Ladd McConkey Powering Chargers Offense

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey was outstanding in Sunday night's thrilling 34-27 primetime victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. McConkey recorded six receptions on nine targets for 123 yards. The first-year playmaker has energized the Chargers offense in recent weeks.

It marked a career-high in receiving yards for McConkey. It was also a personal best in targets, also tying his previous high in receptions (six). McConkey has been consistently involved in the Chargers offense.

The Chargers nearly blew a 24-6 halftime lead. The Bengals eventually rounded off 21 consecutive second-half points to tie the game at 27 apiece. When the Chargers needed him most, McConkey enjoyed a big-time performance on the game-winning drive.

McConkey opened Los Angeles' final drive by connecting with quarterback Justin Herbert for an explosive 28-yard gain, a leaping contested grab over Bengals veteran cornerback Mike Hilton. Two snaps later, Herbert and McConkey connected again on a 27-yard reception. Running back J.K. Dobbins scored a 29-yard touchdown on the next play.

McConkey has totaled 50-plus receiving yards in four consecutive appearances. Proving he's more than the shifty slot receiver he was mislabeled to be throughout the pre-draft process, he's averaged an explosive 20.5 and 26.0 yards per catch in Los Angeles's last two games. Sunday's showing was his second 100-yard game of his rookie season.

McConkey currently leads all Chargers pass catchers in receptions (43), targets (63), and receiving yards (615). The Chargers came into the season facing massive question marks at the wide receiver position. With sophomore wideout Quentin Johnston enjoying a bounce-back season, leading the team in touchdown catches (six), the offense suddenly has an ascending duo at receiver.

McConkey's season-long pace indicates he's slated for 107 targets, 73 receptions, 1,045 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. That would mean the former Georgia standout sees an approximate target share of 22.7%. It’s no surprise given Herbert is seeing a passer rating of 116.0 when targeting McConkey this season, per Pro Football Focus.

McConkey is second among all rookie receivers in receiving yards, trailing just Brian Thomas Jr. (689). It's worth noting the Chargers have already had their bye week, and he could catch Thomas Jr., who is on a Week 12 bye.

He’s also second in targets and receptions among rookies, behind Malik Nabers in both categories. McConkey has also been more reliable than his first-year competitors. His catch percentage of 69.4% is highest among rookie receivers (minimum qualifiers, 40 targets).

McConkey's 14.3 yards per reception trails just Keon Coleman (19.0), Thomas Jr. (16.4), and Marvin Harrison Jr. (15.1) for the rookie lead. Head coach Jim Harbaugh has successfully moved McConkey around the formation. His 205 snaps in the slot are by far a rookie-receiver high.

McConkey has also created 217 yards after catch for himself, second behind Thomas Jr. (274). McConkey is averaging an effective 5.0 yards after catch per reception, forcing a rookie-best eight missed tackles. His 2.24 yards per route run (Y/RR) is also second-best.

The 7-3 Chargers are exceeding expectations this season. The unforeseen emergence of weapons like McConkey in the offense is a big reason why. McConkey has developed into Herbert's go-to target.