Ladd McConkey’s sophomore slump wasn’t about lost talent. Increased competition for targets, including Keenan Allen, predictable play-calling, injuries and offensive line issues all combined to limit his impact in year two.
The Los Angeles Chargers fell short of their Super Bowl goals this season, losing in the wild card round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Part of the team’s struggles were due to a lack of offensive production when it mattered most. Too often, the offense relied on the heroics of Justin Herbert — squeezing passes into impossibly tight windows or extending drives with his legs. His receivers, specifically Ladd McConkey, were often unable to consistently gain separation, something McConkey did with ease during his freshman season.
So what changed in year two for Ladd McConkey?
After an impressive rookie campaign, expectations were sky-high for McConkey heading into his sophomore season. His quickness, polish as a route runner and chemistry with Herbert made him look like a long-term staple in the Chargers’ offense. However, a combination of schematic issues, increased competition for targets and defensive adjustments led to a noticeable dip in production.
One of the most overlooked factors was the increase in offensive weapons around him. The return and heavy involvement of Keenan Allen immediately altered McConkey’s role. Allen remained Herbert’s security blanket, commanding targets on third downs and in high-leverage situations. With Allen dominating underneath routes and intermediate areas of the field, McConkey was often pushed into less favorable matchups or reduced to a secondary read. Simply put, there were fewer designed opportunities for him to be featured.
Scheme also played a significant role. Under offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Chargers leaned heavily into a run-first identity that limited creativity in the passing game. Route concepts were predictable, motion was rarely used to free receivers, and spacing often worked against players who rely on timing and leverage. McConkey is not a receiver who wins purely on size or strength — he needs smart design to create separation, something the offense struggled to provide.
Defenses, of course, adjusted. After flashing as a rookie, McConkey was no longer an afterthought. Corners played him more physically at the line of scrimmage, and safeties were quicker to close throwing windows. Without consistent threats elsewhere to stretch the field, defenders were able to sit on routes and disrupt timing with Herbert.
Injuries also contributed. While McConkey remained available for much of the season, nagging lower-body issues clearly limited his explosiveness. For a receiver whose game is built on sharp cuts and sudden acceleration, even a slight loss of burst can be the difference between separation and blanket coverage.
The offensive line struggles only magnified these problems. Herbert rarely had time to let routes fully develop, forcing quick throws or improvised plays. McConkey’s best work comes when he can manipulate defenders over the course of a route, something that became increasingly difficult behind a collapsing pocket.
Despite the disappointing sophomore season, it would be premature to label McConkey as a declining player. The talent that showed up in year one is still there. With the Chargers moving on from Greg Roman and potentially transitioning to a more receiver-friendly offense, McConkey could be positioned for a bounce-back year.
Year two may have been a step back, but it looks more like a product of circumstance than a true regression. With improved health, better schematics and a clearer role in the offense, Ladd McConkey’s best football could still be ahead of him.