Joey Bosa named Chargers non-QB MVP by NFL.com

Joey Bosa is one of the most ferocious defenders in the NFL, but 2022 could be the season where he reminds the world just how good he is.

The honors are already flowing in, as Kevin Patra of NFL.com projected the Chargers pass rusher to be their non-quarterback MVP for the 2022 season.

“Bosa was already a Defensive Player of the Year candidate before the Chargers traded for Khalil Mack this offseason. Adding the former DPOY should allow Bosa more opportunities to go one-on-one and get to the quarterback,” wrote Patra. “With a high motor and an array of pass-rush moves, Bosa is a demon off the edge. The 26-year-old ranks in the top six in sacks (58), QB hits (129) and tackles for loss (73) since entering the NFL in 2016. In 2021, he put up 10.5 sacks, 20 QB hits and seven forced fumbles (tied for second-most in the league), and that was without lining up across from another star.

“Bringing in Mack opens up endless options for Brandon Staley’s defense, and Bosa will be the beneficiary stuffing the stat sheet.”

Opposing quarterbacks already know how much of a game-wrecker Joey Bosa can be, but the former Ohio State star has the chance to have one of the most dominant seasons we’ve seen in awhile with newly-minted Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack playing alongside him.

Justin Herbert on improving 2023: ‘It’s all about consistency’

Moreover, Joey Bosa will be looking towards Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to help his team take the next step. After losing to the Raiders in the final game of the regular season, L.A. missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record. They’re primed for a much improved season in 2023 after retooling the roster this offseason.

Herbert appeared on Sirius XM NFL Radio to talk about their upcoming season. The young franchise QB says it’s all about their stability from week to week to get to the next level.

“It’s all about consistency,” said Herbert. “We have to put together a full season for us to play the football that we want to.”

Inconsistency has been their Achilles heel since Herbert was drafted in 2020. They’ve finished 16-16 in his two years under center. Their longest winning streak in those years was a four game stretch to end the 2020 season. With an improving AFC and AFC West Division, they no longer have the luxury of alternating in the win-loss column.

The front office made an effort to fix that problem heading into 2023. The root of the inconsistency could be within their defense. While they finished fifth in scoring with 474 points, their defense finished 27th by allowing 459 last year. In response, the Chargers went out and added Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson, Kyle Van Noy to bolster that side of the football. Those additions will only do so much in Herbert’s eyes, though, if the team isn’t ready to play each week.

“We’ve definitely added some guys on defense, picked up a few guys on offense, and had a great offseason so far,” Herbert said. “And as soon as the season comes, we understand it’s all about execution and being sharp week in and week out, never looking ahead and making sure we’re doing everything we can to give ourselves a shot on Sundays.”