The Los Angeles Chargers are coming off another strong victory, this time against the bruised and battered, Carolina Panthers. This victory was very much expected, as long as everyone performed as this new regime anticipated. The standard the Jim Harbaugh era is setting is unprecedented and exceeding all expectations. One of the largest expectations was the development of former first-round receiver, Quentin Johnston. Many, including Charger fans, did not believe that even Harbaugh could unlock Johnston. Many saw a terrible rookie season from the former TCU Horned Frog and thought his career would never reach the heights of what a first-round pick is selected to do.
Quentin Johnston’s Week 2 Performance vs Carolina
The second-year Chargers receiver was coming off a solid week 1 performance against the Raiders, recording three catches for 38 yards. He was able to make defenders miss and create yards after contact. That is Johnston’s bread and butter. He was unable to show this during his rookie season, due to a plethora of offensive issues. Now in Week 2, offensive coordinator, Greg Roman seemed to really want to get Johnston involved with the offense, and that is exactly what happened.
The 23-year-old receiver had the best day of his career lining up against another former first-round selection, Jaycee Horn. Johnston took his lunch money, collecting five receptions on six targets. These receptions went for 51 yards and two touchdowns. His first touchdown was a simple “go” route where he beat the corner, adjusting his body to the inside for the perfect throw, by Justin Herbert. A contested-esque touchdown for Johnston. Something that he was highly criticized for not being able to do.
Quentin Johnston contest catch touchdown.
It really is a new era, y’all.pic.twitter.com/XEoydtgO9x
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) September 15, 2024
The second of his touchdowns came off a simple crossing pattern in the red zone, where the coverage broke down and Johnston was not followed. A wide-open touchdown for the former first-round Chargers receiver. This performance yielded Johnston a career-high 74.9 PFF offensive grade.
Quentin Johnston scores his second TD today!
📺: #LACvsCAR on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/8PCyFmqxj2— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024
Can He Build Off This and Quiet The “Bust” Talk?
Going into this next matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Chargers play a very strong defense. The Bolts aren’t known for their passing attack, and Johnston will likely see limited opportunities. However, this is not an indictment of his play or potential to have a good game. It simply lies in the game plan. This Steelers defense has one of the best defensive lines in the league, along with a strong secondary. A tough matchup for the entire offense.
As for his future outlook outside of next week’s game, Johnston has really improved his route running, hands, and reliability in general as a receiver. He is building trust with Herbert and has been the first read in plenty of passing concepts thus far. Pretty sure “busts” don’t usually get to be the first read of an offense.
With a strong performance under Quentin Johnston’s belt, his confidence can only build from here. After a rookie season filled with hate, he is finally coming into his own. Harbaugh went out of his way and said “Everybody on the team really likes Q. Loves him. Respects him. Probably because he’s been picked on by a lot of people, but it doesn’t phase him.” With the backing of his team, coaches, and front office, it seems that all that Johnston needed was believers; and now after that Carolina performance, he has them.
Main Image: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
