The Los Angeles Chargers have built a reputation for creating excitement during the offseason. This is often fueled by the strong quarterback play from  Philip Rivers and Justin Herbert. However, despite Herbert’s impressive performance, Harbaugh’s Chargers haven’t met expectations, consistently falling short of their pre-season wins. This disappointing outcome is often a recurring issue for the Chargers.

Jim Harbaugh recently joined the team as their new head coach and things are looking promising as of now. Even analyst Craig Carton recently acknowledged Harbaugh’s potential to elevate the Chargers to championship contenders, given his proven track record of success. However, to achieve this goal, the team must address several critical areas.

Harbaugh has to address 5 key issues for Chargers victory

Carton got pretty excited about Jim Harbaugh’s approach to achieving success and his ambitious goal of winning Lombardi trophies. He was confident enough to say, “I think he can win a Super Bowl year one. That guy is a great head coach, not a good head and all that dude has ever done at the pro level, at the college level is win”. The Chargers just have to address five key issues to become a serious contender for the championship, and here they are:

• Offensive Struggles and Quarterback Uncertainty

The Chargers’ offensive success often hinges on Justin Herbert’s exceptional passing ability, masking a weak run game. Sometimes, the team fails to capitalize on Herbert’s rookie contract due to defensive issues, poor drafting, and injuries resulting in zero playoff wins. For this, a long-term solution is crucial. Also, the absence of a dominant tight end like Travis Kelce creates a void in the offensive scheme. Will Dissly, while a capable blocker, isn’t a permanent answer.

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• Failure of the Defense

Despite Coach Staley’s defensive expertise earlier, the Chargers struggled to adapt. This resulted in the league’s worst run defense and consistent struggles against strong offenses. Ranking near the bottom in defensive efficiency since 2021, the defense significantly lags behind the 12th-ranked offense. While the team transitions to a more offense-oriented approach under Harbaugh, addressing defensive issues remains the main.

• Drafting Inefficiency

The Chargers are stuck in a financial dilemma of their own making. Poor draft choices have left them lacking depth, hindering the team’s development. Former GM Telesco’s refusal to trade back in the draft limited their ability to acquire valuable later-round picks, a cost-effective way to build a strong foundation. Further, big free-agent signings like J.C. Jackson haven’t delivered in the past, creating a cycle of high cap hits for underperforming players. This strategy has resulted in a roster heavily reliant on a few high-priced stars.  As a result, recently the Chargers had four of the top five cap hits for non-quarterbacks in the entire league.  This financial burden restricts their ability to address needs through the draft, keeping the cycle of limited depth, and hindering their overall competitiveness.

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• Inconsistent Returns

The Chargers’ issues extend far beyond individual player contracts.  Their struggling second-half season often stems from an ineffective running game and a leaky offensive line that fails to protect Justin Herbert. This lack of consistency is further evidenced by their concerning number of close losses – 21 since 2020, the most in the league during that timeframe. Also, the team’s historic playoff collapse last season, where they surrendered a massive 27-point lead to the Jaguars, stands as a glaring example of their inability to close out games under pressure.  These repeated instances point towards a deeper issue – a lack of mental toughness and a team culture that crumbles in crucial moments.

• Cultural Shift

Harbaugh’s arrival and new player acquisitions leaves a cultural shift within the team. However, addressing this early through practice sessions will allow for a smoother transition.

What are your thoughts on the Chargers’ chances for a Super Bowl win? Let us know in the comments below. 

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