Rams or Chargers: Who wins the battle of Los Angeles this season?

Town of Los Angeles homes two soccer groups, however one is clearly the superior of the 2.

That is as a result of one squad is the reigning NFL champion, and till 2023, that title goes to stay on one facet of the town’s spectrum. And although the Rams and Chargers share the identical residence stadium, enjoying turf is maybe the one commonality the 2 groups hope to share going ahead. 

Each are viable Tremendous Bowl contenders, and in line with Chargers operating again Austin Ekeler, that is the principal objective the workforce has set its sights on. However he is properly conscious that he and his crew must usurp a not-so pleasant neighbor to get there.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler joins Colin to speak upcoming season

Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler joins Colin Cowherd to debate how he is making ready for subsequent season the Rams-Chargers rivalry.

“We’re in a crowded neighborhood out right here,” he informed  Colin Cowherd on “The Herd.”

Regardless of the bustling surroundings although, Ekeler is raring to do what he can to take up a extra agency residency at SoFi Stadium.

“It is our job to make it as thrilling [for the city] as we are able to, and that is by scoring factors on the offensive finish and entering into the neighborhood as properly,” Ekeler stated. “L.A.’s a metropolis that after they get behind you, they’re going to have your again. And with the Rams getting it finished final yr, clearly they’ve the leg up by way of neighborhood and ‘bandwagoners.’

“However it’s what it’s. It is a aggressive environment, and that is why we’re right here — to compete.”

The Rams have almost the identical roster again in motion, and with a few high-profile additions in Bobby Wagner and Allen Robinson II, they’re going to undoubtedly be one of many hardest groups to beat heading into the 2022 marketing campaign. Wagner, Seattle’s all-time tackles chief, will convey a heady presence and preternatural ball expertise to captain L.A.’s top-flight protection. That very same protection will return Aaron Donald — arguably the best defensive deal with ever — and Jalen Ramsey, whom many consider is the perfect nook in soccer.

Offensively, Sean McVay, Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp are maybe essentially the most lethal three-headed monster within the league, and Robinson’s addition offers a wondrous increase. However Stafford’s at the moment coping with a regarding elbow harm that is been likened to baseball resulting from its rarity on the gridiron. The Rams go as he does, and his well being can have an enormous bearing on their success going ahead.

So far as the Chargers, Justin Herbert is the gas behind the workforce’s engine/ Herbert has established himself as a infamous flamethrower, and although there are occasions he may take a bit of mustard off his throws, Ekeler’s nice with letting him free for now.

“He undoubtedly places some warmth on [his throws],” Ekeler informed Cowherd. “And it is one thing you have to get acclimated to with Justin. That is one thing that he’ll study as he will get older, realizing when to tear it in or curve it. He does an excellent job now, however there are occasions after I’m like. ‘Man, you slung that factor.’ But it surely additionally helps him too, as a result of if he simply rips it then he would not give the defender an opportunity to undercut. It is a particular expertise to have the ability to do, and it is a fast launch too, so undoubtedly a bonus for us.

“No probability [I’m telling him to change his throws],” Ekeler added. “He is a younger man. Simply give me the ball, and nonetheless you do, I will catch it and make one thing occur.”

Herbert additionally has at his disposal a supremely proficient receiving corps, which incorporates Mike Williams and Keenan Allen on high of Ekeler, who led the NFL in TDs final season. The Chargers additionally added a future Corridor of Famer in Khalil Mack to patrol their entrance finish, alongside famous person defensive finish Joey Bosa.

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