By prioritizing youth over veteran experience, Los Angeles boasts a resilient core built to outlast rivals and leverage Justin Herbert’s elite talent for a deep postseason run.
The Los Angeles Chargers have a hidden advantage ahead of the season. The Chargers have the young team built to withstand the rigors of an NFL season.
Whether the roster construction is viewed as a plus or not really depends on perspective. On one hand, Chargers players should be able to stay fresh longer and recover more quickly than older teams. On the other hand, veteran teams may be able to take advantage of Los Angeles' youth and inexperience.
Chris Roling of Los Angeles Chargers on SI discussed the perceived advantage. Here's what Roling had to say about it all.
"Start with the easy stuff: Justin Herbert is still only 28 years old. In fact, going back to last year, the Chargers were doing a pretty good job on the age front while doing some serious roster churn over the first two years of the Jim Harbaugh era.
That’s a big part of the reason why Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently put the Chargers at sixth overall in his ranking of every NFL team’s young core.
'Los Angeles opened last season as the seventh-youngest team in the NFL,' Knox wrote. 'They experienced multiple injuries along the offensive line, and yet, they still finished with their second straight playoff berth.'
Much of the current young star power rests on Herbert’s side of the ball. There are the big names in the offensive trenches, plus Ladd McConkey at wideout, Oronde Gadsden at tight end and Omarion Hampton at running back."
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the second quarter against the New England Patriots in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesWhile young, this Chargers' roster is battle tested. Despite a playoff loss to the New England Patriots, returning players know what a postseason road matchup feels like and what pressure it brings. They know how a playoff atmosphere can affect a game. They have already experienced big moments.
The sample of big game moments, though small, mitigates the perceived lack of experience the team may have. It could be the ultimate reason the Chargers break through next year if they are to advance further in the 2026 postseason.
The one young player with the greatest potential to transform the team is the team's quarterback Justin Herbert. Should new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's offense work, it could pay off big for Herbert and the Chargers' ability to elevate their ceiling.
Youth can be a weakness, but for the Chargers it might be a strength. Los Angeles will look to utilize all of its advantages when the season kicks off in September.