Record: 11-6-0 (2nd in AFC West)
Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh (1st Year)
Preseason Expectations
The phenomenon of “Chargering” rocked Los Angeles during the reign of former Chargers head coach Brandon Staley. Despite having an incredibly talented core of receivers, one of the best running backs in the NFL, and a solid defensive unit, the Brandon Staley Chargers managed to find ways to break their own hearts consistently.
Replacing Staley was the head coach of the reigning college football national champion Michigan Wolverines: Jim Harbaugh. With the younger Harbaugh returning to the NFL and looking to rebuild the team in his image, the Chargers had to say goodbye to some of their top talent. Wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams were gone, and Austin Ekeler left in free agency to sign with the Commanders in Washington.
As talent left, the Chargers were a team that many felt would take a step back in 2024, despite drafting weapons to help quarterback Justin Herbert survive the season.
You Can’t Kill an Idea.
The Chargers 3-3 start was uninspiring. Wins against the lowly Panthers and Raiders weren’t earth shattering, despite running back J.K. Dobbins having a surprisingly good start to the season after tearing his Achillies in 2023. A win against the early season Broncos didn’t give the Chargers too much credence early in the season. Losses to the Steelers and Chiefs were not shocking, but it was Los Angeles’s loss to the Cardinals that really encapsulated the stereotype surrounding the Chargers. Despite Justin Herbert passing for 336 yards, a costly Jalen Reagor fumble at the Cardinals three-yard line led Arizona to take over, ending a highly likely scoring chance for Los Angeles. Los Angeles would go onto lose 17-15.
Despite Brandon Staley and Tom Telesco being fired, the Chargers felt like they were the same team from 2023, 2022, and 2021. It was “Chargering” at its finest. A costly turnover stops the Chargers from scoring and inevitably becomes the difference maker in the matchup. Then, out of nowhere, the Chargers caught fire.
Bolt Up!
After the Reagor turnover led to the most recent heartbreaking loss for the Chargers fanbase, the team responded by going on a four-game winning streak from weeks seven to ten, recording over 300 total offensive yards in each matchup. Moreover, the Chargers emphasized ball security, going three weeks without turning the ball over once. The elimination of costly turnovers, as well as the rise of one of the best rookie receivers in the 2024 draft class—more on him later—saw the Chargers outscore their opponents 114-62 on route to improving their record from 3-3 to 7-3.
While the hot streak wasn’t entirely sustainable, especially having to face perennial AFC title contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens, the Chargers continued to be a strong team in the second half of the season.
The Chargers ended their regular season on a three-game winning streak, mimicking their four-game stretch from the middle season. A shootout win against the now playoff-bound Denver Broncos—who saw Bo Nix become a starting caliber quarterback seemingly overnight—gave Los Angeles a sense of legitimacy and their own spot in the playoffs. The next week, the Chargers blew out the Patriots in New England, scoring 40 in the rain and securing the five-seed in the AFC Playoff picture.
The Chargers’ week 18 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders was their best game of the season offensively, recording 473 total yards, 336 of those being passing yards. The 34-20 win saw Los Angeles finish the season on a strong note, giving them some momentum entering their Wild Card appearance against the Houston Texans.
You Can’t Kill an Idea Part 2
With a favorable matchup against a Texans team that didn’t live up to expectations in 2024, it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility that the Chargers could make a run in the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Chargers returned to their “Chargering” ways in the playoffs.
The Texans turned the ball over three times in the game, the Chargers turned the ball over four times. More specifically, Justin Herbert threw four interceptions in the game.
After getting the ball back thanks to an interception by cornerback Deane Leonard, the Chargers had the opportunity to increase their lead to two scores. Instead, Justin Herbert threw an interception to give the Texans a second chance with the ball. While the first interception was bad, the second one resulted in a Texans touchdown, giving Houston a 19-6 lead.
The third interception from Herbert stopped a drive that saw the Chargers gain 31 yards and enter the Texans side of the field. Down 20, the fourth interception didn’t have much impact on the game as the damage was done. The Chargers season was over, as the Texans won 32-12.
Baby Bolts Blossom
The 2024 Draft for the Los Angeles Chargers was a shockingly good draft. For starters, Los Angeles selected Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt at pick number 5. Coming out of Notre Dame, Alt was projected as one of the greatest offensive line prospects in recent draft history. His high school ability as a tight end led him to develop elite hand movements, which helped him tremendously when he made the shift inside to offensive tackle. In his three years at Notre Dame, Alt allowed just four sacks in over 2,000 snaps.
Alt’s transition into the NFL was relatively smooth. While he allowed six sacks in his rookie season, Alt only allowed 18 additional pressures in over 1,000 snaps between left and right tackle. Injuries kept him off the field in week 4, but Alt’s 15 games in 2024 were a promising sign for the Chargers 5th overall pick.
In the second round, the Chargers addressed the need at wide receiver by drafting Georgia’s Ladd McConkey. Entering the 2024 draft, McConkey had first round talent thanks to his quick feet and outstanding route running abilities. Fortunately for the Chargers, they found a trade partner in the New England Patriots as Los Angeles traded up to pick 34 to select McConkey.
In his rookie season, McConkey established himself as one of the best receivers in the 2024 draft class. His route running ability translating flawlessly into the NFL, and Harbaugh’s decision to use McConkey primarily in the slot made him one of the most dynamic weapons in the league. McConkey finished his rookie season with 1,149 receiving yards, the 12th most for a rookie receiver in NFL History.
After not playing in four of the Chargers first five games, fifth round pick Tarheeb Still showed up huge for Los Angeles, recording four interceptions. While Still was streaky in 2024, another season under his belt could see him take that next step to becoming a premier cornerback in the NFL as one of the hidden gems of the 2024 NFL Draft. With the impact of Still, McConkey, and Alt, the Chargers have begun to build one of the better, younger cores in the NFL, one that helped the Chargers shock the world in 2024.
2025 For the Chargers
Looking forward to 2025, the Chargers have the places in piece to take a major step towards their first Super Bowl championship. The young core, the franchise quarterback, and the head coach are set for Los Angeles, meaning 2025 free agency and drafting is about adding to an already impressive unit.
One of the biggest needs for the Chargers will be replacing Joey Bosa, who is expected to be released before free agency opens up (Bleacher Report). While Bosa didn’t maintain the same level of production from previous years, the Chargers are losing a locker room leader. Bosa was the longest tenured player in Los Angeles and one of two players who played for the San Diego Chargers.
Alongside Bosa, pass rushers Khalil Mack and Morgan Fox are expected to hit the free agent market this offseason. These three pass rushers combined for 20 sacks in 2024. Sitting at pick 22, it wouldn’t be shocking to see one of the pass rushers fall, with Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. being the likely choice due to character questions.
Another big piece on the market will be running back J.K. Dobbins. How will the Chargers replace his production in the backfield? Najee Harris is an intriguing option for the Chargers. While he’s not the most efficient, Harris having a capable offensive line could lead to more opportunities for him in SoCal.
More likely, the option to replace Dobbins—should the Chargers not resign him—will come in the draft. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty won’t be available, but the running back class is surprisingly deep in 2025. North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton and Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo will be available at some point, and while they might be the long-term solution, getting a fresh pair of legs in the backfield will help the Chargers maintain the multidimensional offense they build in 2024.
2024 was just the foundation, 2025 is the year to continue building the Chargers, and fans should be excited to see what comes next for Los Angeles’s AFC Team.
