Chargers’ year-end awards from 2021 season

The Chargers finished 9-8 and came up just short of the playoffs during the 2021 season.

While many fans are ready to put this season to bed, it’s still only right to reflect and hand out the season awards to certain players for their efforts on the field.

Most Valuable Player: QB Justin Herbert

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Following the best rookie season by an NFL quarterback, many expected Herbert to go through a sophomore slump. Instead, he continued to take the league by storm, shattering records weekly, with the notable was the most touchdown passes in a single season in franchise history, dethroning Philip Rivers’ previous record of 34. He finished Year 2 with a 65.9 completion percentage, 5,014 passing yards, 38 touchdown passes to 15 interceptions, 302 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns. If it weren’t for Herbert, the Chargers wouldn’t have had the success they did and come that close to making the playoffs in Brandon Staley’s first year as head coach.

Offensive Player of the Year: RB Austin Ekeler

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In reality, this award would be given to Herbert, but we will go in a different direction with the next impactful offensive player. Despite taking on a heftier workload than expected after struggling to find a running mate in the backfield until late, Ekeler stayed healthy and went on to set career-high numbers in various categories. Ekeler tied in the NFL with Colts’ Jonathan Taylor with 20 total touchdowns. He set a personal best with 911 rushing yards. Further, his 1,558 total yards were good for sixth in the NFL and third among running backs.

Defensive Player of the Year: S Derwin James

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

You can make the argument for Joey Bosa being deserving of this award, but I’m giving it to James for a few reasons, starting with his ability to play his first full season since 2018 after dealing with injuries the past two years. While the defense’s output wasn’t anything to boast about, no one brought the same kind of energy that James did each snap. With his ability to cover, stop the run, and pass rush, the queen piece on the chessboard finished with 118 tackles, seven for loss, five passes defended, two interceptions, and two sacks.

Rookie of the Year: OT Rashawn Slater

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

After over a decade of searching, the Chargers have their left tackle of the future, despite some thinking he was better suited as a guard. Yes, I’m talking to you, Matt Rhule. Facing the league’s premier pass rushers weekly, Slater lived up to the challenges, allowing just 26 pressures and four sacks while mauling defenders in the run game en route to being named a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro. Talk about outstanding feats at arguably the most demanding position on the football field in just Year 1.

Breakout Player of the Year: LB Kyzir White

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Tabbed as a potential breakout player entering the season after being lost in the shuffle under Gus Bradley, White lived up to the label. Benefiting from Staley’s defense, White was able to play more freely and show his true talents in each game. He finished with 144 tackles, three passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack. Now set to be a free agent, White should be atop of the Chargers’ priority list.

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