Los Angeles Chargers 2024 Preview

The Los Angeles Chargers enter the 2024 season with high hopes after a disappointing 5-12 campaign last year. With the arrival of Jim Harbaugh as head coach, the Chargers are looking to bounce back and establish themselves as contenders in the AFC West.

Despite significant roster changes, especially on offense, the Chargers aim to improve on last year’s performance.

Let’s break down what to expect from the Chargers this season.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Chargers have made major changes on both sides of the ball, with a new coaching staff and several key players moving on. Here’s what you need to know:

Offensive Outlook

• Quarterback Stability:
  • Justin Herbert: Herbert remains the centerpiece of the Chargers’ offense, but he had a down year in 2023, throwing for just 20 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 13 games. His 6.9 yards per attempt suggest a lack of explosiveness in the offense, a problem exacerbated by injuries and a lack of depth at receiver. Herbert will need to elevate his game in 2024 if the Chargers hope to compete.
• Receiving Corps Overhaul:
  • Losses: The Chargers lost key playmakers in the passing game, including Mike Williams, Keenan Allen, and Austin Ekeler. Williams and Allen were Herbert’s top targets, combining for over 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
  • New Additions: Rookie Quinton Johnston, who finished with over 400 yards last season, will be expected to take on a larger role. Joshua Palmer, who posted over 500 yards, returns but must stay healthy to be effective. Second-round pick Lad McConkey brings polished route-running and versatility, and he’ll be a crucial part of the revamped receiving corps.
• Running Game:
  • Gus Edwards: Edwards comes over from Baltimore after rushing for over 800 yards and 13 touchdowns. While Edwards is a reliable power back, the Chargers’ run game will need more consistency after struggling to hit 4.0 yards per carry last season.
  • Offensive Line Concerns: The Chargers’ offensive line gave up 43 sacks last year, ranking 20th in the league. They’ve brought in rookie Joe Alt to help solidify the right tackle spot, but the line remains a work in progress, especially with center Corey Linsley retiring and Bradley Bozeman likely taking over.

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Defensive Adjustments

• Pass Rush Strength:
  • Khalil Mack: Mack had a dominant season with 17 sacks, setting a new Chargers record. He’ll continue to anchor the pass rush alongside Joey Bosa, who missed time with injuries last year but is expected to return to form.
  • Additions: The Chargers added Bud Dupree, who notched 6.5 sacks last season with Atlanta. Rookie Tuli Tuipulotu also showed promise with 4.5 sacks, and he’ll look to build on that in his sophomore campaign.
• Secondary Rebuilding:
  • Challenges in Coverage: The Chargers struggled mightily in pass defense last season, ranking 27th in passer rating allowed and 30th in passing yards per game given up. Michael Davis, who allowed nine touchdowns, is gone, and Christian Fulton steps in to try and stabilize the cornerback position.
  • Key Returners: Asante Samuel Jr. and J.C. Jackson are back, with Samuel allowing a sub-85 passer rating last year. Safety Derwin James is still the leader of the secondary, though his coverage numbers dipped in 2023. The Chargers will need this group to rebound if they hope to improve on defense.
• Defensive Line and Linebackers:
  • Upfront Changes: The Chargers have essentially overhauled their defensive front, with Morgan Fox getting more reps after a five-sack season. However, there are still questions about who will consistently perform alongside him.
  • Linebacker Transition: The Chargers lost Kenneth Murray and Eric Kendricks, two key linebackers, and brought in Denzel Perryman, who had 76 tackles in 12 games with Houston last year. Perryman has a history of injuries, which could be a concern.

Season Outlook

The Chargers face a pivotal season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Here’s a breakdown of their potential floor and ceiling for 2024:

• Win Total Floor: 8 Wins
  • Why? With significant changes on offense and defense, as well as the transition to a new coaching staff, the Chargers could struggle to find consistency. An 8-9 season is possible if the new pieces don’t gel quickly.
• Win Total Ceiling: 10 Wins
  • Why? If Justin Herbert can return to form and the defense steps up, particularly in pass coverage, the Chargers could push for a winning season and potentially challenge for a playoff spot.

Final Thoughts

The Los Angeles Chargers are in a transitional phase, with new leadership and several key players departing. While there is potential for improvement, much will depend on how quickly the new roster and coaching staff can come together. The 2024 season will be a test of the Chargers’ resilience and adaptability.

Key Points Recap

• Justin Herbert is still the focal point of the offense, but he needs to bounce back from a down year in 2023.
• The receiving corps has been overhauled, with Quinton Johnston and Lad McConkey expected to take on major roles.
• The running game will rely on Gus Edwards to provide consistency, but the offensive line remains a concern.
• Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa lead a strong pass rush, but the secondary needs to improve significantly.
• Win total projection: 8 to 10 wins, depending on the offense’s ability to adapt to new personnel and the defense’s improvement in coverage.

Chargers fans, it’s time to see what this new-look team can do—2024 will be a defining season for the Bolts!