As the regular season gets underway, there is a prominent national buzz around the Chargers once again. Many analysts have projected them to capture the AFC West title for the first time since 2009.
Here are five reasons why Los Angeles can end the drought and win the division this season:
The Mike McDaniel offensive revolution
Following Greg Roman's departure, the Chargers hired Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator. Known for engineering explosive, high-scoring offenses, McDaniel is introducing a fast, motion-heavy scheme. Unlocking a premier quarterback in Justin Herbert with the scheme and supporting cast, which includes running back Omarion Hampton, gives Los Angeles the point-scoring ceiling required to win high-stakes games.
A healthy, elite offensive tackle tandem
Injuries completely derailed the Chargers'
offensive line last season, notably sidelining offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt. Heading into the season, both All-Pro-level tackles are back. When healthy, Slater and Alt comprise arguably the best tackle duo in the NFL, providing Herbert with prolific pocket protection and paving the way for a dominant ground game.
A three-headed monster
The defensive front remains a massive strength for the Chargers under new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary. The edge-rushing trio of Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, and first-round draft pick Akheem Mesidor boasts division-winning upside. Tuipulotu is coming off a monster season, and paired with Mack's veteran mastery and Mesidor's seasoned pass-rush arsenal and inside-out flexibility, this unit has the firepower to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks on a weekly basis.
Jim Harbaugh efftect
Jim Harbaugh took over a struggling franchise and immediately produced back-to-back 11-win seasons in his first two years as head coach. By instilling a culture of mental toughness and physical dominance, he has turned the Chargers into one of the strongest teams in the league, one that knows how to win tight football games, even when injuries have hit.
Transitions in the division
While the AFC West is always highly competitive, the Chargers' primary rivals are facing some transitions. The defending division champion Broncos are adjusting to a new offensive play-caller, the Chiefs have an aging core and an unproven and youthful defense, and the Raiders have a first-time NFL head coach for a franchise that has finished dead last in the division the last two years. This window of transition gives the Bolts the perfect opportunity to seize control of the AFC West.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: 5 reasons why the Chargers can win the AFC West
