Incompetent Chargers Just Wasted Khalil Mack’s Best Season
The 2023 Los Angeles Chargers season is essentially over despite having four games remaining. The slim chance of securing the necessary help to make the playoffs is overshadowed by the overall disappointment of this season. Whether it's injuries, coaching incompetence, or other factors, it's undeniable that the Chargers have fallen short of expectations.
Amidst the struggles, one shining light for the team has been their superstar edge rusher, Khalil Mack. In his second year with the Chargers, Mack has truly demonstrated why he's considered among the best defenders of this generation. Despite the team's defensive woes, Mack has stood out as a beacon of excellence. This season has showcased his exceptional skills, justifying the significant investment the Chargers made to acquire him.
The Chargers' defense, on the other hand, has been a significant letdown. Ranking among the worst in the league in various statistical categories, they've struggled to make an impact when it matters most. The team sits at 17th in opponent points per game, 29th in opponent yards per game, 22nd in opponent completion percentage, and 29th in opponent pass yards per game. The defensive unit has failed to deliver consistently, overshadowing Mack's outstanding individual performance by collective struggles.
Despite the team's overall defensive woes, Mack is having one of the best seasons of his career. In 13 games, he's matched his career high in sacks with an impressive 15 (also leading the NFL), contributing 55 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, and boasting a remarkable PFF grade of 90.9. Mack would be a frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award in any other season. However, due to the team's collective defensive struggles, he doesn't even crack the top 10 in the voting.
It's disheartening to see Mack's stellar season go down the drain due to factors beyond his control. The blame for this lies with the defensive leadership. Mack can only do so much on his own, and it remains to be seen if he can replicate or even surpass this performance in 2024. The Chargers need a collective effort to match Mack's individual excellence and turn things around for a more promising future.
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