Los Angeles Chargers Offseason Needs: Run Defense Tops The List

Run defense tops the list of offseason needs for the Los Angeles Chargers, but it isn’t the only one.

It was a rough ending for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021. Bringing in a new head coach probably should’ve tempered expectations, but they nearly found a way into the playoffs in 2021, even after some late season hiccups, most notably a loss to the Houston Texans. Their failure to tie the Raiders in the last game of the season ultimately doomed them.

But, there should still be optimism with this team going forward. Brandon Staley looks like a great hire, and despite some discourse regarding the fourth down aggressiveness, when you have a quarterback like Justin Herbert, it’s hard to disagree. That pairing should be a great one for a decade.

The offensive line is getting better. Rashawn Slater played at an All-Pro level as a rookie, and Corey Linsley was an incredible addition at center. There are still cornerstones on the defense in Joey Bosa and Derwin James, with the hope that Asante Samuel Jr. becomes one as well.

Los Angeles Chargers Offseason Needs

The offseason will be a big one for the Los Angeles Chargers. They have the cap space to go out and spend in a big way if they want to address their major holes. It obviously starts with the elephant in the room (run defense, which we’ll get to) but there are others that need to be addressed in free agency and the 2022 NFL Draft. Let’s dive in and look at how the Chargers can improve this offseason.