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NFL 2017 preview: Looking at strengths, weaknesses and X-factors for all 32 teams

By Peter Panacy

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) greet each other following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Kyle Emanuel (51) and San Diego Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (99) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Kyle Emanuel (51) and San Diego Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (99) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Chargers

2016 Record: 5-11, Fourth Place in the AFC West

The Chargers have moved from San Diego to Los Angeles, and the big move could be a bit of a distraction in of itself.

Los Angeles still has a potent offense. But quarterback Philip Rivers was a bit interception prone last season, tossing 33 touchdowns against a league-leading 21 interceptions. Not having enough weapons around him hurt, so it made perfect sense for the Chargers to take former Clemson receiver Mike Williams at No. 7 overall in the NFL Draft.

Another pressing issue was protecting Rivers. The veteran QB suffered 36 sacks a year ago, so Los Angeles wisely drafted offensive guards Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney in Rounds 2 and 3, respectively.

Yet one of the bigger problems the Chargers faced was with their defense. Overall, this unit ranked 29th in total points allowed in 2016 (423) and struggled to maintain any sort of consistency within the secondary outside of cornerback Casey Hayward.

Building around second-year pro Joey Bosa will help, and EDGE Melvin Ingram is smart. These two are cornerstone pieces.

But will this be enough?

Strengths

The Chargers have a number of defensive playmakers, but this entire group has yet to jell as a unit. Perhaps that happens in 2017, which leads one to believe this could be a strength.

Bosa and Ingram are the linchpins here. Why wouldn’t they be?

And Rivers will have more weapons at his disposal, which should help cut down on the turnovers. In turn, the defense rests. It’s that simple.

Weaknesses

Running back Melvin Gordon enjoyed a Pro Bowl year last season, but the Chargers ground attack wasn’t much of a force.

It might have to be this season, especially with some of the defensive questions Los Angeles will have to address.

And playing in the AFC West? No, this won’t be an easy season.

X-Factors

Rivers should bounce back from a so-so year in 2016, and a lot of it hinges on Williams’ ability to contribute and stay healthy. If this new pairing goes well, the Chargers offense should be pretty exciting this season. But if it doesn’t, this year might be a duplicate of last season.

And are the trio of Bosa, Ingram and Hayward enough to carry the defense?