In his first season back in the NFL, Jim Harbaugh made significant progress in rebuilding the Los Angeles Chargers.
However, the team’s loss to Houston in an AFC wild-card round game on Saturday highlighted how much work is still needed.
The Chargers won 11 games in the regular season, improving by six wins compared to 2023. Harbaugh achieved what he set out to do when he first spoke as coach on February 1, 2024.
“He came in and wanted to establish a brand and an identity, and he did that,” center Bradley Bozeman said. “Every single step of the way. He was never a hypocrite in one single stance. The guy just continued to be exactly who he was every single day. What he preached is what he practiced.”
Harbaugh brought in a physical mindset and confidence, and general manager Joe Hortiz made several moves during the season to improve the roster.
The Chargers had one of the easiest schedules in the league after finishing last in the AFC West the previous season. They took advantage of that, going 8-1 against teams with losing records but only 3-5 against teams with winning records.
“It’s my favorite ball team I’ve ever been on. One thing I can promise you is the sun will come up tomorrow, and we’ll be attacking it with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind,” Harbaugh said after Saturday’s 32-12 loss to the Texans.
Justin Herbert struggled against the Texans, throwing four interceptions and completing only 14 of 32 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown. His 40.9 passer rating and 43.2% completion rate were both career lows in 81 starts, including playoffs.
Herbert will face more pressure next season with a 0-2 playoff record.
“Definitely on the right track. It didn’t show (Saturday), and it’s the horrible thing about football. No one feels worse than I do, and we have complete trust in coach Harbaugh, and he’s going to get the team right,” Herbert said.
Defensive improvement
While Herbert and the offense experienced growing pains with first-year coordinator Greg Roman’s scheme, the defense thrived under Jesse Minter.
Minter’s defense led the league in scoring defense, allowing 17.7 points per game. The Chargers also had the best red-zone defense in the league, allowing only 18 touchdowns on 40 red-zone possessions, and were tied for sixth in sacks.
Safety Derwin James had a career-high 5 1/2 sacks and was used in various positions. He didn’t seem overwhelmed by his new responsibilities, unlike when he played in former coach Brandon Staley’s system.
According to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, James was one of two players this season to play at least 10% of their snaps at the line of scrimmage as a slot corner, safety, and linebacker.
“We know that we have something great building. I know next year we’ll be back even stronger, having a full year under our belts,” James said.
Supporting Herbert
Even with six new starters on offense and an inexperienced receiving group, Herbert threw only three interceptions in the regular season. The Chargers committed only eight turnovers, tied for the third fewest in league history.
Ladd McConkey exceeded expectations, setting franchise rookie records with 82 receptions and 1,149 receiving yards, and he finished with a playoff rookie record 197 yards in the loss to the Texans. Quentin Johnston led the team with eight receiving touchdowns but struggled with dropped passes.
Josh Palmer, a free agent this offseason, was expected to be a leader in the receiving group but ended the season with only 39 catches.
“I feel like we made progress from last year. At the same time, there’s a lot more we need to work towards,” Johnston said.
Balancing the offense
The Chargers called designed run plays on 42.7% of their offensive snaps, their highest rushing rate since 2013.
Many expected Gus Edwards to be the lead back this season, but J.K. Dobbins quickly took over that role. Dobbins rushed for a career-high 905 yards and tied a career best with nine touchdowns.
Despite missing four games with a knee injury, Dobbins played in 13 games, his most since his rookie season in 2020 with Baltimore. He suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in the 2023 opener and missed the entire 2021 season due to a knee injury.
Dobbins signed a one-year deal but is hopeful about returning in 2025.
Talented rookies
McConkey was one of many rookies from Hortiz’s first draft class who made important contributions.
Offensive tackle Joe Alt, the fifth overall pick, started 16 games. According to Next Gen Stats, Alt allowed a 6.9% pressure rate, the eighth-lowest among linemen with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps at right tackle.
Cornerbacks Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart, both fifth-round picks, played a lot. Still started 12 games and led the team with four interceptions, while Hart started six games.
Next steps
Minter may interview for a few head coaching openings. Roman is expected to return, which is important because it will be only the second time in Herbert’s five seasons that he has the same offensive coordinator for two years in a row.
Linebacker Khalil Mack will be a free agent and is considering retirement. His pass-rush partner, Joey Bosa, is entering the final year of his contract and has dealt with injuries.
The Chargers will focus on upgrading the receiver, tight end, and interior offensive line positions.
