The 2022 season may be in the rearview mirror for the Bolts, but it’s a chapter they’d like to forget. Now, all eyes are on the 2023 season as they look to leave the past behind and focus on a fresh start.
One major hurdle they hope to overcome is the injury bug. The Chargers were plagued by injuries on both sides of the ball, derailing their momentum. The importance of player health cannot be overstated, and for the Chargers, it’s been a persistent concern over the past seasons. Alongside meeting expectations, staying healthy is the top priority for many, including ESPN Staff writer Bill Barnwell.
Barnwell assessed all 14 teams that made the 2022 playoffs and ranked the Bolts at number nine, citing their injury worries. He listed the significant injuries the team endured and expressed that a fully healthy Chargers team could make a significant impact.
Let’s not forget the multiweek absences of key players like Derwin James and Corey Linsley. While injuries are part of the game, having six Pro Bowl contenders and a star quarterback miss significant time or play through injuries takes a toll.
Despite being considered good-to-average by the FPI (10th), point differential (11th), and DVOA (18th), the Chargers faced numerous challenges with their stars out of action or not performing at their best due to injuries. Amidst fierce competition in the AFC, the hope is that a healthier Chargers squad will rise to meet the perennially high expectations set for them.
Although injuries weren’t the sole cause of their playoff collapse, one can’t help but wonder how the season might have unfolded with their star players available.
The Bolts had their fair share of ‘What ifs’ last season, and now they are determined to avoid a repeat of that scenario in the upcoming season. As the 2023 season approaches, much is at stake, and the team understands that health will play a decisive role in their performance.
