The story of the LA Chargers' Week 4 loss to the New York Giants was the subpar offensive line play. That's what happens when a starting unit loses its three best starters and is left with the two starters who most fans wanted to get rid of in the offseason.
Still, the Chargers' stubbornness to add more offensive line depth in the offseason despite having the resources to do so is frustrating. The poor offensive line depth isn't just because of offseason complacency, though.
It also has to do with lack of development.
The Chargers have failed to develop any offensive line talent, especially in the last two years under Jim Harbaugh. It isn't Harbaugh's fault, though, it falls more on someone he is loyal to: offensive line coach Mike Devlin.
Mike Devlin may be testing Jim Harbaugh's loyalty to his Chargers coaches
It simply hasn't been good enough. A great position coach gets the most out of their players regardless of their background. The Chargers are seeing that firsthand with defensive backs coach Steve Clinksdale, who is getting the most out of every player in the position group. Devlin hasn't been able to replicate this success.
It would be one thing if Devlin was a new coach still finding his footing, but he's not. This was the story surrounding Devlin in his previous stints as an offensive line coach. All the warning signs were there.
While everyone is worried about Greg Roman being the Chargers offensive coordinator, I've been worried about Mike Devlin coaching the offensive line.
— Jason Reed (@EatYourReedies) February 17, 2024
Here is where his teams have ranked in sacks allowed when he's the O-line coach:
26, 24, 16, 11, 31, 32, 30, 30.
Again, any offensive line coach would struggle with the unit down to two preseason starters. However, the Chargers would be in a much better position if Devlin was getting the most out of his players, which he clearly isn't.
Development is an issue. Zion Johnson hasn't noticeably improved under his new coaching staff while none of the young depth below him on the depth chart have made any progress. That isn't the only concern.
Even the veterans, particularly on the interior, have struggled. Time and time again Chargers fans have to watch the offensive line struggle with pass-rush stunts. Nobody on the line can consistently identify a pressure package and it shows on tape.
There is a fan-favorite option waiting in the wings if Harbaugh wanted to make a bold decision. Long-time Chargers center Nick Hardwick is the assistant offensive line coach under Devlin. Nobody in the fanbase would bat an eye if he took over for Devlin.
All this being said, fans shouldn't expect there to be any changes during the season. It would have to reach a disastrously low point for Harbaugh to do that, and even then, the injuries create a built-in excuse for job security.
However, if these early-season trends continue into the winter and result in the same disappointment in the playoffs, well, it might be time for Harbaugh to make a tough decision.