the biggest season their franchise has ever faced. And that's no exaggeration, either. This team has suffered heartbreak after heartbreak, and they are ready to break through that ceiling and achieve the ultimate goal. 

If the Chargers don't get the job done, one thing is for sure; it won't be because of their offensive weapons. The Chargers are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, but their offense is stacked with Pro Bowl talent. They lack no star power on that end, which is why ESPN staff writer Bill Barnwell moved the Bolts' offensive weapons from six in 2022 to five in 2023 out of the 32 NFL teams. 

5.

Los Angeles Chargers

 

2022

 

rank

:

6 |

2021 rank

:

20 I went back and forth between the Seahawks and Chargers here. Both have three exciting wideouts, with a veteran and a physical force joined by a rookie first-round pick. Both don't get much out of their tight ends, despite talented options. I leaned toward Seattle having the edge because of its advantage at wide receiver, but the Chargers have a much better running back than either of the players the Seahawks will roll out.That back,

Austin Ekeler

, returns after

requesting a trade

in March. While other backs in the past have talked about being both a rusher and a No. 2 receiver, Ekeler actually pulls it off. The 28-year-old has been targeted on more than 28% of his routes and averaged 1.8 yards per route run over the past two seasons; that's not too far off from how

DK Metcalf

and

Diontae Johnson

have profiled over that same time frame. 

The move from 20 to 5 from the past two seasons is a major jump, but worthy. The Chargers are loaded with talent in all aspects of their offense. Quarterback, check, running back, check, offensive line, check, wide receivers, check, and tight end (their weakest position), still, a check on that one. 

From Barnwell's standpoint, it's clear that Ekeler has a ton to do with where he lists the Chargers, and you can't blame him. For the past two seasons, Ekeler is arguably, not only the best back in the league but the best player in the league. He's a touchdown machine, making the Bolts' offense far more explosive. 

You add in Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and rookie Quentin Johnston; LA will be a force to be reckoned with in 2023. Health will play a huge part in their success (as always), and hopefully, that remains the case this season. 

Oh, and I forgot to mention their new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, who is sure to take this offense over the top. We can't wait to see this side of the ball do their thing soon.