Los Angeles Chargers: Why they’ll lose to Chiefs Week 1
By Tyler Schoon
Holding off on rookies and returning players
There are unquestionably more talented first or second year players sitting behind veterans on the depth chart, but it is frequently the philosophy of the Chargers coaching staff and management to bring the newer players along slowly. However, it’s tough to imagine that the incumbent starters based on experience would be more effective than the high potential of the members drafted to replace them.
Some position problems include:
- OLB: Kyle Emanuel over Nwosu
- RG: Michael Schofield over Forrest Lamp
- OLB: Jatavis Brown over Kyzir White
The first unofficial depth chart also has Rayshawn Jenkins as the starter, but no one expects him to play more than James on Sunday at safety. At both outside linebacker positions, two starters are ahead of two 2018 rookies that have played outstanding football in the preseason.
They are not guaranteed to remain in that order by game time, but again, the Chargers do have a history of bringing their rookies on more slowly. Lamp, the team’s former second-round selection, will likely be an upgrade over Schofield given more time to practice.
The Chargers may very well deploy the “right” starters and shake up the depth chart, but for now, there is a strong possibility that the true play-makers for the team are being brought along slowly. And in a game that could define the entire season, I’m not sure the Bolts can afford that luxury.