The Los Angeles Chargers offense underwent some major changes during the 2024 offseason. With Jim Harbaugh taking over as head coach and Greg Roman being hired as offensive coordinator, the identity of the team is going to change.
Harbaugh wants to play a smashmouth style of football, heavily reliant on the running game. While that is his preferred style of play, because of some moves that had to be made this offseason, it will also be what the Chargers do out of necessity.
Veteran Mike Williams was a cap casualty, getting released and signing with the New York Jets. Keenan Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears. Tight end Gerald Everett joined him in Chicago, while Austin Ekeler signed a deal with the Washington Commanders.
The weaponry for quarterback Justin Herbert to work with is certainly barer than it has been in recent seasons. One of the players whom the Los Angeles Chargers will be relying on to step up at wide receiver is Quentin Johnston.
A first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, expectations are very high for Johnston coming out of TCU. Unfortunately, he struggled, catching only 38 passes for 431 yards and two touchdowns.
When taking into account that Herbert did suffer an injury, it makes sense why his production wasn’t very high. But, injuries also decimated the wide receiver group and he was unable to take advantage and move up the depth chart.
Thus far this offseason, Johnston has been a focus in training camp. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the team is still confident that he can get the job done at a high level in the NFL.
“Quentin Johnston has had a few untimely drops in practices, but there’s no reason to overreact to that. The Chargers still have major plans for him. He’s best in an after-the-catch role, and Roman’s offense will try to manufacture some of that for him. The Chargers’ front office was very high on Johnston when the receiver was coming out of TCU, and he’s playing hard and doing the right things from all I’ve gathered.”
It is certainly nice to hear that Johnston has a good work ethic and the decision-makers are liking what they see. But a wide receiver that struggles to catch the ball isn’t going to be very helpful for a football team on Sundays.
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report is skeptical of the big plans as well. Playing in an offense where running the ball will be the first, second and sometimes third option, opportunities will be limited. Johnston has excellent after-the-catch skills, but it is hard to imagine what the Los Angeles Chargers’ plans will look like if they can’t trust him to haul in the targets.
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