The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off an exciting victory against the Las Vegas Raiders in week 1. This victory had plenty of stars showing great promise for the season, giving fans something they haven’t had in a while. Hope. With this hope, confidence is building and the idea of this team making it to the playoffs may not be as far-fetched as it once was. However, it was a week one victory against a rebuilding team. The victory was sloppy, with the passing game falling flat. A lot of blame must be placed on a former Chargers first-round selection.
Former Top 20 Pick Must Bounce Back for Chargers in Week 2
Leading into week 1, the Los Angeles Chargers openly stated how confident they were in their offensive line. You draft Joe Alt at number five overall, have Rashawn Slater healthy, and pick up a free agent Center. All of this to really make this offense run, under the Jim Harbaugh regime. Unfortunately, a big part of this offensive line, left guard Zion Johnson has not developed as planned.
Zion Johnson’s Performance in Week 1
The 2022 17th overall selection has high hopes for the season, fitting into this scheme quite nicely. He has been average at best in his first two seasons under previous offensive coordinators, Joe Lombardi and Kellen Moore. Now under Greg Roman and Harbaugh, the expectation is for him to use his athletic ability and finally blossom into what the Chargers hoped he could be.
Week 1 for Johnson was not the outcome we expected, as he was a complete liability in the passing game. Whether it was completely missing stunts, being unable to identify blitzes (which some of the blame must go on Center, Bradley Bozeman), or losing pass-blocking reps, the former Boston College standout was not playing well.
This clip below is a major example of the issues that Zion Johnson faces. This is also the fault of the veteran Bozeman for not sliding the protection correctly. However, Johnson needs to adlib if something like this were to happen again.
doesn't look. brutal. pic.twitter.com/W4y3F4imsp
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 12, 2024
Zion Johnson’s PFF pass-blocking grade was an abysmal 22.7. This ranked him 71/75 across all guards who played one or more pass-blocking snaps, unacceptable for a former top-20 selection going into his third year as a pro. Beyond his struggles in pass protection, he was solid in the run game. His 62.2 run-blocking grade is a great start and should improve going into week 2.
What Needs to Change for the Former Top 20 Selection in Week 2
The Chargers are facing the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Many view the Panthers as the worst team in football, especially after losing their best player in defensive tackle, Derrick Brown. This team cannot be overlooked, as they are an NFL team, with NFL players. The Chargers need better play from Zion Johnson if they want to avoid an upset loss.
The former top-20 selection must be more aware of blitzes and stunts coming his way in pass protection. This is crucial to avoid free rushers to Justin Herbert. If Herbert can do what he does best, carve up defenses, this offense can really shine the way we want it to. Giving Herbert that time and comfort will be crucial for Johnson.
If he can simply improve his ability to recover and react to certain looks that the defense gives him, Johnson can blossom into an above-average level guard. All in all, his personal play reflects the team’s success, and he is much needed in this week’s future matchup with the Panthers.
Main Photo: [Denny Medley] – USA Today Sports
