Chargers fans rip Raiders' Tom Telesco after new L.A. GM makes trades

Mike Moraitis

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Chargers fans rip Raiders' Tom Telesco after new L.A. GM makes trades image

One of the biggest complaints about Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco during his days in the same role with the Los Angeles Chargers was his lack of aggressiveness.

Fans and analysts alike felt Telesco never did enough to try and improve the roster, but things have changed drastically in Los Angeles since new general manager Joe Hortiz took over — and we saw a few examples of that on Wednesday.

The Chargers pulled off two trades, with the team acquiring defensive back Elijah Molden from the Tennessee Titans, and then quarterback Taylor Heinicke in a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Los Angeles was also awarded running back Hassan Haskins off waivers from the Titans.

Sporting News' Tyler Schoon touched on the clear difference between the approaches of Telesco and Hortiz.

Hortiz refuses to fall into the complacent habits of former Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. An NFL roster is never set-and-forget; yet, aside from perhaps one season, Telesco let the season come to him and watch as proactive teams passed up the franchise he led. Funny enough, the one time Telesco made a handful of post-draft moves they all paid off. Morgan Fox, Kyle Van Noy, and Bryce Callahan were all great post-draft signings that made significant contributions.

It is refreshing to see a general manager feel the urgency, if not anxiety, that we have as Chargers fans. While not every move will pay off, there is at least an attempt to do what is best for the team. And, in the right hands, low-risk signings or trades can pay dividends as it appears Kristian Fulton, Chark, and Tart will this season. It is almost painful to see just how effective a good general manager can be, particularly more so now that Justin Herbert's rookie contract is ending. Fortunately, there is a new era of Chargers football, and it feels fantastic. 

Schoon wasn't the only one in Chargers land to praise Hortiz for being aggressive. Fans on social media went in on Telesco after seeing their new general manager make a pair of trades on Wednesday.

Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis Photo

After cutting his teeth with Bleacher Report, Mike Moraitis has covered the Los Angeles Rams and Tennessee Titans for FanSided, and the Titans and New York Giants for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. On top of his duties with Sporting News, Mike is the managing editor and lead writer for Titans Wire.