The AFC West is home to some of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL; Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders, Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos, etc. Once upon a time, Joey Bosa filled those shoes for the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the health issues that ended his run for the Bolts is already rearing its head.
After nine years with the Chargers, Bosa’s run had come to its conclusion. Much of that was factored by an inability to stay healthy for large portions of many of those years. In the NFL, you’re judged off what you produce and for how long you can do so. It’s a cold business but that’s how it works, the Chargers couldn’t justify his contract any longer.
No room for Joey Bosa out in the AFC West anymore…
To be fair, Bosa played in 14 games last season, so that was a positive. Oppositely, the bigger picture wasn’t a good one as the Chargers star only appeared in 28 games over the last three seasons. In fact, with only two complete seasons under his belt, the writing was on the wall even if Bosa has been the face of the organization for much of his time with them. Following the Chargers’ decision, Bosa agreed to a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills.
While on paper it seemed like a nice match, Bosa’s health is already showing why he’s no longer playing in the AFC West. Bills head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that his new star pass rusher pulled a calf muscle which will now impede him from participating in offseason activities. Best case scenario is that Bosa will be available for training camp.
As for Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers, they’ll be relying on former Raiders star Khalil Mack once again. Alongside him they’ll feature Bud Dupree and Tuli Tuipulottu. With Bosa gone, you could make the argument that Crosby is the best pass rusher in the AFC West. The way his game impacts both what the Raiders do and how opponents such as the Chargers prepare for cannot be understated.
*Top Photo: Getty Images