The Los Angeles Chargers are generating significant buzz this offseason, primarily due to major changes in their coaching staff. The team hired Jim Harbaugh as head coach and Joe Hortiz as general manager, signaling a new direction for the franchise. Beyond the coaching changes, the Chargers face significant salary cap challenges, projected to be over $35.5 million over the limit. This financial constraint will likely force difficult decisions regarding player personnel, potentially leading to the release or trade of key players.
However, much of the excitement surrounding the Chargers centers on star quarterback Justin Herbert and how the new coaching regime will impact his performance. Despite impressive individual statistics in his first four seasons, Herbert hasn’t led the team to consistent wins. While his on-field production is undeniable, many believe Herbert has been hampered by subpar coaching and persistent injury issues within the team.
New offensive coordinator Greg Roman addressed these concerns on Thursday, expressing confidence in his plan to elevate Herbert’s game: establishing a dominant running attack. “Can you imagine Justin Herbert with a great running game?” Roman asked. “… We don’t know, but I can imagine what it might look like. So that’s kind of the vision.” The Chargers have struggled to field a potent rushing attack for years, consistently ranking outside the top 10 in rushing offense since 2007. This deficiency has placed immense pressure on Chargers quarterbacks to carry the offensive load.
Roman aims to reverse this trend, potentially through personnel changes in the backfield, especially with Austin Ekeler, who averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry last season, entering free agency. “I think in this league, you can really, really help dictate the defenses if you have a strong running attack,” Roman stated. “If you really talk to most defensive coordinators in this league and got ’em off to the side when they’re playing a really good running team, they’re sweating a little bit. They’re sleeping a little less that week.”
Roman’s track record supports his confidence. As offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, he orchestrated a formidable ground game led by league MVP Lamar Jackson. While acknowledging that Herbert’s running style differs significantly from Jackson’s, Roman envisions a multifaceted rushing attack tailored to Herbert’s strengths.
“It’s going to be a little different,” Roman explained. “I think you’re going to see probably a multiple running game. You’ll probably see the use of motions and shifting, and then you’ll see a pretty diverse passing game… Right now, everybody’s got a blank slate of who we can be or what we can do. Could be anything right now, our principles and whatnot of what we do offensively won’t change, but how they come to life on the field will.”
A consistent running game would alleviate pressure on Herbert, allowing him to capitalize on play-action opportunities and exploit defenses with pre-snap motion and shifts. Ultimately, Roman’s objective is to simplify Herbert’s responsibilities and maximize his effectiveness. A potent running attack, combined with Herbert’s arm talent and Roman’s offensive ingenuity, could transform the Chargers into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
