Welcome to Part 10 of our 2022 positional recaps, a series that will run through the next few weeks and highlight all 10 Chargers position groups. We'll focus on key stats, big moments and look ahead to the 2023 season.
The Chargers special teams unit was one that shined all season long.
Led by first-year Special Teams Coordinator Ryan Ficken and Assistant Special Teams Coach Chris Gould, the unit was able to turn special teams into one of the strongest groups in the league.
Whether it was the performance from the specialists in the kicking game or in coverage, this group became a valuable weapon for them throughout the 2022 season.
The work done by the unit can be most apparent in the work done in the kicking department, as the team transitioned in three different kickers throughout the year due to injuries.
"You can't say enough about the job that Ryan and Chris are doing, coaching that unit," Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley said the day after their Week 17 matchup. "There's a lot of belief, in terms of the way things are being coached from a technique standpoint and from a scheme standpoint, getting people doing the right jobs.
"Obviously, being able to handle the kicker transition has been critical," Staley added. "I'm really proud."
Dustin Hopkins, Taylor Bertolet and Cameron Dicker all kicked for the Chargers this season and combined to make 31 of 33 field goals (93.9 percent), good for second in the NFL. It was a team effort, as long snapper Josh Harris, punter/holder JK Scott (who were both brought in last offseason as free agents) all made the onboarding as smooth as possible.
"All the kickers that played for us this year did an incredible job," Harris said. "All of them have what it takes. Obviously, Dustin has done it for a long time, Taylor showed he can do it and Cam showed that he has the ability to do it as well."
Hopkins (Week 6), Dicker (Week 9) and Scott (Week 12) were recognized for their play this season, each winning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, while Dicker was also named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December/January.
Amen Ogbongbemiga , Derrek Tuszka, Troy Reeder and Nick Niemann led the unit in snaps, each playing over 300 special teams snaps throughout the year, while a total of nine Chargers surpassed the 200 snaps mark.
DeAndre Carter averaged a career-high 11.7 yards per punt return, which ranked third in the league.
The unit had a major turnaround in Ficken and Gould's first season with the Bolts, as the unit will hope to build on the impressive 2022 campaign.
Check out the best photos from Cameron Dicker's flawless six weeks, where he totaled 47-points on a 96.2% kicking percentage, that earned him the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honor for December/January. Dicker is the seventh Bolt, and first since Darren Sproles in 2008, to win AFC Special Teams Player of the Month.
Notable Number
The Bolts special teams unit ranked highly in many statistical categories this season, but none more impressive than allowing opponents to average just 3.1 yards per punt return. That number led the NFL in the 2022 season and was the lowest average allowed by a Chargers team in a season since 1971.
Memorable Moment
The Bolts first Monday Night Football game of the season was as close as you could get.
Tied at 16 in overtime, neither the Chargers or Broncos had gained any separation in the primetime contest. With under five minutes left in overtime, someone had to make a play to avoid the game ending in a tie.
And the play came from a couple of Chargers rookies that made their mark on special teams as gunners in 2022.
As Broncos punt returner Montrell Washington got underneath the punt, it was a heads up play by 2022 sixth-round rookie Ja'Sir Taylor that forced a muffed punt that was recovered by 2022 seventh-round rookie Deane Leonard.
The recovery allowed the Chargers to take over at the Broncos 28-yard-line and set up a 39-yard attempt for Hopkins, who was nursing a hamstring injury during the game, to secure the walk-off win.
"I think our gunners did an outstanding job populating it," Staley said after the Week 6 matchup. "Ja'Sir [Taylor] and Deane [Leonard] were able to get down there and make something happen.
"The fact that you go beat your man, and then you go do the right thing when you get close to the returner, those are young guys, so for them to make that type of impact for our football team says a lot about [Special Teams Coordinator] Ryan Ficken and [Assistant Special Teams Coach] Chris Gould," Staley added.
From Scott's punt with great hang-time and the heads up plays by the pair of rookies to the gutsy effort from Hopkins who was dealing with an injury, this special teams performance helped the Chargers win a thrilling primetime game and move to two games above .500.
Regular-Season Statistics
Cameron Dicker
Made 19 of 20 field goal attempts with a long of 48 yards and was a perfect 22 of 22 on extra point tries as a member of the Bolts; appeared in 10 games and played 92 special teams snaps (19.87 percent).
Dustin Hopkins
Made nine out of 10 field goals with a long of 43 yards and was a perfect 12 of 12 on extra point tries; appeared in five games and played 41 special teams snaps (8.86 percent).
Taylor Bertolet
Made three of three field goal attempts with a long of 28 yards and was a perfect six for six on extra point tries in his first NFL action; appeared in two games and played 20 special teams snaps (4.32 percent).
JK Scott
Averaged 43.6 yards per punt with a long of 60 yards in his first season with the Bolts and also had 28 of his 73 punts (career-high 38.4 percent) downed inside the 20-yard line; appeared in all 17 games and played 154 special teams snaps (33.26 percent).
Josh Harris
Appeared in all 17 games as the long snapper and played a career-high 147 special teams snaps (31.75 percent).
DeAndre Carter
Returned 29 punts for a career-high average of 11.7 yards per punt return and returned 26 kickoffs for an average of 19.1 yards; appeared in 17 games (seven starts) for the Bolts and played 154 special teams snaps (33.26 percent).
Take a look at the best photos from the Chargers 2022 campaign through the lens of team photographer, Mike Nowak, manager of photography, Ty Nowell, seasonal photographer, Mackenzie Hudson, and gameday photographer, Noel Vasquez.
WELCOME TO WEEK 1 - After not playing all preseason, here's a very fired up Keenan Allen celebrating with fans after a big catch in Week 1 vs. the Las Vegas Raiders. This overhead angle, taken from Level 6, really gives you perspective as a fan in the stands. - Noel Vasquez/Los Angeles Chargers
FOR THE WIN - The Raiders had a chance to take the lead toward the end of the game, but a familiar face, Khalil Mack, forced a fumble on QB Derek Carr on fourth down to ice the win for his home team. Mack finished with 3.0 sacks that game, and his teammate, Drue Tranquill was doing his best Notre Dame 'Touchdown Jesus' pose after the play. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
NEW ERA, SAME MIKE - Week 2 featured the Chargers vs. Chiefs on the first-ever Thursday Night Football game on Prime Video. One thing that wasn't new? Mike Williams' crazy one-handed catches. Just look at the concentration on his face to steadily corral the ball and get his body inbounds. This touchdown reception set the record for the most-ever by a visiting player at Arrowhead Stadium. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
10 GETS BACK TO .500 - Here's Justin Herbert walking off with a win in Week 4 over the Houston Texans which got the team back to 2-2. The contrast here shows the fans peeking over the railing to get a glimpse of the Bolts' QB, but before he heads off into the dark tunnel, he acknowledges their presence and reciprocates the greeting. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
GRIT - Here's a field-level shot of Derwin James single-handedly taking down Browns RB Nick Chubb. Both players are esteemed at their respective positions so naturally, the field dirt stands no chance when they combine forces. You get a clear view of just how much dirt gets kicked up on this tackle. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
A SIGHT OF SOFI STADIUM - This remote camera was perched to give the high-angle effect of a full view of SoFi Stadium during pregame introductions. Notice the bolt overhang in the foreground which frames the shot nicely. On the field, you can see TE Gerald Everett running onto the field before the Week 6 MNF game vs. the Denver Broncos. Look up, and you'll see the forward facing shot on the Infinity Screen. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
THE ROOKIE STEPS UP - Another shot from the same Week 6 Monday Night Football game that went into overtime. What was a tough, hard-fought battle all game was finally cracked open with just under five minutes remaining after Ja'Sir Taylor made a heads up special teams play to force a muffed punt. Another rookie, Deane Leonard, recovered the ball to give possession back to the Chargers offense to set up a game-winning drive. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
HEROIC HOPKINS - Here's a close up view of kicker Dustin Hopkins' game-winning field goal in Week 6. Hopkins injured his hamstring mid-game and at one point was deemed questionable to return. He went 4-for-4 on field goals, including this game winner. Check out the pain in his face as he boots this through the uprights. - Mackenzie Hudson/Los Angeles Chargers
VIEWS - The navy uniforms add a different color-element when the team dons them once a season and paired with this gold facemask, you can see the contrast. You can also see a reflection of SoFi Stadium on the visor as the team got ready for the Week 7 game vs. Seattle. - Ty Nowell/Los Angeles Chargers
DICKER RISES UP - The Bolts are no strangers to changes at kicker and Cameron Dicker was the team's third of the season. Here he is being carried off the field by Derwin James and Amen Ogbongbemiga after nailing a 37-yard field goal to get the win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
REFLECTION - With no Mike Williams and no Keenan Allen, wide receiver DeAndre Carter was tasked with stepping up in a big way in Week 10. Here he is taking a moment for himself before the Sunday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, centered in solitude surrounded by a crowded stadium. He went on to lead the receivers with four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown he scored on the team's first drive. - Ty Nowell/Los Angeles Chargers
DERWIN GOES UP! - Derwin James' athletic prowess was on display in Week 12 after he snatched this pass intended for DeAndre Hopkins. You can't help but notice how Derwin's uniform stands out against the Cardinals' red sideline. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
TWO SIDES TO EVERY PLAY - Here's the aftermath of Austin Ekeler scoring a touchdown with 15 seconds remaining in regulation in Week 12. Pair Ekeler's enthusiasm with Isaiah Simmons' despair and it's a reminder how every play tells two stories. The Bolts successfully made a two-point conversion after this TD to improve to 6-5 and get the team back on track. - Ty Nowell/Los Angeles Chargers
TOE TAPPIN' - As good as Mike Williams' catches are, so too is his ability to always get his feet inbounds to complete the play. Here's another example on a touchdown in Week 14 vs. the Dolphins. No. 81 came alive that night catching all six passes thrown his way for 116 yards and a score, helping his team get the W in primetime and start their push for the postseason. - Ty Nowell/Los Angeles Chargers
FULLY LOADED FIRST DOWN - Through his three years in the league, Justin Herbert has kept it pretty cool, calm, and collected on the field. That changed for a moment in Week 14 when the QB ran for a first down on 3rd-and-8 with just over five minutes to play. He then stood up and gave the definitive first down motion. The play made Chargers fans harken back to when Philip Rivers did a similar celebration in the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens showing even QBs can get in on the fun every once in a while. - Noel Vasquez/Los Angeles Chargers
A SPIKE to 7 WINS - After the 23-17 victory over Miami, Herbert was given a game ball by the Sunday Night Football crew. Here's a peek into the locker room as No. 10 emphatically spiked the ball in celebration of the victory and gave us another glimpse at the emotions that come with wins, especially, wins that mean more in mid-December. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
SMOKE & SHADOWS - The tunnel is always a great place to shoot given the fact that we add a lot of different elements for pregame introductions. Here we have Mike Williams, in the royal blue uniform, standing in front of the fan with smoke permeating throughout the shot. The colors contrast well despite this being an afternoon game. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
WHO ELSE? MIKE WILLIAMS - The Week 15 Titans game was another hard-fought battle. After Tennessee tied the game with :48 seconds remaining, Justin Herbert, on the run, connected with Mike Williams - of course - for a gain of 35. Here's No. 81 in the process of going to the ground towards the end of the play. He's merely levitating above the field turf at SoFi Stadium. Three plays later, Cameron Dicker kicked the Bolts to another win and an 8-6 record. - Ty Nowell/Los Angeles Chargers
A CLINCH FOR CHRISTMAS - After being 6-6 at one point during the season, the Chargers rallied and had an opportunity to clinch a postseason berth in Week 16 vs. the Colts. Clinched they did after a dominating 20-3 performance. The game came a day after Christmas giving the team the best gift they could ask for. - Ty Nowell/Los Angeles Chargers
LOV3 FOR DAMAR - Week 18 was a reminder that life is bigger than football after what happened to Buffalo's Damar Hamlin the previous Monday night. After kickoff, Derwin James and Russell Wilson, two players and team captains who don No. 3, the same number Hamlin wears, met in the middle of the field to express support and love for the Bills safety. - Mike Nowak/Los Angeles Chargers
PALMER GOES A MILE HIGH - Just look at the hops from Joshua Palmer as he hauled in a two-point conversion in Week 18's game vs. the Broncos. We see guys leap up all the time, but it's always amazing when you see how a photo can capture just how high up they get in the moment. - Ty Nowell/Los Angeles Chargers
WELCOME TO THE WILD CARD - The Chargers were back in the playoffs for the first time since 2018 as they went to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars. Here's the pregame setup as Sebastian Joseph-Day's hands mimic the fireworks on display. - Ty Nowell/Los Angeles Chargers
2 Questions for 2023
1. What do the Bolts do at kicker?
As mentioned above, the Bolts successfully navigated three different kickers in 2022.
And while that feat was commendable, it's a safe bet that most teams would prefer to use one guy throughout the season.
One of the Chargers biggest offseason storylines is what the team will do at kicker, with Hopkins and Dicker the likely candidates to hold the job next season.
Perhaps the two compete for the job in training camp? Or maybe the Bolts decide to just roll with one?
Hopkins is the veteran who performed admirably, even while injured. Dicker is younger and was clutch as a rookie.
It's a good problem for the Bolts to have.
2. Do Scott and Carter return to the fold?
The addition of Scott and Carter in free agency likely flew under the radar at the time of their signings, but that narrative quickly changed once the season began.
Scott — who played in just one game in 2021 — relied on one of the league's best hangtimes to limit explosive opposing punt returns.
Carter, meanwhile, had the best season of his career both on special teams and in terms of receiving stats.
But with both slated to be free agents, it remains to be seen if the Bolts bring them back.
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