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Los Angeles Chargers: Coaching Staff Will Remain Intact

By Erik Lambert

JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers Gus Bradley watches the play on the field during the first half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 12, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers Gus Bradley watches the play on the field during the first half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 12, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers Gus Bradley watches the play on the field during the first half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 12, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 12: Defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers Gus Bradley watches the play on the field during the first half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 12, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) /

The Los Angeles Chargers just narrowly missed the playoffs in 2017 despite a terrible start to the season. This has bred optimism for 2018.

There is a general feeling that this team is capable of making a run to the Super Bowl. They still have Philip Rivers at quarterback and an improved roster. The trick will be whether they can keep things together long enough. The off-season would test that in regards to their coaching staff with both of their coordinators in Gus Bradley and Ken Whisenhunt becoming free agents.

Both men clearly had an impact on the season. It didn’t start well for the defense as it gave up 22 or more points in four of the first five games. However, Bradley soon began to show his impact. The team finished the year ranked 3rd in points allowed. Whisenhunt continued his steady, quality work. The offense ranked 4th in total yards. Rivers threw for over 4,500 yards and Melvin Gordon topped 1,000 yards rushing.

Now the two men are back for more.

Chargers could be one good draft away from taking the AFC

It’s clearer than ever that L.A. has itself a veteran, proven coaching staff in place. Come 2018 they’ll also have continuity as well. Now their only focus has to be talent. GM Tom Telesco has done a fine job building the roster to this point. He could be one more good draft away from having the Chargers back in the AFC championship picture. It’s a matter of what he needs to fix.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Teams Blitz Top 5 For the QBs

A big one is undoubtedly the leaky run defense. For all their success at preventing points, Los Angeles was terrible on the ground. Seven times in 2017 they allowed an opponent to rush for 140 or more yards in a game. Four of those games were crippling losses that ultimately decided their playoff fate. If they can get it under control then things will be different come next fall.

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