Chargers Life Post-Bosa

(Image via Katie Dugan/Gamecock Central)

​By: Lucas Kochevar

The Chargers are familiar with Joey Bosa not coming off the edge, due to his injuries, but now he’s not going to be in the building at all. He was subsequently released by the Chargers and now plays in Buffalo. Their pass rush will take a stepback, but they still have vets in that room and renowned defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The team was tied 5th in the NFL in total sacks with 46. 

The team is returning their top three sack leaders with Tuli Tuipulotu (8.5), Khalil Mack (6.0) and Bud Dupree (6.0). Tuipulotu is the obvious guy that needs to step up and become that guy off the edge and find his way into double digit sacks. His usage last year shows that they want him to be the guy attacking quarterbacks instead of him being just an edge setter. His tackles dipped, but he added four more sacks to his season total from his rookie year.

The real guy that I think will be key to keeping the Chargers near the top of the league is rookie Kyle Kennard. The rookie from South Carolina is coming in after a strong senior season where he totaled 11.5 sacks over 12 games. He was a key member for the Gamecocks swarming defensive line as a force opposite of stud Dylan Stewart. 

Kennard could come in and contribute immediately for the Chargers if he’s given the right role. It’s not out of the question for a rookie to come in and make an impact as the team across the way in LA showed that with Jared Verse’s dominance. If he’s given the right role, it could be a steal for the Chargers in a division that they’ll need him in.