Sports

The LA Chargers ‘Charged’ to Take the AFC West

Published

3 years ago

July 15, 2021

Jonathan Grilli

Can the Los Angeles Chargers streal the AFC West away from the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2021-2022 season?

If you remember last season, the LA Chargers handed the Kansas City Chiefs a 38-21 loss on January 3^rd.

This was one of just two losses for the recent Champs and back-to-back Super Bowl participants. The other came at the hands of Jon Gruden’s Las Vegas Raiders, the black sheep of the AFC West.

The other game the Chargers played against the Chiefs went right down to the wire as well. In Week 2, the Chargers and their stud of a rookie QB took KC into overtime and lost 23-20.

One thing is for sure, even if the Chargers don’t win the division this year, this is a team that is coming up in a big way.

Odds on the AFC West

The market from top bookmakers at Illinois opened with the betting lines showing the Kansas City Chiefs at -455; the LA Chargers at +525; the LV Raiders at +1400; and the Denver Broncos at +1500.

These lines showed that sportsbooks around the globe thought the Chargers were poised to be the second-best team in the AFC West and significantly more likely to win the division than the Raiders or Broncos.

But even though no announcements have been made, bookmakers believe that Aaron Rodgers will find his way to Mile High in 2021. So much so that the Denver Broncos have jumped the Chargers on the boards at most betting outlets and currently hold that No. 2 spot. The Broncos now have odds as short as +400 to win the west.

But how much will it matter? Even if Aaron Rodgers does move to Denver, the offensive line isn’t great—rated by Pro Fantasy Football at No. 25 in the league—and Rodgers still doesn’t have the most outstanding targets. Sure, the potential is there, and some experts are touting the Denver receiving corps as high as No. 6 in the NFL … but let’s be honest, Cortland Sutton missed most of the season, and we are not sure what the Broncos will be getting back at this point. Then there are two highly touted young receivers in K.J. Hamler and Jerry Jeudy but what we have seen from them is just handfuls of dropped passes—or figurative handfuls, because they can’t keep the ball in their hands.

As far as the O-lines are concerned, the Chargers look much better than Denver. Bryan Bulga is back and healthy and is continually graded at 75.0 or better. On top of Bulga being back to top form, the Chargers grabbed another former Green Bay big-man in Corey Linsley. This snapper was, in many eyes, the top free-agent center on the market.

The Chargers also have some solid back-ups on the line, namely Brenden James. The young guard needs to work on his run-blocking but is a solid pass protector, which is just what Justin Herbert needs when Oday Aboushi takes a breather or goes down with a stinger.

Although the Chargers are far from boasting the best offensive line in the league, they may have the most improved line in the entire NFL.

If the Chargers win the games they need and split wins with the KC Chiefs again; they could take the AFC West. After all, the LA Chargers are tied for the 3rd most manageable schedule in the league when the SOS is based on current season win projections—using the win/loss over/under totals for each team on the schedule instead of last season’s record.

Will they actually win the AFC West? Probably not; the Chiefs are loaded. But hey, you never know. That said, I believe the Chargers are poised for a wild card berth in 2021-2022, and this team will continue to surprise with upset wins over teams that are better on paper.

What are the odds that the Chargers will get nine wins and make a solid run on the division but fall short to a 12-wins Chiefs squad? We will find out.

Sports

Prep Soccer Names Saint Louis University Men’s Soccer Player Jackson Delkus as the 2024 Nationwide #1 Soccer Player for Fall 2024

Published

2 months ago

October 9, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo courtesy of Jackson Delkus

By: Georgette Virgo

“Prep Soccer” crowned Jackson Delkus, a 6’0″ forward from St. Louis, Missouri, the top high school boys soccer player in the nation for 2024. The former Laurel Springs student and St. Louis City SC Academy standout earned this prestigious ranking through his skills, versatility, and dedication to the sport.

Delkus’ rise to the top spot is no surprise to those who have followed his journey on the soccer field. Last July 2024, Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer team proudly announced Jackson Delkus as part of their 2024 recruiting class. “Top Drawer Soccer” recognized him as the #1 player for the Class of 2024 in Heartland.

A Versatile Powerhouse on the Field

His versatility and record-breaking speed characterize Delkus’ playing style. Primarily positioned as a forward, Jackson Delkus excels in multiple positions across the front line, including left-wing, right-wing, and striker. His seamless transition between these roles makes him a threat to any defense.

Saint Louis University head men’s soccer coach Kevin Kalish speaks highly of Jackson Delkus. He mentions, “Jackson is a powerful attacker with incredible speed and a high work rate who can make plays in the attacking half of the field. I have watched him for most of his youth career, and he is an intense competitor who thrives under the spotlight.”

His well-rounded skill set complements Delkus’s offensive skills. Despite his natural inclination toward attacking play, he has developed strong defensive capabilities, often tracking back to support his team’s defense and disrupt opponents’ plays. This two-way play style has made him an asset to his team.

Breaking Records and Pushing Limits

As a soccer player who always strives to bring his A-game, Jackson Delkus is committed to self-improvement, as highlighted in his weekly one-on-one striker training and impressive physical achievements. He holds the freshman record for sprints at Chaminade College Preparatory School, showcasing his exceptional speed of 11.72 in 100 meters and 25.17 in 200 meters.

His December 2023 speed record of 23.4 miles per hour at Legion of Strength, a training facility frequented by professional and amateur athletes in the St. Louis area, further strengthens his speed record.

From speed, Jackson Delkus also shows his ability to score. During the fall 2021 season, Delkus’s speed and skill combination made him the top scorer for the St. Louis City SC Academy U16 team.

These feats of athleticism are not mere numbers; they translate directly to Delkus’ performance on the pitch. His pace allows him to beat defenders, create space for teammates, and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Aside from improving his speed and scoring, a big part of Delkus’ training is to develop his weaker foot, resulting in a playing style that keeps defenders guessing. “Although I’m naturally right-footed, I’ve put in countless hours to improve my left foot,” Jackson Delkus shares. “Now, most of my goals come from my left foot, which gives me a significant advantage on the field.”

The young forward has also unintentionally created his signature look on the field with his terrycloth headband, making him easily recognizable to fans and opponents alike. This trademark has only added to his growing reputation in the soccer community.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Jackson Delkus joins Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer program, expectations are high for his continued development. His combination of speed, skill, and versatility positions him as a potential game-changer at the collegiate level and beyond.

Despite his recognition and strong presence on the soccer field, Jackson Delkus remains grounded and focuses on his continued growth as a player. “Being named the top high school player by Prep Soccer is an incredible honor, but I know this is just the beginning,” he mentions. “I’m excited to join Saint Louis University and continue pushing myself to new heights.”

Delkus’ rising career as a soccer player, highlighted by his recognition as the nation’s top high school player, is a valuable addition to this portfolio and a crucial step toward his journey of playing professionally.

However, Jackson Delkus believes there’s still much to achieve. With his abilities and limitless potential, he looks forward to continuously impacting the sport today and in the future.