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Los Angeles Chargers Sunday Mailbag: Awful NFL Top 100 and more

By Tyler Schoon

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 03: Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after a broken up pass play during the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at StubHub Center on December 3, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 03: Adrian Phillips #31 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after a broken up pass play during the first quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at StubHub Center on December 3, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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From questions about the (awful) NFL Top 100 to replacing Hunter Henry (or not), the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday Mailbag has you covered!

Good morning, good afternoon, good evening and good night! Whenever you’re reading this, welcome to the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday Mailbag.

I’ve moved it to Sunday officially so that it can be read on game day when the season starts. Unfortunately, that’s still several months down the line — but still.

For those of you who are looking to send something in, here’s how to do it!

  1. Post in the comments section
  2. On Twitter to @tjscooter30
  3. By email (for longer submissions or multiple questions) at lacbag18@gmail.com

I also got a great question about how the Chargers can overcome the Patriots, so I turned it into an article that you can read here. Here’s a couple more questions and answers for this week’s installment. Enjoy!

Question 1: NFL Top 100 is just about to wrap up. What do you think of the list, and what do you think next year’s will look like?

It’s a steaming pile of hot garbage, and I say that as both a biased Bolts fan and neutral fan (somehow trying to be both). First off, here’s a reminder on how the list played out in terms of the Chargers:

  • 76: Melvin Ingram, DE
  • 59: Casey Hayward, CB
  • 56: Philip Rivers, QB
  • 41: Keenan Allen, WR
  • 37: Joey Bosa, DE

Now, it’s possible that having five Chargers actually spread out the votes or rankings for each player, and that the results were more a product of having many talented players on the team. But, some of these rankings are absolutely atrocious. All respect to Rivers, but he shouldn’t be ranked higher than Hayward, who had one of the greatest individual cornerback seasons since a prime Darrelle Revis. I would even go as far as to say that Hayward should be ranked higher than any other Charger on this list.

Speaking of Rivers, I am fine with his placement on the list, but am appalled at the ranking of players way ahead of him. Matt Ryan, ranked 29th, had 500 fewer yards, eight fewer touchdowns, and threw more interceptions. Cam Newton, at 1,200 fewer passing yards, a lower passer rating, and six more interceptions and as many fewer touchdowns, is ranked 25th. And you can’t tell me Ben Roethlisberger, who has almost identical statistics as Rivers, should be a whopping 38 spots higher.

I believe the defenders on this list and Derwin James as a newcomer have a real shot of moving up the list next season. This defense has always had the talent, but the extra star power along with improved players will make people take notice. Bosa is primed to have one of the most dominant runs as a defensive player that I can remember. Melvin Gordon has a strong chance to make this list by “wowing” the rest of the voters and becoming the elite back behind a good offensive line.

Question 2: What are the Chargers doing at tight end? Since Henry’s injury I haven’t heard of any major news surrounding the team trying to add a player. What are your thoughts?

Here’s a likely unpopular opinion: I don’t believe the Chargers are going to miss Hunter Henry as much as everyone thinks. That’s coming from a guy who has had him as a starting fantasy tight end in both years he’s played. I love what he brings to the table:

Watch closely, and you can see Henry get his hands on three defenders. He’s almost a better run defender than a pass catcher, which is saying something considering how dominant he can be when utilized. So why do I think the Chargers won’t miss him as much?

  1. The offense can get by without him because the weapons to do so are there.
  2. Virgil Green, already brought in to take a good portion of Henry’s blocking duties, can alleviate any run-game concerns.

Next: Best off-season move by the Chargers?

This is a player that only took 56.26 percent of the offensive snaps last season, behind Tyrell Williams and just 2.92 percent ahead of Travis Benjamin. Mike Williams can fill those offensive snap counts, as well as a stronger rushing attack to help recreate the ball control that Henry helped provide.

Yes, Henry was poised to have a dramatically larger role this year, but it doesn’t decimate the offense in a way like losing Allen or Gordon would. That’s why, I believe, the Chargers haven’t made major moves to bring in a true starting tight end post-injury.

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