After the loss to the Denver Broncos, the Chargers looked as if they had regressed. Unfortunately, It was the same old story, turnovers, kicking drama, and lack of intensity. More importantly, no steady defensive pressure. Well, what a difference a week can make in the NFL. After a convincing win over the Arizona Cardinals, it is quite clear the services of a healthy Joey Bosa is exactly what the doctor ordered.
The Impact
The Week 11 game against the Broncos clearly wasn’t Bosa’s best game as a pro. On the other hand, after returning from a foot injury, just having Bosa on the field was a win. Ironically, the untimely loss to the Broncos proved to be the proverbial warm-up Bosa needed to get his mind and body right for playing football. The immediate impact of a Bosa in the locker room, at practice, on the sideline sparked a new rebirth in the Chargers defense.
Against the Cardinals, Bosa looked similar to his 2017 self. The best stat that stood out was two sacks. For a guy to go from one tackle in Week 11, to two sacks and 5 tackles in Week 12 is one heck of a bounce back. Yet again, this is not some mere mortal of a defensive player we are talking about. This is Joey Bosa the Chargers top defensive lineman and star player. His impact on the Cardinals game was a defining moment and couldn’t have come at a better time.
Encore!!
By this time last year, Bosa was well on pace to eclipse 10 sacks. So, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to believe a healthy Bosa couldn’t contribute substantial playing time and even more sacks closing out the 2018-19 regular season. The Chargers have one of their leaders back and he is absolutely ready to play. Foot? What foot? Bosa’s foot looks healed and that is all the Chargers need to know. Number 99 is finally back in action, all opposing quarterbacks beware.