Jim Harbaugh
Getty
Los Angeles Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh
In what can be considered the first time in a long time, the Los Angeles Chargers are in a position to compete for the AFC West title.
Behind the Denver Broncos, who are currently atop the division, the Bolts are in the second spot, with the Kansas City Chiefs having a major regression year with a 5-5 record and being third in the division.
This isn’t likely to be an end to the Chiefs’ reign, but it puts the Chargers in a spot to win the division for the first time in 16 seasons. If not this season, most likely next season, with the team still getting accustomed to the away head coach Jim Harbaugh runs the team.
Los Angeles will have to focus on their backup quarterback as there is no clear answer to who will be the backup next season, leaving the question of who will be calling plays if Justin Herbert goes down.
Acquiring A Former First-Round Selection On Offense
Justin Fields, Jets
GettyNew York Jets quarterback Justin Fields
It appears that the Justin Fields project with the New York Jets has finished. The team has benched the Fields in favor of 36-year-old quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who will be behind the center in Week 12.
CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo lists the Bolts as a landing destination for the former 11th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, with the future of the backup quarterback situation in question.
“Los Angeles will make a lot of sense if Trey Lance doesn’t re-sign this offseason. Jim Harbaugh is familiar with Fields’ game having coached against him during his time at Michigan,” DeArdo wrote. “In 2019, Fields helped lead Ohio State to a 56-21 win over Harbaugh’s Wolverines. Fields enjoyed one of his finest games as [a] Buckeye that day, throwing for 302 yards and four touchdowns.”
Lance joined the Chargers on a one-year deal, looking for another chance in his career. He was going to be a backup to Justin Herbert, but could learn behind the QB and head coach Jim Harbaugh.
In the preseason, Lance won the backup quarterback battle over Taylor Heinicke. The former North Dakota State Bison threw for 334 yards and 2 passing touchdowns while rushing for 81 yards and a rushing TD. Lance has shown that he can be a quality backup, but he could have his eyes set on starting a starting job elsewhere.
Last Opportunity For Justin Fields?
Justin Fields, New York Jets
GettyJustin Fields #7 of the New York Jets
The trajectory of Justin Fields’ career has not gone as expected.
The quarterback is on his third team in five seasons, with the possibility of him being on a fourth next season.
Before being benched, Fields threw for 1,259 yards and just 7 passing touchdowns. With his legs, the quarterback has rushed for 383 yards and four touchdowns.
Fields has not been able to keep the ball in his hands this season, which is part of the reason he is now the second QB on the team. In 9 games this season, Fields has thrown one interception and fumbled the ball four times.
The former Ohio State Buckeye has tried his luck with two new teams as a 50/50 starter. But a change of scenery as a backup could be what’s best for his career going forward. If he could show out like Lance did this preseason, he could have another opportunity.