The 2024 season aimed to get the Los Angeles Chargers' offense back on track after a disappointing 2023 campaign, leading to changes in the coaching staff and front office.
While the yards didn't increase in 2024, the most crucial statistics that improved for the offense were that they averaged three more points scored per game last year than in 2023. The most significant difference was the turnover margin, as Los Angeles went from a loss of 0 in 2023 to a gain of +12 in 2024. This was because the offense had only nine total giveaways last year, compared to a whopping 21 in 2023.
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh completely revamped the offense in various ways to make it more efficient. After another offseason in Los Angeles, Harbaugh now has a path to help elevate this offense to the next level with a trio of guys ready to work.
Chargers' three key offensive guys ranks in top half of NFL group
Sports Illustrated writer Matt Verderame shared his list of the top offensive trios in the NFL among all 32. The Chargers landed at number 14 with quarterback Justin Herbert, running back Najee Harris, and wide receiver Ladd McConkey being the trio Verderame picked.
"It’s hard to know what to make of the Chargers. Herbert failed to throw for 4,000 yards for the second consecutive year but also tossed 23 touchdowns against three interceptions. In the backfield, Harris and rookie Omarion Hampton will form a tough tandem, with the veteran Harris having rushed for 1,043 yards and six scores last year in Pittsburgh. Then there’s McConkey, who as a rookie notched 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven scores."
Herbert has not been able to capture the magic of his 4,000- to 5,000-yard seasons from the start of his career, but last year marked a significant step in his career. For the first time in a season, Herbert had a quarterback rating over 100, finishing with 101.7 last year, and his interception percentage of 0.6% was the lowest in the NFL.
Compared to the other trios listed, this seems like a bit too low for the Chargers. Harris has been a proven starter in the NFL, having racked up over 1,000 yards rushing in all four seasons he's been in the league. He has also improved his yards per carry to over four yards per touch in the last two years.
McConkey only has one year under his belt, but he's already seen as one of the biggest steals of the 2024 NFL Draft class. He finished a head-scratching ninth in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting and exploded for 197 yards and one touchdown in the postseason.
This doesn't include how improved the offensive line has been thanks to the draft pick of Joe Alt last year. To top it off, Hampton joins Harris in the backfield to create a fun running back duo, and McConkey has some potential sidekicks with Quentin Johnston and second-round pick Tre Harris.
Los Angeles's offense is loaded and looking to have a strong 2025 campaign that could be the best the team has seen in over a decade.