The Los Angeles Chargers are no stranger to great play from their centers, whether it be Nick Hardwick (now coaching their offensive line), Mike Pouncey, or Corey Linsley. Unfortunately, they are also all too familiar with suboptimal play from backups or below-average starters squashing the potential of their offense. Last year, the Chargers opened the season fifth in Expected Points Added per Play (EPA/Play) through three weeks of football. After losing Linsley for the season, the Chargers plummeted to 27th in EPA/Play from Weeks 4-18. While other factors did play a role there, it was clear the loss of an All-Pro center hurting communication and efficiency along the offensive line contributed significantly to the drop off in overall performance.
Enter 2024 veteran signing Bradley Bozeman, who has more riding on his shoulders this season than most analysts and fans are discussing.
In a vacuum, signing Bozeman was an excellent decision. The six-year pro was a solid center in offensive coordinator Greg Roman's scheme, where he started over 3,000 snaps for the Baltimore Ravens. It was exactly the low-risk, no-brainer move Chargers fans were hoping for when the news broke that Bozeman was being released by the Carolina Panthers. Bozeman could compete with another signing or a 2024 draft pick for the starting job and at worst provide depth along the offensive line.
The Chargers then threw fans a curve ball: They neither signed nor drafted another interior offensive lineman the entire rest of the offseason and preseason. As of today, the center position is now fully entrusted to Bozeman and backup Brenden Jaimes. Admittedly, that is concerning.
Bozeman joins the Chargers after his worst full-time season in the NFL, giving up 32 pressures and eight sacks last year. Among 36 centers with at least 200 pass-blocking snaps, Bozeman was 25th in Pass Blocking Efficiency (PBE), which tied 2023 fill-in starter Will Clapp. Brandon Thorn, one of the three go-to offensive line film watchers and experts, did not rank Bozeman as one of the 15 best centers in the NFL. In fact, even with Jason Kelce, Ryan Jensen, and Linsley all retiring, Bozeman did not even make honorable mentions.
Jaimes, his backup, has been up-and-down as a starter. There is an even mix of solid games and disaster moments through his brief career in the NFL. His 93.3 PBE in the preseason opener was alarming, but he went on to not allow a pressure the next two games. One thing is certain: Jaimes does not have a track record of success and stable backup play, which is cause for concern. There is no definitive reason to fully believe he can fill in for multiple games should Bozeman miss time.
Both Bozeman and Jaimes should see improved 2024 campaigns under the current regime. A Jim Harbaugh-led group will see their play elevated as the organization centers itself around the offensive line. There is hope for this starter-backup duo.
All the focus of this week will be on rookie Joe Alt's matchup with All-Pro Maxx Crosby, but more attention needs to be paid to Bozeman's Chargers debut. The veteran must rebound from 2023, stay healthy, and perform at an above-average level this entire year if the Chargers are to move past their projected 8.5 win total. If not, it could be a very long season for Justin Herbert and the offense.
