Chargers News: NFL Senior Writer Evaluates Bolts' Season and Ceiling Outlook
Preseason will end soon, and the start of the regular season is upon us, Charger fans. All offseason long, we've talked about how this season may be the biggest in the franchise's history.
It could be as many face immense expecations from the front office, to the coaches, to the players. 2023 will be a make-or-break season for the Bolts; it's that simple. There are two sides to the coin when it comes to the Chargers. When pundits and experts speak on them, some think their ceiling is a Super Bowl, while others believe they will disappoint for one reason or another.
NFL senior writer Mike Sando is on the former side, as he spoke with Chargers senior insider Eric Smith and said he thinks the Chargers could be a team to compete for a Super Bowl title in a tough AFC.
"They are one of about six teams in the AFC that you could see going to the Super Bowl. If this team was in the NFC, it might be disappointing if they didn't go to the Super Bowl. But here? You want to see them advance in the playoffs. They are a team that can get to the AFC Championship and maybe that's sort of the goal. It's hard to say that anyone is beating Kansas City, I don't care who you are. That quarterback on that team can be hopping around and without Tyreek Hill and that's still the guy to beat. I think the Chargers are one of those teams that has a real guy, too, that can challenge that champion. How far can they go? I'd love to see them advance in the playoffs and maybe get to the AFC title game. That's a realistic goal and one they should be shooting for."
An AFC Championship appearance would be their first since 2007 after losing to the New England Patriots. That's a high bar considering how last season ended and how stacked the AFC is, but the Chargers have all the pieces they need to make it happen.
There are no more excuses; the quarterback got the bag and the right guy to lead him and his offense; the pieces of defense are elite, and they have a chance to become one of the best in the league. What more could you want? Things need to break their way, that's just how sports go down, but other than that, you cannot ask for more.
It's almost here, Charger fans. Although the expectations are high, they must take it one game at a time, improve as the season goes on, and, most importantly, remain healthy.
