After an impressive rookie season, Ladd McConkey regressed, and now the Chargers need him to return to form.
If the Chargers can't get external help at the wideout position, the growth might have to come from Ladd McConkey's development. Compared to his rookie season, McConkey had only 6 fewer targets but 16 fewer receptions. In year one, he had 112 targets for 82 catches compared to 106 for 66 in his sophomore campaign. In terms of yards, the dip was just as drastic. 1149 down to 789. The 82 catches for 1149 yards were both Chargers rookie records. While the records he broke were set in 16-season campaigns, he also played 16 games that year.
Even greater than the statistical test is the impact of the eye test. He was a key at securing first downs in year one, catching for 52 first downs (63 percent of his catches). In year two, it was down to 35 of his catches (53 percent of his catches.
The silver lining was that the potential McConkey showed in year one is still available to unlock. Both years in his career were under recently fired Greg Roman, so there wasn't a change in leadership or creativity. Coach Jim Harbaugh said the team is looking for a "fresh start" with the change, and this rejuvenation could really benefit them on the perimeter. With the crop of recently fired head coaches with offensive acumen, there could be potential for a serious upgrade or simply a reset.
Speaking of solving passing game problems internally, passing game coordinator Marcus Brady is being considered for the offensive coordinator role. He interviewed this week. He just completed his first year in L.A. after being a previous offensive consultant and offensive coordinator in Indianapolis. Quentin Johnston, on the other side of the offense, had a breakout year as well. A way-too-early storyline for 2026 is to see how whoever gets the OC role puts it all together.
The Quarterback position in L.A. seems set for the next decade. Maximizing the talent around him will be critical. McConkey is still on his rookie contract, and should he have mindblowing stats later on, his price will go up as well. Keenan Allen had a solid season, but he is certainly towards the end of his illustrious career.
The pain of back-to-back playoff losses in the Harbaugh and Herbert era should put a fire under McConkey and the rest of the offense to improve. After all, their talent is too good to only score 3 points in a playoff game.