Here’s a look at the Super Bowl prospects of the Los Angeles Chargers, who finished the season 5-11:
Chargers Super Bowl barometer: Lots of work to do
Assessing the foundation: Even though they’ve won nine games total the past two seasons, the Chargers believe they are closer to making a Super Bowl than their position in the AFC West cellar might indicate. The Chargers were given 60-to-1 odds to win the Super Bowl for the upcoming season -- among the worst for an NFL team -- and about right. However, the Chargers could surprise in 2017 if they can stay healthy. This team held leads in all but one of its games last season. Specifically, the Chargers failed to hold on to fourth-quarter leads in six games. Since the start of the 2015 season, the Chargers are 7-17 in games decided by eight points or fewer. New coach Anthony Lynn believes this team is built to win now and the Chargers job was the best vacancy available this year.
Judging the quarterback: One reason Lynn considered his position the best job available was Philip Rivers. Lynn believes the 35-year-old veteran quarterback has some gas left in the tank but has to play more efficient football. “He’s a natural leader and a football junkie, and I love that about him,” Lynn said about Rivers. “He’s played the game at a high level for a long time. And I’m looking forward to working with him and having him take his game to another level.” While Rivers still has the talent to lead this team to a deep postseason run, he finished with a career-high 21 interceptions in 2016. To help Rivers be more efficient, Lynn plans to surround Rivers with more playmakers and create more opportunities in the running game for Melvin Gordon.
Realistic ways the Chargers can improve their chances to contend for a Super Bowl:
Improving offensive line play: The Chargers finished in the top 10 in scoring in 2016 and at times ran the football effectively. However, they finished with a league-high 35 turnovers because of spotty protection up front for Rivers. The Chargers have to play better situational football, which means limiting turnovers, controlling the line of scrimmage up front and having more balance on offense.
Fix the special teams: The Chargers have a talented, but young and inexperienced duo in kicker Josh Lambo and punter Drew Kaser. Both made mistakes that cost the Chargers games last season. They need to be more consistent in 2017 for this team to reach the postseason, and that could mean the Chargers bringing in competition at both positions to get the most out of Lambo and Kaser.
Stay healthy: Chargers general manager Tom Telesco has to figure out how to keep impact players such as Keenan Allen and Jason Verrett on the field after both missed significant time for a second straight season. The Chargers moved on from head strength coach Kent Johnston. Telesco will take a comprehensive look at how the Chargers train and take care of players on a daily basis in 2017.