Despite a quiet start for the first-round pick, the Chargers’ quarterback signals a shift in strategy to unleash the former Horned Frog’s explosive athleticism in space.
Quentin Johnston’s early-season production has not matched the expectations surrounding the former TCU standout, but Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert believes there is still a clear path for the wide receiver to become a bigger part of the offense.
Through the Chargers’ first two games, Johnston has recorded just three catches for 24 yards without a touchdown. His Week 2 performance was particularly quiet, as he finished with only one reception for seven yards despite Los Angeles needing more production from its passing game.
Still, Herbert believes the Chargers are making an effort to get Johnston involved.
"I think Mike has done a good job of trying to get him involved," Herbert said Wednesday after practice. "I think he’s gotten a bunch of targets and ways to get him the ball in space."
At the same time, Herbert acknowledged that the Chargers can do more to put Johnston in positions to make an impact.
"We can always do a better job of getting him the ball and making sure he does something special with it."
That could be an important development for Johnston as Los Angeles attempts to turn around a sluggish start. The Chargers are 0-2 and have struggled to find consistency under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Through two games, Los Angeles is averaging just 14 points per game while ranking near the bottom of the league in several offensive categories.
Oh, and on Sunday at noon they play the powerhouse Bills.
The 2023 first-round pick entered the NFL with plenty of expectations after starring at TCU, where his combination of size, speed and playmaking ability made him one of the nation's most dangerous receivers.
His NFL career has been uneven to this point, however, and the Chargers need to find ways to maximize what he can bring to the offense.
That could mean creating more opportunities for Johnston to make plays in space, something Herbert specifically referenced. Rather than simply increasing his target total, Los Angeles could look for creative ways to utilize his athleticism and allow him to build momentum within games.
The Chargers have plenty of season remaining to figure things out, but Johnston's involvement will be worth watching as they try to get their offense moving.
For TCU fans, seeing Johnston emerge as a larger part of Herbert and McDaniel's plans would provide an opportunity for the former Horned Frog to begin showing more consistently why Los Angeles selected him in the first round.
Herbert's comments suggest the quarterback and coaching staff recognize that potential. Now, the next step is turning those opportunities into production.
