The Los Angeles Chargers’ offense has found new life thanks to a dynamic trio of receivers. Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, and Ladd McConkey have turned last season’s weakness into a strength, giving Justin Herbert plenty of weapons despite the team’s struggles.
The Los Angeles Chargers may not be a perfect team this season. Their defense has struggled as of late, injuries have crippled the roster, and the offensive line has been subpar. After starting the season 3-0—with all wins coming against AFC West rivals—the Chargers have dropped three of their last four games and are now looking up at the Denver Broncos for the top spot in the division.
Despite these issues, one bright spot for the Chargers has been their receiving corps. Last season, the Chargers’ offense looked flat. Justin Herbert had a down year as he and the rest of the team adapted to yet another new head coach and offensive coordinator. Herbert’s passing options were limited. Ladd McConkey was terrific and exceeded all expectations in his rookie season, but outside of McConkey, there wasn’t a dependable option.
So far through Week 7, Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ offense have shown significant improvement. Coming into the season, everyone assumed McConkey would continue his ascension as WR1 for the Chargers. However, former first-round draft pick Quentin Johnston and returning Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen have both made strong cases of their own.
Since entering the league, Johnston had developed a reputation for dropping passes, but this season he seems to have figured it out. Through the first seven games, Johnston leads the team in touchdowns with five (in only six games), followed by Keenan Allen with four and Ladd McConkey with two. Johnston also leads all Chargers receivers in yards after catch with 133.
Despite Johnston’s lead in touchdowns, Chargers legend Keenan Allen is the team leader in both receiving yards (435) and receptions (44). This could be attributed to the chemistry he and Herbert established prior to Allen’s brief departure to Chicago. In a season where Herbert has had to escape pressure and make quick throws, having the luxury of targeting a trusted receiver like Allen has been invaluable. After a disappointing year with the Chicago Bears, it’s clear that Keenan Allen can still perform at an elite level in the NFL.
Regardless of who is truly the number-one receiver for the Chargers, the team has transformed one of its biggest weaknesses from last season into one of its greatest strengths. They’ve created a three-headed monster that makes life difficult for opposing defenses. Justin Herbert is capable of making any throw, so getting the football to his receivers has never been an issue. If the offensive line can keep him upright, all three wideouts should continue their outstanding seasons.