Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Chargers Achilles’ Heel? Analytics Identify 1 Unit That Most Threatens Playoff Chances

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Ryan Anderson | Last updated 5/23/24

For the Los Angeles Chargers, losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen could never be seen as beneficial to their 2024 playoff chances, but could it be the very thing that costs them a chance of making the postseason altogether?

According to Pro Football Focus Senior NFL Analyst, Gordon McGuinness, the Chargers’ inexperienced pass catchers could be what tanks their season. Here is their reasoning:

“Greg Roman’s arrival as offensive coordinator in Los Angeles has coincided with an offseason where the Chargers focused on improving their ability to dictate games on the ground,” writes McGuinness, “While they got better up front and made additions in the backfield, both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have departed at wide receiver. That means they will be relying on young receivers, such as rookie Ladd McConkey and second-year player Quentin Johnston, who averaged just 0.88 yards per route run as a rookie in 2023.”

The Los Angeles Chargers WRs ARE as Inexperienced as They Appear

It is hard not to acknowledge that the Charger wide receivers group lacks a serious amount of experience. Newly added free agent, DJ Chark is by far the most experienced with 3314 snaps played in the six seasons of his career. Joshua Palmer is next having played 1947 over his three seasons, then Quentin Johnston with 746 offensive snaps played.

Keenan Allen alone has played more NFL snaps than the entire Chargers WR room combined with 8107

Chark has never risen to the heights as a true #1 receiver, Palmer has played well when given the chance but has only served as a role player and Johnston is coming off a very disappointing rookie season after being selected in the first round in 2023.

The Chargers added several receivers in the draft, most notably trading up to select Georgia WR Ladd McConkey with the 34th overall pick in the draft. They also selected Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson in the seventh round. At least one of these picks will be expected to make an impact in their first year.

Recent Impact Rookie Receivers

That said there is plenty of precedence for non-first-round rookie receivers making a significant impact on their respective teams. In 2021, 4th rounder Amon-Ra St. Brown played 897 snaps, was targeted 115 times, and caught 90 for 912 yards. In 2022, George Pickens, who was selected 52 overall, caught 52 passes for 802 yards on 885 snaps. Last season, Puka Nacua broke both the rookie receiving yards and receptions record as a rookie as a fifth-round draft pick.

Greg Roman’s Offense

The Chargers receivers won’t be asked to carry the load like those others though. Greg Roman offenses have been far more run-heavy schemes. In his ten years as an NFL offensive coordinator, Roman has only ranked in the top ten in passing attempts once. In 2021, he ranked 9th with the Baltimore Ravens. Every other season he has ranked 28th or less.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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