If you were one of the hundreds of people to believe the Los Angeles Chargers could win the Super Bowl this year, you’re not crazy. After an impressive 12-4 season, the Bolts become a powerhouse thanks to a sound offense led by Philip Rivers and a defense built around Derwin James.

In any other division, Los Angeles would have been the champions and clinched a first-round bye. You play in a division with Patrick Mahomes, what are you going to do?

With the Chargers ready to take control of the division in 2019, everything seemed to be in place for a legitimate run. The offseason additions filled needs, the team drafted well, and young talent was looking like the real. Los Angeles seemed like an actual contender.

Until they weren’t.

Two weeks before the start of the regular season, the Chargers have massive holes that need to be filled before they are considered a contender. With key injuries, holdouts and potential retirement talks, the Bolts went from a star-stellar unit into a potential walking disaster.

What went wrong?

To start at the beginning, Melvin Gordon became a focal point of the NFL offseason. Last month, the Pro Bowl runner asked for a trade if the two parties could not reach an agreement on his current contract extension. Gordon was entering the final year of his rookie contract where he was expected to make $5.6 million.

“It’s an opportunity right now where I know I need to take advantage of it. I want to get paid,” Gordon said, per Kirstie Chiappelli of Sporting News. “And that’s just kind of what it is. Hopefully I end up a Charger, that’s the goal. I want to end as a Charger.”

The report still stands that the two parties are roughly $2-3 million off in salary talks when looking at a new deal. According to Yahoo Sports Charles Robinson, Gordon hopes to make approximately the same of some of the league’s top running backs, including Arizona Cardinal’s David Johnson and New York Jets’ Le’Veon Bell.

But the running back position is placed on the back burner for now. Following minicamp, offensive tackle Russell Okung announced he would be missing time following a severe medical issue dealing with a pulmonary embolism.

Statement on Reported Injury Status pic.twitter.com/MjV52jqESL — Russell Okung ?? (@RussellOkung) July 25, 2019

The loss of Okung will hurt the offensive line as both Sam Tevi, and rookie Trey Pipkins have little experience and success protecting the blindside. According to Pro Football Focus, the veteran left tackle graded out with an 81% last season and was one of the top players as his position. He ranked ninth in surrendering pressures at just 5.0% and never allowed more than five pressures since joining the team.

But the worst news came Friday following training camp. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chargers would be losing Derwin James for a “significant amount of time” following an injury surrounding his foot. After undergoing surgery Saturday to repair a stress fracture, the team announced that their star safety would miss roughly “three to four months.”

Since being drafted with the 17th pick in last year’s draft, James has become one of the league’s top safeties. As a rookie, he collected 105 tackles, 13 pass deflections, three interceptions, and 3.5 sacks, according to Pro Football Reference.

Where do we go?

The severity of the position need went opposite to when their draft need was announced. For starters, wide receiver Keenan Allen is expected to be okay. The two-time Pro Bowl wideout suffered a severe ankle injury that would sideline him for the remainder of the preseason. Allen, though is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season.

Even if Allen misses a game or two, it’s better than losing him for the season.

As for their running back, Gordon continues to play a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the organization. With each day he misses in training camp, he continues to lose money. But the holdout is not expected to end until a deal is made. So this could go on for some time.

While Rivers’ comments were perhaps a tad risqué, the Chargers backfield does have talent past the former first-round. Last season. Austin Ekeler collected 959 total yards and scored six touchdowns while seventh-round pick Justin Jackson finished the year with 206 yards and a pair of scores. Gordon missed four games last season with multiple injuries, allowing Ekeler and Jackson to play.

They won all four games.

Okung’s hole is harder to fill, but not far-fetched. Last season, Tevi posted a PFF grade of 51.4%, with his strong suit in run blocking (63.3). He allowed eight sacks but collected just five penalties. Pipkins was highly regarded as one of the top small-school prospects thanks to his success and Sioux Falls. The six-foot-six tackle was a two-time second-team All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

One of the two will have to succeed early, but it looks like the position is a temporary slot until Okung potentially returns.

But the replacement of James is going to be one that could hurt the defense. How does one replace an All-Pro safety who just was entering his second season? Adrian Phillips likely will get the first crack due to his experience with Gus Bradley’s scheme.

Last season, Phillips graded out with a 66.2% by PFF. Finding more success as a run defender rather than a pass rusher, Phillips will likely see a predominate amount of work in the box. In coverage, he graded out with a 66.3 and allowed 31 receptions on 56 targets.

Outside of Phillips, Rayshawn Jenkins could move over if the rise of Nasir Adderley comes into fruition. Besides that, the team will likely need to find another player via free agency.

Real Expectations

It seems like every season we talk about the Chargers being a hot contender and then fall flat. This season appears utterly different due to the circumstances at hand. The Bolts are far from underwhelming, have solid pieces, and could be the most well-rounded team in football.

When you add in James, Okung, Allen, and Gordon, few teams could stack up with their success. Naturally, the Chiefs will be tough, the Colts seem close in style, and the Saints probably are their counterparts in the NFC. The Patriots have Tom Brady, and the Rams have Sean McVay. Is there a more exciting young roster in football?

The reality is, those players will miss time. Some will be out more than others, but each week could be a win if they were in their roster. Los Angeles just can never seem to catch a break. The Friday the 13th roster of the NFL, it wouldn’t be a regular season with the Bolts being in the headlines for the wrong reasons.

It’s not out of the question that everything can be salvaged, but you’re asking for a ton of hope there. Like the old saying goes, “better luck next years Chargers’ fans.”

Now I know I missed out of the takeaways from Saturday’s action, but there were two games on Sunday that could add more content to the Two Minute Warning. Several teams impressed, and a few players could become the next big names in the NFL. Let’s dive in and see what we missed.

But first…we have to talk about Antonio Brown again.

Last week, Brown was reportedly contemplating retirement after the league told him he would have to change helmets for the first time in his career. On top of his blistering feet caused by frostbite, there was a legit concern the All-Pro receiver would never play another down.

One week following the helmet-gate scandal and we’re still not over it. The NFL denied Brown’s appeal and his new helmet he found via the web. According to Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock, patience is wearing thin between the former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver and his new team.

“AB is not here today,” Mayock said. “Here’s the bottom line: He’s upset about the helmet issue. We have supported that, we appreciate that. But at this point, we’ve pretty much exhausted all avenues of relief. So from our perspective, it’s time for him to be all in or all out. We’re hoping he’s back soon. We’ve got 89 guys busting their tails. We are really excited about where this franchise is going, and we’re hoping AB is going to be a big part of it, starting Week One against Denver. End of story, no questions.”

GM Mike Mayock issued a statement today regarding Antonio Brown. pic.twitter.com/5ueLsrOmid — Oakland Raiders (@Raiders) August 18, 2019

In 2018, 32 players were asked to change helmets following the longevity and safety precautions. Two of the players were New England’s Tom Brady and Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers. Neither has concerns with switching.

Should Brown not report to camp and retire as he stated, he would miss out on $30 million in his guaranteed contract. Even if Brown played half the season and found a way to call it a career after that, the money would be his. If he doesn’t play at all, the Raiders would be able to find a way to buy out the remainder of his contract.

Jon Gruden instigated the move to bring in Brown. He’ll be the one to blame if the 30-year-old calls it a day. Despite the issues surrounding other players, Brown is starting to look like the problem that arose in Pittsburgh. Sorry Oakland, this is looking like a giant Brown stain on your resume.

Now, onto actual important things in the NFL.

Cain Crazy

We won’t focus too long on the first game of the night but let me ask you a question. Is anyone else shocked that Deon Cain is good at football? The former Clemson wideout tore his ACL last preseason and was placed on the injured reserved. Just 373 days later, you’d think he never missed a snap.

Deon Cain with the toe drag swag ? #Colts pic.twitter.com/631xMoJ3bu — Locked On Colts Podcast (@LockedOnColts) August 9, 2019

Cain finished Saturday’s action as the Colts’ leading receiver with seven catches for 80 yards, and barely missed scoring a touchdown in the third quarter. Clean routes and smooth hands, the former sixth-round pick displayed all the tools teams look for in a starting caliber wideout. With Ty Hilton, Devin Funchess, Paris Campbell, Eric Ebron, and now Cain, anyone can play quarterback, and the team should be sufficient.

Something about those Clemson wideouts man; they’re just insane at the next level.

Bet on Houston’s offense

Rookies are meant to struggle early. Deshaun Watson defied the odds when he took over for Tom Savage at halftime in week 1 of 2017. Last season, the franchise signal-caller was recuperating from a torn ACL.

Heading into year three, if the Houston Texans look like they did on their first drive against the Detroit Lions, they’re going to be a threat.

In his preseason debut, Watson was 5 of 7, completing a pair of perfectly thrown passes to go-to target, DeAndre Hopkins. He also showed off the speed with his legs, making a seven-yard run look easy.

But the biggest surprise was the offensive line. Watson, for the first time in his Texans career, looked like he had time. With two plays giving the quarterback ample seconds to get off the pass. While they did allow pressure twice, it looked like a revamped unit with the additions of rookies Tytus Howard and Max Scharping.

Watson isn’t a superstar like Aaron Rodgers, and Hopkins is AB light. One, however, is perhaps the biggest rising quarterback while the other could make a case for being the league’s top target. Should Will Fuller and Keke Coutee remain healthy while the offensive line protects in pass coverage, Houston actually could be a threat.

The AFC South is wide open. With Andrew Luck dealing with a new thigh injury that could keep out for an extended period, the Colts are no longer bulletproof. Should Watson and company strike early, they could run away with the division.

Another New England title?

So long as Tom Brady stays healthy, the Patriots will be a Super Bowl contender. The six-time champ is hoping to break the tie between them in Steelers in 2019 and cap off a Hall of Fame career.

New England and Bill Belichick have made it accustom to finding stars in the late rounds and undrafted free agents. Once again, they seem to be making the proper strides. While the Patriots already have a quality roster in place, the rookie additions could make them the best team in football.

Second-round pick Joejuan Williams caused several pass deflections and looked great in coverage. Third rounder Damien Harris rushed for 80 yards on 14 carries and added 23 yards through the air. Chase Winovich looks like a steal after his four tackle sack night while defensive tackle Byron Cowart showed his strength when he bulldozed Titans’ offensive lineman Roger Saffold to the ground.

Rookie Maryland product Byron Cowart buries Titans' Rodger Saffold en route to the quarterback yeesh pic.twitter.com/4M5aHOqIBw — Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) August 17, 2019

Then you have undrafted sensation, Jakobi Meyers, once again highlighting the night. The former NC State product has been the talk of training camp and is set to expand his role as the regular season arrives. On Saturday, Meyers finished with six catches for 82 yards, making defenders miss in the open field.

Josh Gordon is returning to team after being reinstated. The offensive line is one of the best in football. The running back by the committee could be the best three-headed-monster in the game. The defense is sound with rookie and veteran talent.

Unless we see a team rise this season, mail New England the trophy now, the rookie talent should solidify them as the team to beat.

A Longhorn goodbye

Former Texas and NFL running back Cedric Benson died on Saturday evening after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Austin, Texas.

He was 36.

According to the EMS report, Benson was one of two people who died in a collision between a motorcycle and a minivan at 10:22 pm. The report said the “vehicle and person were on fire.”

Benson was standout running back for the University of Texas in the early 2000s. During his four years with the Longhorns, he’d rush for over 1,000 yards and finished as the 10th leading rusher in college history (5,540 yards). He won the Doak Walker Award and earned All-American first-team honors in 2004.

Selected with the fourth pick in the 2005 NFL draft, Benson would play for the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Green Bay Packers. During his career, he’d see highs and lows, struggling to make an impact for any roster. He would retire in 2012 following a career-ending foot injury.

For his NFL career, Benson would finish with 6,017 yards and 32 rushing touchdowns. May he rest in peace.

Parting Shots

10) Undrafted players can easily make a name for themselves. If you don’t believe that, here’s Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Poona Ford destroying Vikings running back Alex Mattison.

9) As mentioned earlier, the Chargers will need every player who’s healthy to be 100% if they expect to make a run in the postseason. While he wasn’t perfect, it looks as if Denzel Perryman is fully recovered from his torn ACL he suffered last season.

WELCOME BACK, DENZEL ? pic.twitter.com/KhklaCm5N8 — Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) August 18, 2019

8) As the Dallas Cowboys wait for Ezekiel Elliott to return, the rookies are getting a chance to shine. Tony Pollard might have spilled carries with Darrell Henderson at Memphis, but he’s proven to be player advertised, rushing for 42 yards on five carries and scoring a touchdown. Cowboys owner played along following the game, saying Pollard could be Elliott’s replacement.

“Who? Now Zeke who?” Jones told reporters following the game.

Funny Jerry, funny. Never make that joke again!

7) The Patriots will welcome back Josh Gordon following his reinstatement to the league. The former Baylor star had dealt with substance abuse since his college days and was banned last season. Coach Belichick is a man of many words, and here were his thoughts with a reporter during a sideline interview.

Most Bill Belichick interview ever, he's ready for the regular season. Q: You put out a statement on Josh Gordon today. Do you have anything add? Belichick: "No." Q: Not at all? Belichick: "No, that is why we put out the statement."pic.twitter.com/4e9NAboRCC — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 18, 2019

6) This bit usually talks about the NFL, but with the news of HBO heading to college, we have to talk about it. Guys, we’re getting Mike Leach on HBO unedited.

You’re welcome. Never ask for anything again.

5) Some people believe Eric Ebron was a “one -year-wonder” with the Colts last season. He’s here to answer that question for you. Nope.

4) While the Tennessee Titans will likely stick with Marcus Mariota to begin the season, Ryan Tannehill has been impressive throughout the preseason. Check out this throw he made against the Patriots defense.

Ryan Tannehill is better than Marcus Mariota and it's really not up for debate pic.twitter.com/9qBdHPhH71 — Dave Latham (@DLPatsThoughts) August 18, 2019

If he continues this run, it’ll be hard to sit him.

3) The Carolina Panthers used their third-round pick on West Virginia quarterback Will Grier. He was supposed to be the back up to Cam Newton to begin the season. That might not be the case now following Ron Rivera‘s comments.

Kyle Allen will likely be the second quarterback while Taylor Heinicke is playing the strongest of the three. Could we see Grier look for work come September?

2) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers extended GM Jason Licht to a new five-year contract over the weekend. The real question though is why? Licht hasn’t been a horrible executive, but his resume is far from perfect.

With a big year lingering for the Bucs’, why extend a person you might cut ties with later? We see extension come all the time to people on the hot seat. Let’s hope this is one of those times.

1) Make sure you check out the PFN’s Podcast network. This week, Travis and Dennis speak fantasy football and more on the Trent Williams situation while Jason speaks of the legitimate contenders in the NFC heading into the season.

Cole Thompson is the Lead NFL writer for Pro Football Network. Follow him on Twitter at @MrColeThompson.