Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston had a game to forget on Monday Night Football. Facing off against an elite AFC opponent in the Baltimore Ravens, the 2023 first-round pick didn’t record a single catch. This wasn’t for a lack of opportunities, as quarterback Justin Herbert looked his way on five separate occasions. Johnston turned those opportunities into zero receptions and three drops that could have been the difference between victory and defeat.
Speaking to reports after the game, the wide receiver did not shy away from his poor performance. Speaking to Joe Reedy of the Associated Press, the wide receiver acknowledged he needs to improve and can’t have games like this if Los Angeles hopes to beat the best teams in the league.
You kind of just learn not to dwell on it too much, and just try to put it past me as much as I can. Obviously I want to have catches back, but I can’t. So I can’t do anything but just learn from it…I know I’ve got to get better.”
Quentin Johnston: “I Need to Get Better” After Chargers Loss
The 2024 season has been something of a mixed bag for Quentin Johnston. After parting ways with veterans Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the offseason, first-year Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh placed his faith in Johnston turning it around in Year 2. Through nine healthy games, the TCU product has recorded 22 receptions for 354 yards and a team-best six touchdowns on 42 targets. These numbers are nothing spectacular, but they imply he could be a decent second or third option in the passing attack.
Unfortunately, Monday’s contest was a reminder of just how bad Quentin Johnston can look in a Chargers jersey. The wideout had a disastrous rookie season, finishing the year with a meager 38 receptions, 431 yards, and a 56.7% catch rate. His 58.9 PFF grade ranked 94th out of 128 receivers while his 0.92 yards per route run ranked 89th in the league. Ranking among the likes of Jalen Reagor and Terrace Marshall in Matt Harmon’s Reception Perception, the future did not look bright for the first-round pick.
Which QJ Is the Real One?
Based on raw numbers alone, Quentin Johnston looked like he could be a serviceable depth option for the Los Angeles Chargers. However, Monday’s disastrous performance paired with memories of his rookie season justifies a deeper look. Did he truly turn it around in 2024, or is his production a byproduct of Justin Herbert’s greatness?
Advanced statistics suggest Johnston has not improved too dramatically. PFF grade isn’t everything, but his current 61.9 grade is barely better than his disastrous rookie mark. Similarly, his 52.4% catch rate is one of the worst marks in the league, especially considering Justin Herbert is one of the most accurate passers in football. The 2024 version of Quentin Johnston is better than the rookie version, but he’s still not a good player.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to win games on the ground, and second-round pick Ladd McConkey is the real deal. The Chargers can survive the rest of the season with a subpar wide receiver like Johnston seeing snaps, but they must upgrade the position in the offseason. Armed with over $75 million in projected cap space, don’t be surprised if the team pursues someone like Chris Godwin on the open market.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports
