Los Angeles Chargers

Why Chargers fans need to continue watching their Bolts

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Last Sunday’s collapse against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was catastrophic for the San Diego Chargers and their fans. With that loss, the Chargers (5-7) are unofficially eliminated from playoff contention.

And even though it’s been over three years since Mike McCoy led San Diego to postseason play, it does not mean fans should give up and stop watching their beloved Bolts. The following are reasons why fans need to stay tuned to their San Diego Chargers:

Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (99) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Outside of “Dem Boyz” a.k.a Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa has been one of the most exciting rookies to watch play this year. This past week, the former Ohio State Buckeye added another sack and two pressures to his resume. Per Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus, Bosa is on a historic pace, as he has had more pressures in the first eight games than anyone since 2006.

Bosa’s numbers are staggering. In 234 pass rushes, Bosa has six sacks, 11 QB hits and 25 hurries, which has amassed to his 42 total pressures. Watching Bosa’s relentless play and shrugs should be exciting enough for fans to tune in every Sunday. Why wouldn’t they want to watch the potential 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year every week?

Nov 27, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Hunter Henry (86) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Chargers won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG TALENT

San Diego is loaded with an abundance of young talent. It is almost a double-edged sword. This talent is the reason why they are always in these exciting games, but their inexperience is also part of the reason why the Chargers find themselves on the short end at the end of the game.

Even though players like Hunter Henry, Tyrell Williams, Jatavis Brown, Trevor Williams, Melvin Gordon and Denzel Perryman might not know how to win now, they do provide a glimmer of hope for the not-too-distant future.

Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) looks on from the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

MELVIN GORDON’S SPECIAL SEASON

What a rollercoaster ride it’s been for the former Wisconsin Badger. After his poor rookie season and offseason microfracture surgery, experts were quick to label Melvin Gordon a bust. Has there ever been a player in NFL history who failed as badly as Gordon did his first year, only to turn it around to be considered an elite player the following year?

After the injuries to Danny Woodhead and Brandon Oliver, the coaching staff of the Chargers asked a lot out of Gordon. The second-year running back basically was forced to shoulder the whole running game for San Diego. If that wasn’t enough, the Chargers asked Gordon to also be a receiving threat as well. How did Gordon respond? Well so far, Gordon has rushed 251 times for 992 yards (a 4.0 yard-per-carry average behind a below-average offensive line) and 10 touchdowns. He also has tacked on 41 catches for 419 yards and two touchdowns.

These statistics have led PFF to give Gordon a grade of 83.6 for the season, which ranks second behind Elliott. It is starting to get the feel that the Chargers will soon be Melvin Gordon’s team. Watching Gordon’s physical running style and big-play capability this year has been a real treat for San Diego fans. The Chargers faithful need to keep watching at what this electric playmaker will do next.

Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

MILESTONE FOR A CHARGERS’ LEGEND

Antonio Gates, a fan favorite, is on the cusp of NFL history. Gates, who is a surefire Hall of Famer, is three touchdowns shy of breaking the great Tony Gonzalez’s NFL record for most touchdowns by a tight end (111). The Chargers’ tight end is currently sitting on 109 receiving touchdowns and has four games to get those three touchdowns.

Both Philip Rivers and fans are dying to see this Chargers’ great go down in history. And if Gates does indeed get the record, don’t be surprised if he decides to retire this offseason, regardless of the one year remaining on his contract. San Diego fans need to be ready for the fact that they could be watching the last of Antonio Gates.

THE CHARGERS’ LAST YEAR IN SAN DIEGO?

Everyday it appears information is coming out that Dean Spanos and the Chargers are inching closer and closer to fleeing San Diego to become the Rams’ tenants in Los Angeles. The Chargers owner is conflicted because he wants to stay in San Diego, but it sounds like he can’t afford it (which is pathetic).

Regardless of how fans feel, they need to get out and support the Chargers for the last couple of home games that is left because it is sounding like this could be the last year they will have to watching professional football ever!

Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is pressured by San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

SERIOUSLY–WHAT ELSE ARE YOU GOING TO WATCH ON SUNDAYS?

This says it all. The San Diego Chargers might not be winners, but they are sure as hell entertaining with their late-game dramatics. Watching a Chargers game has been more exciting and suspenseful than a Walking Dead episode (which has been awful after the first episode).

And if somehow San Diego can play spoilers and defeat the Raiders or Chiefs and mess up their playoff seeding, then that would just be the icing on the cake.