The Los Angeles Chargers take on the visiting Kansas City Chiefs in their 2018 home opener. Here’s who to keep an eye on…
The Los Angeles Chargers are back, and they kick off against a team that has beaten them in every game since 2013. How wonderful…
Fans, however, should be excited; after all, their Bolts ended the year strong and have brought in many new faces to push towards more success. So many new players, in fact, that it’s hard to keep track of who to pay attention to in Week 1. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s who to keep an eye on against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Offense
Mike Pouncey, C
Here’s a hot take: Pouncey, if he plays as advertised (and stays healthy), will be the most impactful free agent acquisition by general manager Tom Telesco. Yes, over former additions like Casey Hayward or Russell Okung. Hayward is the best at his position, and Okung may have the most important job, but Pouncey has a job with influence that extends further than just being a good center.
On his left, he’ll have an eager second-year guard in Dan Feeney who looks to take a big leap forward in his first full season as the true starter. On his right is (eventually) Forrest Lamp, one of the highest rated linemen coming out of the 2017 draft and a cornerstone at guard for years to come. They look to Pouncey, and he puts them in the best position to succeed.
The teams that defend Rivers best are those that blitz up the middle. No. 17 is a veteran enough to typically see pressure from his left or right and avoid it, but he stands no chance against a free linebacker or safety coming straight at him. If you’re watching on Sunday, take a look at how Pouncey not only creates the right protections, but also adjusts or slides within his area of the pocket to fight off stunts or delayed rushers.
Austin Ekeler, RB
I normally would put Melvin Gordon here, as he is the true starter, but there’s more excitement to be had when watching Ekeler; not only does he have something to prove after his last outing against the Chiefs (he left with a broken hand), but he’s looked like the best offensive playmaker on the roster throughout the preseason.
Throughout Rivers’ time as the quarterback of the Chargers, the “second guy” in the running back group has always had an exciting and unique role in the offense. Guys like Darren Sproles and Danny Woodhead were undersized by football standards, yet were the toughest and most dynamic players on the field.
Ekeler is no different, and his workout regimen gives an already crafty back the power necessary to be a true NFL RB2, so much so that fans have called for Ekeler to take over a larger portion of offensive snaps moving forward. The second-year UDFA had a stellar opening drive with Rivers and company against a good Saints’ defense in the preseason, accounting for 54 of its 59 total yards and averaging 7.7 yards per touch.
Look for Ekeler to spell Gordon both as a runner and a pass catcher often, and keep the pressure on the Chiefs’ defense.