The Los Angeles Chargers have been a perennial disappointment! However, after the Philip Rivers era ended, they stumbled upon a generational talent like Justin Herbert, and everything was meant to click. One year after Herbert, the head coaching position was vacant and the Chargers signed the then-Rams DC, Brandon Staley.
Staley had just made the Rams the no.1 ranked defense in football, and he sounded like an intellectual, brilliant mind. What followed in the next few years was an absolute coaching malpractice. This year, Staley was no longer in charge, but many key players left due to salary cap issues. After the draft, the Chargers are sneaky winners of the offseason, but how are they in this position?
Jim Harbaugh Bolts Up for the Los Angeles Chargers
Oh, Jimbo! The Harbaugh family has established itself as a pretty much ‘royal’ family in football. Just like the Shanahan’s, the Harbaughs have many successful chapters in this sport. In fact, John Harbaugh (the Ravens head coach) and Jim Harbaugh (now Chargers’ head coach) are the only head coach brothers in NFL history to face each other in the Super Bowl.
That game was a barnburner, but after being on the losing side in 2012, Jim Harbaugh coached the Niners for two more years and then went into the College Football World. Jimbo took the Michigan job, where he was tasked to overcome obstacles like Ohio State, for example. He eventually did it and won the Natty. After doing so, and seeing the Chargers opening, Harbaugh decided to come back to the NFL.
Harbaugh is a massive upgrade over Brandon Staley. The change is going to be drastic, from the culture to the scheme. Therefore, the hype is real behind Harbaugh’s signing, which should really make this team one to watch. They are not Super Bowl contenders by any means, but it will set them up for future success.
What Started Gray, Became Lowkey Exciting
Keenan Allen and Mike Williams left so what once was a top-tier WR room then became a very bad one. In the first round of the NFL Draft, the Chargers held the no.5 pick, meaning they could go for either Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze at wideout. But, if you know dear ol’ ‘Jimmothy’ Harbaugh, you know that’s not his style.
Harbaugh drafted a 6’8″, 315 lbs mountain of a man called Joe Alt, from Notre Dame. The Chargers already have a top-tier tackle in Rashawn Slater, but with Alt, Justin Herbert should have acres of space and time to deliver bombs. I know what you’re saying, “Bombs!? To who?!”
Quentin Johnston was a disappointment in his rookie year where the former first-rounder only produced 431 yds and 2 TDs all year. He also had just a 1.28 target separation which ranked 85th in the NFL last season, and three drops that were all potential TDs.
What did the Los Angeles Chargers do? They got a steal in the second round. Somehow, someway, the Chargers saw how the Jaguars took Brian Thomas Jr., the Chiefs went full-speed with Xavier Worthy, the 49ers went for Ricky Pearsall, the Panthers drafted Xavier Legette and the Bills got Keon Coleman. Looking at this, the Chargers traded up and got Georgia’s own, Ladd McConkey, who on a personal level, I consider to be one of the best receivers in this draft class. It was an absolute steal.
Now, Herbert has all the protection in the world, a top-tier head coach who understands the offensive game, and most importantly, it’s not a blatant idiot like Staley proved to be, and also a very good route-runner with plenty of YAC skills in McConkey.
Let the Harbaugh Era Begin
Harbaugh is a certified winner at what the people call ‘football’. He understands this sport at the highest levels and has already proven himself time and time again. He likes physical football, run-based offenses, and disciplined teams. If you add the fact that he has one of the best QBs in the NFL, he should make his impact known very quickly.
The Los Angeles Chargers might have dropped the ball in the Staley fiasco for years. They might have slipped the opportunity to get Sean Payton last season, and salary cap issues were a martyr this offseason, forcing them to let go of top players. All of those are true, but this offseason they’ve found gold instead of coal, and that’s a great sign.
They won’t be Super Bowl contenders by any means, but don’t be surprised if you see them fighting it out in the playoffs. After all, if you have a great Head Coach – Quarterback duo, and are good in the trenches, the sky is the limit. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Jim Harbaugh made sure this offseason to fulfill those principles. Time to cook, Jimbo.
About the Author
Bruno is a sports fanatic. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy debating or reminiscing about it for hours! From football to combat sports and literally everything in between, he’s your sports pal! You can follow Bruno on X.com @_BrunoMilano to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do lots of shows daily to keep you entertained.
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