The Los Angeles Chargers‘ offensive struggles in 2024 underscored the limitations of their current approach. While acquiring additional pass-catchers would certainly enhance Justin Herbert’s arsenal, a more fundamental shift in offensive philosophy may be necessary for true success.
The first half of the season revealed a distinct preference for a run-heavy approach, a hallmark of Greg Roman’s offensive schemes. This emphasis on the run game, however, proved to be counterproductive, given the team’s limited success in executing it effectively.
The Chargers, despite ranking sixth in designed-run rate through eight weeks, lacked the necessary personnel and execution to consistently establish a dominant ground game. This reliance on the run, particularly when facing deficits, hindered the team’s ability to capitalize on Herbert’s exceptional passing skills.
Los Angeles Chargers Key Offseason Move: Fix The IOL
This is what Derrik Klassen picked up on in his latest article for The Athletic. His prescription to fix the Chargers wasn’t to address tight end or wide receivers, it was to fix the offensive line, particularly the interior.
“The Chargers need to ensure they can run the ball. Left tackle Rashawn Slater and right tackle Joe Alt are lights out, but all three interior spots deserve at least some consideration this offseason. Center Bradley Bozeman is a replacement-level player who is getting older, left guard Zion Johnson remains inconsistent, and right guard Trey Pipkins shouldn’t be seen as more than quality depth.”
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This isn’t to say that the team shouldn’t address the lack of consistent performance among the skill positions. This is very much a walk and chew gum offseason for the Chargers. They will need to find a suitable outside receiver, a more consistent running back, and a pass-catching tight end, and that is only on one side of the ball.