After a 26-3 win over the Carolina Panthers, the Chargers have risen to 2-0, the first time they have done so since 2012. Their two wins have come against relatively easier opponents (especially the Panthers), but it’s still nothing to scoff at, considering the state they were in at the end of the previous coaching regime. The identity of this team has clearly changed – they have won both games so far with strong defensive play, and running the ball. Winning in such a manner may sound foreign to Chargers fans, but here we are. Still, we will need to see more from the Chargers offense in future games against tougher opponents.
Question Marks Remain About Chargers Offense After Two Games
Where is the Passing Game?
When your quarterback is someone like Justin Herbert, one would normally expect that the offensive gameplan would generally revolve around him a fair amount, even if you want to utilize the running game more. That is not what we’ve seen so far. In both games so far, Herbert has not even crossed 150 yards passing.
So far, the passing game has revolved very heavily on short passes. They haven’t really been giving him the chance to make magic happen. Granted, they’ve had the lead most of the time, but not always by a high margin. Perhaps the lack of receiving weapons has something to do with this, but it’s still concerning. Having such a low-impact passing game may not be a big deal for now against teams like the Panthers and Raiders, but it won’t work against teams like the Chiefs or the suddenly red-hot Saints.
Running Game is Red Hot
Earlier it was referenced how the Chargers are relying more on the run game so far. Fortunately, it is working. J.K. Dobbins is having a surprisingly impressive comeback year after recovering from an Achilles, and the team has run for at least 175 yards in both games. Gus Edwards struggled in the first game, but he looked better in Week 2 with 59 yards on 18 carries (3.3 yards per carry). Dobbins, however, looks absolutely incredible considering his recent injury history. As shown here in this clip of his 43-yard touchdown, he actually did a flip going into the end zone. Achilles injuries usually are a death sentence to the careers of running backs, but Dobbins may be becoming a rare exception to that rule.
A lot of credit has to go to the offensive line and other run-blockers here. They’ve been opening up enough lanes for the halfbacks to get some decent yards. The pass-blocking leaves a bit to be desired – at least on the interior offensive line, anyway. But they are doing enough to give Dobbins opportunities to make big plays, and for Edwards to get some good yards on his more short-power game.
Receiver Pecking Order Remains Muddled
Second-year wideout Quentin Johnston had a bit of a breakout day in Week 2 with five receptions for 51 yards and two touchdowns, which bodes well for his outlook. Still, that doesn’t establish him as the top dog at wideout, and that pecking order is still muddled. Johnston’s stock obviously goes up after this game, but he did not do as much against the Raiders. In that game, rookie receiver Ladd McConkey led the way with five catches and one touchdown – and then only had two catches in Week 2.
Oddly, Josh Palmer has not been a factor so far. He was expected to be the WR1, and perhaps is drawing the more tough coverage as a result, but one would have thought we’d see more from him. Granted, when the passing game has been such an afterthought so far, that makes it difficult to evaluate the receivers. We may have to wait for a game that is closer throughout to get a clearer picture on this.
In Conclusion
It’s hard to argue with the results – so far, the Chargers are winning games, and not making the kinds of mistakes that used to cost them games against clearly weaker opponents. It’s really just a question of whether the current status quo will be enough against tougher opponents. Perhaps they will adjust their strategy for such games, but until then, the concern will remain. In the meantime, though, fans can enjoy their team having a fully effective running game again for the first time in a while.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
