Los Angeles Chargers: Four keys to success for the 2018 season

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 22: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 22: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during the game against the Denver Broncos at the StubHub Center on October 22, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers /

2. Manage the run on defense

The Los Angeles Chargers do not even have to be great at stopping the run next season to be successful. All the defense needs to do is learn how to manage the run to force teams to play into the Chargers’ strong suit which is pass defense.

The Chargers defense is one of the most talented in the league and actually allowed the third-fewest points all of last season. This is due to the team’s stellar pass rush in Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram as well as the stellar secondary that picked off passes left and right.

However, when teams did succeed against the Chargers’ defense they did so by running the football. The Super Bowl Champion Eagles barely beat the Chargers because the team could not stop them from running seven minutes off the clock to stop the game. Again, manage that run game.

If the linebacker unit and the interior defensive line can do their part to limit the big gains and force teams to pass the football then the Chargers defense is going to be in great shape. I do not care who the quarterback is, I am betting on the Chargers’ pass defense every single time.