The Los Angeles Chargers are entering the 2024 season with high expectations after disappointing in 2023. The new head coach, Jim Harbaugh, has plans to establish his team as a postseason contender immediately. The Chargers must qualify for the playoffs this season.
The 2023 campaign was a disaster after a quality 2022 season saw the Chargers win 10 games and make the playoffs. They regressed by matching just half their 2022 win total, crawling to a lackluster 5-12 record. Head coach Brandon Staley was fired in December, and long-term general manager Tom Telesco was relieved of his duties after the losing campaign.
Ownership successfully shot for the moon when searching for Staley's replacement. They convinced Harbaugh to return to the NFL fresh off a National Championship win with Michigan. Harbaugh, who coached the San Francisco 49ers for four seasons (2011-14), owns a 69.5% career win percentage and qualified his 49ers for three straight NFC Championship Game appearances and one Super Bowl throughout his highly successful tenure.
"You can tell why he's won."@FiftyDeuce talks about his first impressions of Jim Harbaugh's first training camp with the @chargers @TomPelissero | @MoveTheSticks pic.twitter.com/xkSWWtGyIH
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 31, 2024
Luring Harbaugh qualifies as a massive victory. Former Baltimore Ravens director of player personnel Joe Horitz was hired as general manager. Harbaugh and Horitz worked this offseason on improving the roster around franchise quarterback Justin Herbert.
Protecting Herbert took priority after he suffered a season-ending finger injury last season. The Chargers decided to utilize their No. 5 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft on former Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt. Alt will switch to right tackle in the pros with Rashawn Slater commanding the left side.
The supporting cast has been completely revamped. Harbaugh and Horitz inherited a difficult situation against the salary cap. Legendary receiver Keenan Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears and fellow wideout Mike Williams was released from his contract. Long-tenured running back Austin Ekeler wasn't re-signed.
The running game has been revamped too with the signings of J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards in free agency. Things appear a little shakier at receiver. No. 34 overall rookie selection Ladd McConkey may be Herbert's go-to receiver. Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson were drafted in the seventh round and the Chargers could really use a breakout season from Quentin Johnston, who continues to struggle at training camp after a brutal rookie season.
Ladd McConkey vs Derwin James #ChargersCamp pic.twitter.com/fJlkVSSKia
— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) July 30, 2024
Not one, but two veteran tight ends were signed in free agency. Will Dissly and Hayden Hurst will serve as security blankets. Indications are that new offensive coordinator Greg Roman is installing a run-heavy offense to alleviate the pressure off Herbert's shoulders. Both Dissly and Hurst are capable of thriving as in-line blockers.
The defense received some much-needed reinforcements for defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who followed Harbaugh from Michigan to Los Angeles. Rookie linebacker Junior Colson projects as an immediate starter, and fourth-round defensive tackle Justin Eboigbe will play a role, too. Veteran outside linebacker Bud Dupree and cornerback Kristian Fulton were low-cost signings that helped fill out the defense.
Harbaugh and Horitz are tasked with maximizing Herbert's talent. The Chargers have qualified for the playoffs just once through his four completed seasons. That feels wasteful. Becoming a consistent winning franchise must start with making the postseason in 2024.
