Five Chargers Players who will Breakout in 2023

The Chargers heartbreaking end to the season was a sour taste for all Chargers fans. This left many to forget the great stretch the Chargers went on, as well as some stellar performances from younger players.

There were only a few key names to leave in free agency. All the returning players give the current squad more time to gain familiarity in the Brandon Staley system. However, the fantastic addition of former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore might take some time getting used to, but is definitely an instant upgrade.

Asante Samuel Jr.

Samuel is going into his third season with all the confidence in the world. While it was a game to forget in the Bolts 2022 playoff game, Samuel shined by getting four interceptions in the game, which tied the NFL record for interceptions in a playoff game. 

While the playoff game performance might never be duplicated for Samuel, he had plenty of star moments last season. Samuel had to play as the top corner for the Chargers with J.C. Jackson got injured early on in the season. Samuel struggled early on in his new position, then started to shine when they could move him back into the slot.

The Chargers’ defense was dominant to end the 2022 season, besides the second half of the horrific playoff game. The Staley system was finally in full effect, with unique pass-rushing schemes and coverage that allowed Samuel to shine. Now that the coaching staff sees what Samuel is capable of in zone coverage, especially, he should only continue to shine in 2023.

Justin Herbert

Hebert has basically already broken out in his rookie season. However, last year there was a significant dip in production due to a multitude of issues. Herbert still had plenty of flashes of greatness last season, but it was clear that something was wrong. While he struggled with injury, there were two glaring issues for the Bolts’ offense.

The new play-calling scheme from coach Moore which was top five in points per game the last few seasons will benefit Herbert the most. The lack of creativity was very noticeable last season. 49ers linebacker Fred Warner even said how predictable the play calling was in the second half versus the Chargers last season. 

Morgan Fox

Fox benefited greatly from the Staley defensive scheme last season. In his first season with the Bolts, he recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks as an interior pass rusher. 

The Chargers were able to re-sign Fox this offseason which allows Fox to improve even more in the same system with a healthy Bosa and Mack on the edge. 

Fox already had experience in the Staley system in the number one ranked Rams defense in 2019. However, this was the first season where he started more than 9 games. If depth is an issue on the defensive line as it was last season, Fox will need to step up just like last season and continue to grow as he has.

Michael Davis

Davis has had an up-and-down career so far in the NFL. He had low expectations as he was an undrafted rookie from BYU acquired by the Chargers in 2017. By 2019 he was the number two corner, competing with some of the league’s best. 

2020 was seemingly his breakout season, where he totaled 3 interceptions and 14 passes deflected. The very next season, he struggled being placed at the number one corner and was benched at times. Then, to the Bolts’ surprise, he came off the bench last season and had his best season yet.

Davis had 15 passes deflected, which ranked 6th in the entire league last season. His major jump from 2021 had many Chargers fans screaming for Davis to win Comeback Player of the Year. 

The second half of the season is where things really began to click for the Chargers, with possibly no better example than Davis. With an even better pass rush than last season, teams may be forced to throw more passes to Davis, leading to a major statistical jump.

Joshua Kelley

The number one concern voiced by Staley going into the offseason was to improve the run game. With that being said, the Chargers did not acquire any new running backs, as they were not the problem.

While Herbert will be the biggest beneficiary from the new offensive system, so will the running backs. Specifically why Kelley is very probable to break out is he showed plenty of flashes last season. 

With the awkward Austin Ekeler situation ongoing, Kelley would be next in line to start if Ekeler decides he wants to be traded again. If Kelley is given the opportunity to start, he might never look back.

Stay tuned for more breaking NFL content, including midseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.

Featured image courtesy of Chargers.com

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