Every member of the Chargers organization was thrilled to see recently signed Melvin Ingram on the practice field for the first day of mini camp.
Perhaps no one was more excited than Joey Bosa, for very good reason.
"Honestly, I think we were just scratching the surface of what our productivity could be last year," he said. "There were a lot more plays we left out there that we could have had. I think with more reps and time working together, we'll only get better. But it does feel good to have a guy you can trust to play his butt off and also be a sick football player."
"I feel like the sky's the limit on that," added Melvin Ingram. "We're trying to create something special. Time can really only make that possible, so the more time we get reps (and) get to playing with each other, it can be something very special."
If 2016 truly was just the tip of the iceberg for the dynamic duo, then opposing quarterbacks are in for a world of trouble.
Bosa led the Chargers with 10.5 sacks in only 12 games, which were the most sacks by an NFL rookie since 2011. He also recorded 48 total tackles, 45 pressures, 19 tackles for loss, 15 QB hits, two passes defensed and one forced fumble. Meanwhile, Ingram ranked second on the team with eight sacks while also notching 66 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and a team-high 23 QB hits.
While Bosa has a wide arsenal of moves to dominate the game, he marvels at Ingram's capabilities.
"He is a freak of an athlete. He can beat you with speed, but at the same time, he can put his foot in the ground and run right through you with one arm. He is just a dynamic athlete for a pass rusher."
Number 99 also thinks Ingram is the perfect complement for his own game.
"He's the speed guy," he said. "He can get off the ball and just run right around you. You saw that over (and over again) last year. Me, I think I'm a little more technical with my hands and everything. We are both obviously always working to become better athletes and better with our technique. I think I learn a lot from him and he learns a lot from me."
Bosa and Ingram aren't the only Bolts who can rush the passer. Corey Liuget had over 30 pressures last year as a defensive tackle, while Jerry Attaochu, Jatavis Brown, Denzel Perryman and Damion Square were among others to record multiple sacks.
Still, it's clear that Bosa and Ingram will anchor the team's pass rush as one of the top duos in the league. However, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year isn't ready to make any bold statements just yet.
"I think there is a lot more to prove until you can say that about us. The numbers were good last year, but it has to be more than just one year before we can really be in that category. We have a lot more to prove."
The Los Angeles Chargers take the field to kick off mini camp.
