Writer Identifies Familiar Red Flag as Chargers Biggest 2023 Issue

We have known this for a while.

In the football world, no team is perfect. You could be hoisting the Super Bowl trophy one season and then rebuilding the next (just take a look at the Rams). Then with the Chargers themselves, you could have a comfortable 27-point lead in the playoffs and somehow come out as the losing squad.

The fact of the matter is that every roster has an area of improvement and it just so happens that LA's is their run defense. In multiple games in 2022, the Chargers gave up over 400 rushing yards and that just isn't a winning formula. They had to work twice as hard on offense and due to a tricky cap situation, the problem wasn't addressed as well as it should have this offseason. Morgan Fox will continue to improve after getting his new contract but it will have to be a collective effort.

In his recent deep-dive into every NFL team's biggest red flag, Bleacher Report's David Kenyon echoed these thoughts and chose their run defense above other areas.

Brandon Staley confident in Chargers' roster, 2023 rebound: "I think what we'll discover is we have what it takes"https://t.co/8XEPllHDJC pic.twitter.com/efk36dIPWx

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 26, 2023

"There's an argument for a field-stretching wideout, more edge-rushing depth and an impact tight end. However, it's difficult to ignore the worst run defense in the league surrendering 5.4 yards per carry last season. Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson are paid handsomely, and Morgan Fox had a decent 2022. But the numbers do not lie." (Via Bleacher Report)

If the Bolts do want any chance at contention moving forward, this will need to be an emphasis for them soon. Justin Herbert's brilliance can only take them so far but luckily the draft is coming up soon and their front office has a plan to target some prospects in the later rounds.