Chargers News: NFL Columnist Deems LA's All-Pro Edge Rusher as Biggest Bust of 2023

Bounce back or Bust for this Edge Rusher.

Sep 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL world was gasping for air when the Los Angeles Chargers traded for All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack.

The idea of pairing him up with Joey Bosa was unfathomable. 

Unfortunately, an early season-ending injury for Bosa forced Charger fans to wait for that full experience, leaving Mack alone to carry the D-Line for the Bolts. 

Mack ended up getting a pro bowl nod with eight sacks, but that shouldn't say that he was a key player in the Chargers' 10-7 season last year. 

Could we be seeing the fall of Khalil Mack? For Bleacher Reports' Alex Ballentine, he believes so, as he predicts that Mack will be the Chargers' biggest bust in the 2023 NFL season. 

Ballentine says, "Beware of the aging rusher," as he considers Mack's debut season with the Chargers as "just fine." 

As strong as Mack began his year, it wasn't as consistent as the Chargers could have hoped. And yes, the loss of Joey Bosa could have affected his payload a little, but that's the exact reason why LA picked him up in the first place! 

A lot of Ballentine's thinking has come from his decrease in production throughout the final 11 games of the season, where he only accumulated two sacks. 

"Mack's production dwindled as the season went on and he only had two sacks over the final 11 games of the season. Last season, we saw the Raiders get disappointing production out of Chandler Jones in his age-32 season. Mack could be the next in that trend."

Alex Ballentine - Bleacher Report

If there's any truth to Ballentine's predictions, the dream of seeing a prime Khalil Mack with Joey Bosa could be crushed. 

One thing is for certain - it is a bounce-back or bust kind of year for Khalil Mack.