Los Angeles Chargers: 11 wins – 6 losses, 2nd AFC West, 5th AFC
Year one of hiring a new coach is often one of building, rarely one of winning. Even less for a young group which has lost executives. And yet, Jim Harbaugh's men obtained a logical qualification for the playoffs, even offering a more attractive game at the end of the season.
How did they get there?
What's remarkable about Los Angeles is that it's not a team that got to the playoffs through ups, downs and flukes. The Chargers have gotten the job done all season, beating weaker teams and competing with bigger squads.
Taking advantage of a rather affordable schedule, the Chargers quickly consolidated their status as playoff contenders. It's now done, and the rest will be almost entirely “bonus”.
The key player: Ladd McConkey (WR)
Chosen in the 2nd round of the 2024 draft, Ladd McConkey had the difficult mission of making Keenan Allen forget. He answered the call, surpassing 1,000 yards and becoming Justin Herbert's number 1 target. Jim Harbaugh has learned to use him better and better each week, evidence of the constant evolution of the offensive approach around the young star.
With an extraordinary suddenness of movement, he is an absolutely remarkable route runner, capable of regularly standing out against cornerbacks as well as against safeties. Slot player par excellence, he was a real lifeline for Justin Herbert who doesn't have many other targets.
Why are they going to go through with it?
Justin Herbert is one of the 10 best quarterbacks in this league, or even the top 5. This is de facto a huge argument for a team that wants to win games. But this is not the only offensive asset, since this squad also relies on a formidable tackling duo, Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. It's not “sexy”, but it's effective and helps the running game and the passing game.
But it was the defense that carried the team for a large part of the season. If the squad does not have big stars, apart from Derwin James and Khalil Mack, each player contributes and seems to have absorbed the system. It is also the success of a staff that gets the best out of each player, and a personal victory for Jim Harbaugh.
Why won't they go?
If the Chargers are a complete team, the matches against the “big guys” have shown that there is a glass ceiling for the moment. This squad lacks stars, particularly at the level of receivers, defensive line and linebackers.
Against full teams, Los Angeles suffers. Structural weaknesses exist, and coaching cannot do everything. There is a dimension between being a playoff team and playing for the title. If the Chargers do not yet seem armed for the title, the dynamic for the future is good.
Injured players
If the Chargers had such a good season, it is also because the group did not experience any major injuries. The only group that suffers is that of the defensive backs, notably with the absences of Asante Samuel, Marcus Maye and Eli Apple. Nothing insurmountable on paper.
Prognosis
The last week presented a great opportunity for the Chargers. Rather than facing the Ravens, Los Angeles got 5th place right under the Steelers' noses. Direct consequence, the first opponent will be the Texans, not the Ravens.
Given the dynamics of the two teams, the Chargers have a real chance to win this game. The rest, however, risks being too high a step for the Chargers, since the big names are a dimension above. However, a single victory would already be a great success for Jim Harbaugh's first season.
