Chargers Season in a Single Word, According to Expert

It's probably what you expect.

Four games into the season and now reaching the Chargers' bye week, a few reporters got together to discuss the (roughly) quarter-mark of the regular season thus far and how your Chargers have been performing. 

In one word, the three analysts devised "underwhelming," "rollercoaster," and "intense." 

While those three terms can probably be used to describe every Chargers season in recent memory, it especially applies to this season, as while the Chargers currently sit at 2-2 entering their Week 5 bye, all of their games thus far have had some complicating undertone. 

Has the offense improved? 

Yes. I think we can all safely deduce that the addition of Kellen Moore as the team's offensive coordinator has helped the offense become more consistent, efficient, and entertaining to watch. Putting up 20+ points in 3 straight games, missing one or all of Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams, and Corey Linsley, is something that wasn't as common under Lombardi, as the offense relied heavily on Ekeler and the short-yardage passing game. 

Has the defense improved?

Not at all. Despite offseason additions like Eric Kendricks and returning Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack healthy, the defense continues to struggle, especially against the pass. 2022 offseason signing J.C. Jackson was seen as deadweight and dealt back to the Patriots for a 6th-round pick. 

Rookie Tuli Tuipulotu has been arguably the only real bright spot on the defense, and while he's been impressive, a rookie being your only real positive on an entire side of the ball likely means your defense needs structural changes. 

With regards to how to evaluate the season, all four of the Chargers games have been 1-score contests, indicative of the three terms that the analysts used. 

The Bolts should've been able to defeat a rookie quarterback-led Raiders team by far more than just seven and likely should've been able to eek out wins in at least the second of their two losses, where they fell to the Tennessee Titans 27-24 in overtime. 

Looking ahead, the Chargers have a number of difficult contests to look forward to, highlighted by matchups against the Cowboys, Chiefs, Lions, and Ravens in 4 of their next six games. 

While the team certainly has the talent, quarterback, and explosive offense necessary to beat anyone in the league, their tendency to blow leads and fail to close out games can undoubtedly, in Chargers fashion, will back to bite them. 

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