When the Los Angeles Chargers started the season 0-4 a lot of people said this was going to be another bad season for the Lighting Bolts. Inconsistent play at quarter, an unreliable defense and special teams that were not making winning plays proved to be their identity. What a difference a few months can make.
Now they are 6-6 and tied for first place in the AFC West and they play the 5-7 Washington Redskins on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the StubHub Center in Carson. One of the main reasons for their turn around is the play of veteran quarterback Phillip Rivers. Rivers has completed 272 of 431 passes for 3,292 yards and 21 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Considering he threw three interceptions in one game, Rivers has really improved in that category.
Other offensive players that have played well this season are running back Melvin Gordon who has 775 yards rushing and caught 42 passes for 302 yards, receiver Keenan Allen has 77 catches for 1032 yards and receiver Hunter Henry has 38 receptions for 501 yards.
On defense they rely on the play of defensive linemen Joey Bosa, Melvin Ingram, Brandon Mebane and Corey Liuget, linebackers Korey Toomer and Kyle Emanuel. Players that have played well in the defensive backfield are Casey Hayward, Trevor Williams and Tre Boston.
On special teams speedy receiver Travis Benjamin is a threat to go all the way every time he touches the ball on punts and kickoff returns