Half the teams in the NFL open the year 0-1.
Unfortunately, the Los Angeles Chargers enter Week 2 with that record for the second straight season.
However, according to Joey Bosa, the mood around the team couldn't be more different than it was a year ago.
"There's a whole new mindset," Bosa said as the Bolts returned to practice. "Last year, after losing that first game against Kansas City, there were a lot of heads down. (We) almost felt deflated like we almost knew that was how the whole season was going to go at that point. After Denver, it kind of was like, 'Alright, we don't have time to mope around about this. We have a quick week coming up. So, get your heads up and work toward Miami.' I think just the mindset and the whole feel around the team is a lot different."
Last year was a wakeup call for Bosa.
While he relished earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and making a name for himself, the accolades rang hollow. Team success is all that matters to the 22-year old.
"Personally, I love getting statistics and getting sacks and all those, but my goals are pretty much focused on the team and winning games. Going through last year, after losing four games in three years at Ohio State, and then coming in and losing 11; it was pretty different. I really didn't like that feeling and I don't want that to happen again. As a team, I think we really just want to win some games this year."
The Chargers get a chance to bounce back in the win column against the team that drafted Bosa's father. Jon Bosa was selected in the first round by Miami in 1987, and authored a memorable rookie campaign. He started 12 games on his way to being named an all-rookie selection. Unfortunately, a pair of significant knee injuries over the next two seasons prematurely ended his career.
Despite the family connection to this week's opponent, Bosa maintains it's all business on the field. Along with Melvin Ingram, another game-changing edge rusher, Bosa knows the onus is on the pair to help lead the defense and even the record.
"That's what we're striving for every single game; to change it," he said. "I think me and Melvin complement each other pretty well. We're pretty different when it comes to pass rushing, so when we're going back and forth against tackles, it's a pretty different look that these guys are getting. They can never really get too comfortable. He's a speed guy who can run right around a guy. He has a really nice spin move. Some good counters inside. He's just a freak athlete. And then I'm more technical with my hands, or however you want to put it. We're pretty different pass rushers, so when we keep switching back and forth, like I said I think it gives us an advantage going against these tackles all game."
