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Kelvin Kuo / Associated Press
The time for the Los Angeles Chargers to hit is now.
The team led by Philip Rivers includes one of the deepest and most talented lineups in the league. In addition, an ascent could not take place at a better time since the rest of the West AFC should take a step back and that the entire conference lacks quality teams. As a result, the Chargers are the favorites to win a division title for the first time since 2009, by OddsShark.
Sunday's meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs at the StubHub Center may serve as a pseudo torch pass. A year ago, the Chiefs announced their arrival as the AFC leader with a 42-27 win in the first week of the New England Patriots.
The Chargers are well positioned to do something similar and have everything needed to move past Kansas City as the preeminent team of the AFC West.
A certain calm lies in the organization of Chargers after two consecutive years of upheaval.
"I'm going on the right track," Rivers said of his approach as he enters his 15th season, by Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com. "Last year was just crazy with the move [from San Diego to Los Angeles] and all that. I think from the point of view of football, I feel fair in a good mentality and a good approach. I see things well, knowing all the answers to that, and this and that – and my communication with the guys. "
A firm hand at the quarterback, even if it throws the ball with a handgun throwing motion, is the reason why the aforementioned opportunity comes before the franchise.
Patrick Mahomes is perhaps one of the most exciting football players this season, but he is inexperienced. The Chiefs will face the inevitable fallout of the transition from one of Alex Smith's most trusted league callers to intrusion. a Mark-new starter.
Rivers, on the other hand, are a proven commodity and remain among the best. The 2004 first-round pick carried the attack with 62 touchdowns for a 9-23 run in 2015 and 16 before the team rebounded with a 9-7 campaign. The quarter has made 30 or more touchdowns in four of the last eight seasons.
Years of injury, disappointment and too much loss at the end of the game have fueled the team's current setup. One may find some irony in the fact that the list of Chargers would not be built to succeed now without so much previous sorrow.
The surrounding cast is different from the one Rivers relied on during the 2013 campaign when the Chargers made the final playoffs. But the preparation of the quarterback continues to be a driving force throughout the organization.
"He's obsessed with that," said quarterback coach Shane Steichen, by Williams. "It's all that's it, it's football." And I think in his mind, it's like: "Shoot, I have so much more time to play this game. "And who knows how long he will continue to play? S? He still plays five years,I shootGod, I'm going to put all my energy into it. "
Derek Carr is the only quarterback in the AFC West to challenge Rivers as the best in the division, but his transition to head coach Jon Gruden's system is still in question. In Denver, everyone is still trying to find out if Case Keenum is a quarter of a franchise or a one-year wonder.
Rivers, 36, may be in the best shape of his life, but that would not matter without the good bits around him. Chargers are loaded at skill positions.
Running back Melvin Gordon has just finished his best season with 1,581 yards of scrimmage. He joined the backfield with Austin Ekeler, who becomes an invaluable piece as a runner and receiver.
Los Angeles Chargers receiver Mike WilliamsRick Scuteri / Associated Press
The wide receiver runs four times with Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, Travis Benjamin and Mike Williams. Allen, 26, is an elite target after scoring career highs last season with 102 receptions for 1,393 yards. Tyrell Williams released a 1,059-yard campaign in 2016. Benjamin is a legitimate, deep threat. Mike Williams, meanwhile, looks like an elite target after starting a single game as a rookie despite being the seventh pick in the 2017 draft.
"It's totally different for me" Williams said after having back and hamstring injuries last season. Los Angeles Times& # 39; Dan Woike. "I & # 39;I'm able to go out and do the parts I could not do last year. The trust just comes from being out. I'm back having fun. "
The offensive front has been the best for years thanks to the addition of Mike Pouncey and the improved health of Forrest Lamp. Pouncey has already established himself as a leader and pitcher in a band that also includes Russell Okung, Dan Feeney and Joe Barksdale.
Los Angeles Chargers Center Mike PounceyRick Scuteri / Associated Press
"He's pushing the tempo," said Rivers about Pouncey, by Williams. "He keeps pace [with] Her presence. Obviously, his game is good, but his presence [when playing] at home [is key]. It brings a little energy and malice that is contagious. "
Lamp made his pre-season debut in the fourth fight against the San Francisco 49ers. If the second-year blocker is not ready to play after coming back from a torn ACL, Michael Schofield III will begin to guard right.
A certain Antonio Gates joined the list Sunday too.
On the other side of the ball, the Chargers already had an elite and defensive duo before adding the 17th overall pick in the Derwin James standings in April.
Although defensive end Joey Bosa will not be available on Sunday due to a left foot injury.
"He is very frustrated," the head coach Anthony Lynn says the by Los Angeles Time"Jeff Miller. "He's been waiting for a while to get back on the pitch, he's doing what he can, he just wants to be there with his teammates."
While the team remains cautious with Bosa, defensive end Melvin Ingram is already a handful to oppose offensive lines. The first round pick in 2012 has won 29 sacks in the last three seasons and is an explosive field defenseman with tremendous natural leverage. In addition, Isaac Rochell is a sophomore who will improve Bosa in the short term.
The passageway forms a symbiotic relationship with the secondary.
Casey Hayward Jr. is a true ball hawk and two Pro Bowl selections. The Chargers' best cornerback finished second in the league last year with 22 break the breaks after finishing first with seven interceptions in 2016.
Unfortunately, Jason Verrett suffered another late-season injury – the first round of 2014 has only made five appearances in the past two seasons. Trevor Williams, however, is more than the proper replacement. according to Pro Football Focus, the 24-year-old defenseman finished in the top 12 in yards per game (0.8) and took snapshots by receiving (16.8) last season.
Desmond King should not be overlooked because he is already among the best corners of the game.
Los Angeles Chargers Security Derwin JamesRick Scuteri / Associated Press
Finally, James adds a different dynamic thanks to its versatility. The first-round pick of 6 "2", 215 lbs can play both security positions, the nickel corner, the linebacker and the quarter blitz.Its size allows him to play in tight goals.
Problem areas can be found in the Los Angeles list. Can a 38-year-old Gates, with Virgil Green and Sean Culkin, replace an injured Hunter Henry (ACL)? Is the defense too soft along the inside?
But these question marks are not as glaring as those encountered on other AFC West teams. The Chiefs do not just introduce a new quarter; they also reorganized their high school, with five of the top six corner half of the team from last season now faded away. The Denver Broncos are still looking for offensive consistency as Keenum tries to settle. The Oakland Raiders … well … who knows what Gruden does after exchanging Khalil Mack?
In addition, the AFC is much weaker than the NFC. The New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers are at the top, with a void beneath them.
The Chargers have all the pieces in place to make the playoffs, and maybe a Super Bowl.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter: @brentsobleski.
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