Chargers News: NFL Insider Puts Bolts Offensive Lineman Primed For Bounce Back Season
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The Los Angeles Chargers are gearing up for a bounce-back season filled with lofty expectations. After a disappointing campaign in 2022, many players on their roster are determined to improve and exceed those expectations. One such player who will be eager to make a comeback is the star offensive lineman Rashawn Slater.
Slater's 2022 season ended abruptly as he suffered a ruptured biceps tendon, limiting him to just three games. However, as the Chargers prepare for the 2023 season, there is a sense of optimism surrounding Slater's potential for a remarkable turnaround. NFL expert Maurice Moton from Bleacher Report is among those who firmly believe that Slater is primed for success this year.
As a rookie, Rashawn Slater proved that he could play in the pros at a high level. In his first season, the Northwestern product earned a Pro Bowl nod, made the second-team All-Pro roster and received a vote for Offensive Rookie of the Year, which is a big deal for a player who doesn't score touchdowns.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert certainly felt the difference in pass protection without Slater on his blind side. In 2022, he took seven more sacks than he did for the 2021 campaign and battled rib and shoulder injuries as a result of the wear and tear on the field behind a weakened offensive line.
Slater will have a new offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore, but the Chargers' new play-caller had a high-end offensive line that kept Dak Prescott's jersey clean in Dallas. We should expect him to bounce back in Pro Bowl form.
At 24, Slater has already showcased his immense talent, earning a spot in the Pro Bowl as a rookie. He had all the tools coming out of Northwestern, which is why he was taken so high in the 2021 NFL Draft, and he displayed that as soon as he became a pro.
The Chargers will heavily rely on his abilities to protect their star quarterback Justin Herbert and open up running lanes for their dynamic backfield. If Slater can stay healthy and consistently perform at his best, he has the potential to solidify his place among the NFL's elite offensive linemen.
The Bolts and Slater will for a great 2023 season, and many expect the same.
