After an interesting 2022 season, the Chargers suffered an abominable collapse against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the end of a playoff game where they blew a 27-point lead. Despite this difficult result to swallow, the management of the Californian club tried the experiment again with a similar core in 2023, a decision which resulted in a catastrophic campaign and the dismissal of head coach Brandon Staley.
It was time for a makeover. So they hired renowned head coach Jim Harbaugh, who had been running the University of Michigan Wolverines program for several years, to mentor their gem Justin Herbert at quarterback.
They then released aging and high-priced receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and added some interesting veterans, notably running back JK Dobbins, via inexpensive deals. They also retained defensive ends Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, but imposed salary reductions on them.
In the draft, the picks of offensive lineman Joe Alt and receiver Ladd McConkey were well received. All of this put together meant that the Chargers showed up with a different lineup and, above all, low expectations. After a five-win, 12-win season, it was hard to believe the Chargers were going to slip into the contenders this season.
Yet this is indeed the case!
Amazing defense
If Jim Harbaugh’s men find themselves with an enviable record of six wins and three losses at this time of the season, it is thanks to the exceptional performance of their defense. At the time of writing these lines, the Los Angeles squad is banking on the most airtight defensive unit in the NFL with an average of 13.1 points allowed. That’s 3.1 points better than the Pittsburgh Steelers, the second strongest team in this regard.
In nine outings, the Chargers have never allowed more than 20 points to their opponents. The Steelers were the most productive against them with 20 points.
Thanks to this trend, Los Angeles can always be in the game in each of its matches. This is a valuable luxury that the defense offers to the offensive unit led by Herbert.
Moreover, the fact that the Chargers are able to win the turnover battle in almost every duel obviously gives them an excellent chance of winning their game. In nine games, Los Angeles has made nine interceptions and forced four recovered fumbles. Since the offense only suffered four turnovers, the Chargers come in with a positive difference of +9 in the turnover column. Only the Buffalo Bills did better in this regard (+13).
While the first portion of the Chargers’ schedule has been relatively easy, they will clearly be challenged in the coming weeks as they face the high-powered offenses of the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons in quick succession.
Decent attack
However, the truth must be told. The one and only reason the Chargers can be in the contenders’ circle right now is because of their defense. Their attack, without being bad, is certainly not worthy of the elite as evidenced by their production of 20.7 points (19th) per game.
Herbert has often demonstrated his immense talent, but this season he does not have the weapons to use his full potential to the fullest. The receiving group, consisting of McConkey, Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer, is probably one of the least threatening across the league.
This means that Herbert and his offensive coordinator, Greg Ronan, must go for a methodical approach with short passing games and a lot of running. They can thus control the pace of the match, avoid offensive festivals and give their defense a chance to make the difference.
Not everything is perfect from a roster standpoint, but the Chargers have found a recipe that is working very well so far this season. If they continue on this path, they will be playoffs and they will certainly have an opportunity to do well there.
From there to get to the final stage? Maybe not, but enough to be taken very seriously by everyone in the American.
