Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa is tempering expectations amidst the excitement surrounding new head coach Jim Harbaugh. While acknowledging the high hopes for Harbaugh’s leadership, Bosa emphasizes the importance of a measured approach, focusing on immediate goals rather than getting caught up in Super Bowl aspirations.
“That’s an expectation for sure,” Bosa stated, regarding Harbaugh’s potential to transform the Chargers. However, the Pro Bowl defensive end stressed the need for a gradual approach: “I’d like to win Game 1 first, then we can talk about Week 2 and then Week 3.” This measured perspective reflects the Chargers’ recent struggles, finishing 5-12 last season and with only one playoff appearance in the past five years.
Bosa’s comments, reported by Jared Schwartz of The New York Post, highlight a desire to avoid the distractions that often accompany lofty preseason predictions. “Sometimes getting caught up with all the Super Bowl talk and all the hype gets you unfocused and worrying about the wrong things when you should just be worrying about what’s in front of you,” Bosa explained. He reiterated his consistent stance on championship aspirations: “There’s a lot of talk of Super Bowl every year, and every year I kind of have a similar answer like ‘alright, let’s see how the first week goes and then we’ll talk about that.'”
Harbaugh arrives in Los Angeles with a formidable resume, having recently led the University of Michigan to a national championship after a successful nine-year tenure. Before his collegiate success, Harbaugh coached the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons (2011-2014), achieving a 49-22-1 record (including playoffs), a Super Bowl appearance in 2013, and two NFC West division titles.
The Chargers hope Harbaugh can replicate his previous NFL success. However, Bosa’s grounded perspective underscores the understanding that achieving such lofty goals requires a focused, step-by-step approach. The team must first address its recent inconsistencies and build a winning foundation before entertaining championship dreams.
Bosa himself is looking to rebound from an injury-plagued 2023 season. Limited to just nine games, he recorded 20 tackles and 6.5 sacks. Injuries have hampered the four-time Pro Bowler in recent years, restricting him to only 14 games since 2022.
The Chargers’ success in the upcoming season hinges on both Harbaugh’s leadership and Bosa’s return to full health. While the potential for a Super Bowl run exists, Bosa’s pragmatic approach emphasizes the importance of focusing on the immediate challenges ahead, starting with Week 1.
