Chargers Begin Jim Harbaugh Era With Plenty of Questions on Offense

LA Chargers

By Associated Press

Published 12 months ago on

August 29, 2024

The Los Angeles Chargers are entering a new era under head coach Jim Harbaugh but face numerous questions on offense as they look to turn things around after a disappointing 5-12 season in 2023. (AP/Gregory Bull)

Herbert leads potent passing attack, but inexperienced receiving corps poses concerns for Chargers' offense.
Chargers' defense aims to improve after ranking fifth-worst in the league last season, particularly against the pass.
Rookie receiver Ladd McConkey emerges as potential fantasy sleeper in revamped Chargers offense under Harbaugh.

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LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Chargers are entering a new era under head coach Jim Harbaugh, but face numerous questions on offense as they look to turn things around after a disappointing 5-12 season in 2023.

High Expectations for Harbaugh’s NFL Return

After winning a national championship at the University of Michigan, Harbaugh returns to the NFL in pursuit of the one thing that has eluded him — a Super Bowl title. Harbaugh led the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC championship game during his first season in 2011, but orchestrating the same turnaround with the Chargers will be more difficult. The Bolts haven’t won a division title since 2009, and made only three trips to the playoffs during Tom Telesco’s 10-plus seasons as general manager before he and coach Brandon Staley were fired with three games remaining last season.

Herbert Leads Offense With Question Marks

The Chargers have one of the premier quarterbacks in the league in Justin Herbert, but have plenty of questions at the other skill positions, including one of the more inexperienced wide receiver groups in the league. The defense was the league’s fifth-worst ranked unit last season, including 30th against the pass.

New Faces and Key Departures

New faces include Harbaugh, general manager Joe Hortiz, offensive coordinator Greg Roman, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, OT Joe Alt, WR Ladd McConkey, C Bradley Bozeman, WR DJ Chark, TE Will Dissly, RB J.K. Dobbins, RB Gus Edwards, DL Poona Ford, CB Kristian Fulton, and TE Hayden Hurst.

Key losses include WR Keenan Allen, WR Mike Williams, C Corey Linsley, RB Austin Ekeler, TE Gerald Everett, DL Austin Johnson, CB Michael Davis, LB Eric Kendricks, and LB Kenneth Murray Jr.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Herbert remains the team’s biggest strength, averaging 277.8 passing yards per game — third most in NFL history among players with at least 1,000 attempts. The pass rush should again be formidable after linebacker Khalil Mack set a career high with 17 sacks. The Chargers are also hoping for a healthy Joey Bosa, who has missed 20 games the past two seasons because of a variety of injuries.

The team’s biggest weakness is their inexperienced receiving corps following the departures of Allen and Williams. DJ Chark has the most experience of the group as he goes into his seventh season, while Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston will need to step up. Second-round selection Ladd McConkey is expected to take over as the slot receiver.

Camp Developments and Fantasy Outlook

Herbert missed two weeks of camp due to a foot injury, while backup Easton Stick struggled with turnovers. This led to the acquisition of Taylor Heinicke from the Atlanta Falcons.

In fantasy football, rookie McConkey could be a player to watch due to his versatility and ability to stretch the field. Herbert has had success targeting slot receivers in the past, with 428 completions and 38 touchdowns to slot receivers over the past four seasons.

The Chargers’ Super Bowl odds are currently 40-1, with their over/under win total set at 8.5 games for the 2024 season.