Going 5-11 definitely isn't a recipe for excitement, but what were 3 of the most telling stats from of Los Angeles Chargers' 2016 season that could explain what happened?
If you have the internet, then you probably know that there is a ton of optimism surrounding the 2017 Los Angeles Chargers. This is a franchise that has been a disappointment as of late, but the front office has done a very nice job of replacing coaches and bringing in young talent.
However, that doesn't mean there aren't some things from last season that need to be addressed and fixed for this team to succeed.
Every team in the NFL goes through tough times, but there have been some things about this Chargers' squad that has lingered for many, many years. Heck, these have been some of the biggest reasons why this team hasn't been playoff-relevant in long time.
That being said, not everything was bad last season. There were a few guys who had career-years and that should give every Chargers' fan hope going into 2017. If these guys can get going again this year, the AFC West will be on notice.
Let's take a look at three of the most telling stats from 2016 in the following pages.
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 18: Latavius Murray #28 of the Oakland Raiders cuts back on a run against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 18, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Chargers: Finished 29th In Total Defense
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There is no team that can consistently be successful without a good defense. Heck, they don't even have to be great, but they must be able to get off the field and let their talented offense go to work and do their job. That is going to be even more important for the Los Angeles Chargers going forward, thanks to their incredible arsenal of offensive talent this season.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Chargers' 2016 defense gave up 5,554 total yards. The only teams that finished worse than them in total defense was Cleveland, New Orleans, and San Fransisco.
This Los Angeles defense has far too much talent to let that kind of thing happen again in 2017, especially if Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram have anything to say about it. And that doesn't even mention the budding secondary led by the likes of Casey Hayward.
Probably the biggest factor to the Chargers having a rebound this season defensively is Gus Bradley. Things might not have worked out in Jacksonville, but let's be honest, that's like trying to turn water into wine. That being said, he is in a much better situation out on the west coast, and more likely in his element focusing on the defense solely.
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 23: Hunter Henry #86 of the San Diego Chargers fails to pull in this touchdown reception inbounds against Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 23, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
2. Hunter Henry: 8 Receiving Touchdowns
Not everything that happened last season should be seen as a negative, especially when you have a rookie tight-end catch eight touchdown passes. With Antonio Gates' career coming to a close, there couldn't have been a better showing from the former Arkansas Razorback in 2016.
Philip Rivers and Chargers' fans alike have been blessed by watching one of the greatest tight-ends in NFL history score touchdown after touchdown in a Bolts uniform. However, he will only be around for another couple of seasons and Los Angeles needs someone to pass the reigns to. I guess it's a good thing they some major potential in Hunter Henry when other franchise's did not.
Los Angeles will definitely make getting Hunter Henry the ball in the red zone again in 2017. He may not get many touches between the 20s, but he should be Rivers' top target once they've gotten close to the goal-line.
Don't be surprised when Hunter Henry goes for double-digit touchdowns in the Chargers' first year in Los Angeles. He has the combination of opportunity and talent to make it happen.
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 24: Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers passes in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
1. Philip Rivers: 21 Interceptions
If there's one big reason why the Chargers finished the season with only five wins, it's because the team turned the football over far too much. According to Pro Football Reference, Rivers' 21 interceptions was actually the most picks he has ever thrown in one season in his 13 year NFL career.
That being said, I think we can definitely chalk some of those interceptions up to him not having enough time to go through is progressions. The Chargers offensive line was terrible last season and even though he has played behind worse offensive fronts, Rivers was still sacked 36 times.
I've never been sacked by an NFL defensive lineman, but those sack numbers still make me cringe.
Los Angeles addressed their needs on the offensive line this offseason and it looks as though they could have up to three new starters up front. With that talent that the Chargers have at the receiver position, it would be a real shame if those starting five lineman couldn't Philip Rivers more than last season.
Here's to hoping that Philip Rivers can stay upright for the most part of 2017.
