5 Chargers who have been the most disappointing heading into the bye

The LA Chargers started off the 2024 season hot with a 2-0 record backed by a dominant defense. However, back-to-back ugly losses against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs have raised questions around this Chargers team and how high the ceiling really is.

The bye week could not have come at a better time for the Chargers as the team is dealing with several injuries as well as a bit of an identity crisis on offense. If Jim Harbaugh's team is going to make a run at the playoffs then the Bolts need to get hot after the bye.

A big part of getting hot is getting better production out of players who may not be living up to expectations thus far. For one reason or another, there are several players on the Chargers (all on offense) who simply could be better.

5 most disappointing Chargers heading into the bye

Justin Herbert

It might not be his fault, but it is hard to deny the fact that Justin Herbert has been disappointing this season. Herbert's numbers paint the entire picture as the star quarterback ranks 29th in the league in passing yards through four weeks. An elite quarterback should never rank that low.

Granted, there are a lot of factors contributing to this. Herbert's offensive line has been a mess, his weapons are among the worst in the sport and he is dealing with an ankle injury. And even with all that Herbert has not been bad, he has just been quiet.

As well as the defense is playing, the Chargers have to put Herbert in better positions to succeed if the team is serious about making the playoffs in 2024.

Gus Edwards

Gus Edwards has quickly lost the RB1 battle to J.K. Dobbins and has continued the trend of the Chargers having at least one unproductive back in the running game. Edwards simply has not been good running the ball this season as the former Raven is averaging a measely three yards per carry this season.

With an exciting rookie waiting in the wings in Kimani Vidal, Chargers fans may see the team start to phase Edwards out of the offensive game plan. He will get more chances due to his relationship with Greg Roman but if he does not turn it around quickly then the Chargers have to move on.

Joshua Palmer

With no Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the 2024 season presented an opportunity for Joshua Palmer to step up and produce like a top wide receiver. Fans knew he was not a true WR1 entering the year but in his fourth season in the league, it was time for the production to tick up.

Instead, Palmer has continued to add to the injury-prone narrative and has not been particularly impactful when he has played. The third-round pick has seven catches for 70 yards this season and his numbers may get even worse once DJ Chark Jr. returns and eats into his snap count.

Unfortunately, all signs are pointing to Palmer being another disappointing mid-round Chargers draft pick who cannot earn a new contract after his rookie deal.

Bradley Bozeman

The Chargers signed Bradley Bozeman to a league minimum deal after the veteran offensive lineman was waived by the Carolina Panthers this past offseason. Thus far, Bozeman has played like a veteran who was waived and could only muster a league-minimum deal.

This disappointment might be more geared toward Chargers fans, who should have known better than to expect too much out of a player like Bozeman. But that being said, even the most pessimistic fans probably expected better play out of Bozeman, who has legitimately been one of (if not the) worst starting centers in the NFL.

Derius Davis

Derius Davis just has not been the same dynamic difference-maker on special teams for the Chargers this season. This has been perhaps the biggest surprise as Davis as penciled in to be a dynamic force especially with special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken returning.

It was eventually announced Davis had been dealing with a hamstring injury, explaining why his impact has been lessened this season. While that helps explain it, it raises the question of why the Chargers are trotting someone out there who may not be 100%.