Is Justin Herbert the Chargers' Problem?

Is Justin Herbert the Chargers Problem?

The Los Angeles Chargers have opened 0-2, scored 28 points, and fallen to fourth in the AFC West. Their next test, a September 27 road game against the Buffalo Bills, comes with a challenge to the construction of Justin Herbert’s supporting cast: whether a group led by Ladd McConkey has enough established receiving production to carry the passing game.

The Pass-Catching Group Faces a Sharper Test

McConkey is listed atop one wide receiver spot on the Chargers’ current depth chart, with Tre’ Harris and Derius Davis behind him. Omarion Hampton is the listed lead running back, while Oronde Gadsden II is third at tight end behind Charlie Kolar and David Njoku (who is now injured). Malik Wright of The Sitdown w/ Malik Wright said the Chargers overestimated whether those pieces could translate into enough success through the air. “How did the Chargers look at their team offensively and say, hey, this is enough?”

Najee Harris was part of Wright’s list of offensive pieces, but he is no longer with Los Angeles. Harris signed with the New York Giants on August 18, leaving Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal as the Chargers’ current running backs. The question Wright raised is centered on the passing game, where McConkey, the tight ends, and the remaining wide receivers must provide more answers as Los Angeles tries to avoid an 0-3 start.

So Many Missed Opportunities

Stefon Diggs became the clearest alternative in Wright’s assessment. He questioned why the Chargers did not pursue the veteran receiver during free agency, saying, “How did you let Stefon Diggs live in free agency and not even place a phone call to him.” Diggs signed with the Washington Commanders on August 7 and has nine receptions for 102 yards and three touchdowns through two games.

The Chargers’ immediate schedule will test that concern against a Buffalo team that has been a regular contender in the AFC. Los Angeles has lost 26-14 to both the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders, and its trip to Buffalo begins a two-game road stretch before AFC West games against the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs.

The Bills game on September 27 gives McConkey and the rest of the Los Angeles passing game its next chance to answer the roster question. A third consecutive loss would leave the Chargers chasing a division that already has the Chiefs and Raiders at 2-0.