The Los Angeles Chargers have secured a spot in the NFL Playoffs after a 40-7 win over the New England Patriots. Justin Herbert threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns and rookie receiver Ladd McConkey had eight catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. Despite their recent success, the Chargers have been one of the bigger surprises of the 2024 season. In the first season under Jim Harbaugh, many expected Los Angeles to struggle with the many holes in their roster. Some of those holes still exist, but the team and coaches have built a strong foundation, guiding the team to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth.
Jim Harbaugh’s Success
The biggest reason for the Chargers success has been the hiring of Jim Harbaugh. The hiring was viewed as a homerun at the time, but turning the team around as fast as he did was unexpected. Harbaugh brought an immediate culture change to the Los Angeles Chargers. He brought in Jesse Minter as the defensive coordinator and made changes to the roster. These roster moves were not flashy but set a precedent for the team the Los Angeles Chargers would be.
Under Brandon Staley, the Chargers paid out large, expensive contracts to free agents that burned them more often than not. But Harbaugh and his staff took a different approach and seemingly committed to a rebuild. The Chargers traded Keenan Allen to the Bears and cut Mike Williams. They were both talented receivers but were aging and on big contracts. Still, the offense has succeeded under quarterback Justin Herbert. Herbert has not been asked to do as much under Harbaugh’s offense but is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He shredded the Patriots’ defense on Saturday, and it is clear that Harbaugh is invested in him as the foundation.
An Excellent Draft Class
Some of the Los Angeles Chargers’ biggest additions came in the NFL draft. With their first-round pick, they selected tackle Joe Alt. Many fans wanted them to take receiver Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze, but the Chargers got Ladd McConkey in the second round. Then, in the fifth round, they selected defensive backs Tarheeb Still and Cam Hart. These four rookies have been key contributors this season. Joe Alt has been an excellent offensive lineman since his first start. He was a can’t-miss prospect who has lived up to the billing, protecting Justin Herbert.
Ladd McConkey has also had an excellent rookie season. While many wanted the Los Angeles Chargers to draft a receiver over Alt, they waited and still found a good one. McConkey has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards with 77 catches and seven touchdowns. He’s been arguably the best rookie receiver, so the Chargers were right in their selection. Still and Hart were late-round picks but have become key pieces in the Los Angeles secondary. In a Jesse Minter defensive scheme that relies on its pass coverage, Still and Hart have fit in seamlessly, turning what many thought to be a weak Chargers secondary into a solid one.
The Los Angeles Chargers Turnaround
The Los Angeles Chargers have retooled their roster and staff. They got rid of many expensive, big names, but built a strong culture and foundation. It shows the power that a good coaching staff and draft class can bring to an NFL team. With their franchise quarterback already established, the Chargers addressed the offensive line and other positions. This led to them surpassing expectations, beating the Patriots so badly that fans chanted to fire their head coach. Not many expected the Los Angeles Chargers to have a 10-win, playoff-bound season, but they have done it. While they may not be a Super Bowl contender, it’s safe to say that the Harbaugh era is off to a great start.
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