Mike McDaniel Needs to Commit to Omarion Hampton

The Los Angeles Chargers are off to an 0-5 start and desperately need to find some answers on offense. While there are plenty of issues to address, one decision that needs to change immediately is how Mike McDaniel is utilizing Omarion Hampton. The former first-round pick should be the focal point of the Chargers’ rushing attack, yet his role has seemingly decreased as Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal have become more involved.

Hampton entered the season with the potential to establish himself as the Chargers’ featured running back. Instead, McDaniel has opted for a three-man rotation that has made it difficult for any of the backs to find a consistent rhythm. While Mitchell and Vidal have shown flashes, the Chargers need to stop treating Hampton like just another piece of the rotation and start utilizing him like a bell-cow running back.

The numbers tell the story. Hampton opened the season with 12 carries against Arizona before receiving 23 carries against Las Vegas. Since then, his workload has dropped to 15 carries against Buffalo, nine against Seattle and 14 against Denver. His nine carries against the Seahawks marked the first time this season he failed to reach double digits. Meanwhile, Mitchell and Vidal have seen their opportunities increase.

There is no denying that Vidal has made the most of his chances. His 42-yard touchdown against Denver was an impressive play and showed the explosiveness he can bring to the offense. Mitchell also offers a different dimension with his speed. Both players deserve roles in the offense, but that doesn’t mean Hampton should be losing opportunities.

Hampton is a former first-round pick for a reason. The Chargers invested significant draft capital in him because they believed he could become a difference-maker in the backfield. He has already shown that potential, including a 94-yard rushing performance against the Raiders. Through five games, he has rushed for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Those numbers aren’t spectacular, but it is difficult to establish consistency when your workload keeps changing.

McDaniel has previously indicated that he wants to use the hot hand in the backfield. That approach might make sense when a team has multiple established playmakers, but the Chargers are struggling to find an offensive identity. They need to simplify things rather than constantly shuffle their running backs. Giving Hampton a larger workload would allow him to get into a rhythm and give the offensive line a more consistent approach to the running game.

That doesn’t mean Mitchell and Vidal should be completely removed from the offense. Mitchell can be used in situations that take advantage of his speed, while Vidal can provide valuable depth and give Hampton occasional breaks. However, Hampton should be getting the majority of the carries, especially on early downs and in short-yardage situations.

The Chargers also need to find ways to get Hampton more involved in the passing game. He has the ability to contribute as a receiver, which could give Justin Herbert another reliable option and force opposing defenses to account for him in multiple ways.

At 0-5, the Chargers need to figure out what works before the season gets any further away from them. Continuing to rotate three running backs without establishing a clear lead option isn’t helping the offense find consistency.

McDaniel needs to commit to Hampton and see what he can do with a full workload. The Chargers spent a first-round pick on him because they believed he could be their running back of the future. It’s time to start treating him like one.