Through the first four weeks of the 2024 NFL season, the Los Angeles Chargers are 27th in dropback expected points added per play and 30th in dropback success rate on third down. Justin Herbert has been playing through a high ankle sprain, the offensive line collapses at the worst moments, and the Chargers' array of pass catchers is not getting it done on third down. It may be time for general manager Joe Hortiz to find Herbert a reliable third-down safety outlet at running back or tight end.
Chargers running backs have just 11 catches for 46 yards so far, a total that was mostly flatlining until JK Dobbins caught a 14-yard screen against the Kansas City Chiefs. Even in his worst statistical season, Austin Ekeler had 177 receiving yards and a touchdown through the first four games of 2023.
Among 56 running backs with at least five targets in 2024, Dobbins is 43rd in Yards After Catch per Reception (YAC/REC) and 46th in Yards per Route Run (Y/RR). Herbert has neither an explosive nor reliable option to check down to at running back.
Hayden Hurst has not had the career resurgence many fans were hoping for. Through four games, the veteran tight end has just 59 receiving yards and is averaging 0.79 Y/RR, which is 37th out of 54 tight ends with at least five targets. Will Dissly, surprisingly, leads the NFL in Y/RR with 2.74. He has been incredible in limited opportunities. Would Greg Roman opt to get the blocking tight end more involved?
Defenses continue to harass the Chargers on third down because the line is struggling, Herbert is injured, and the wideouts (outside of Ladd McConkey) are struggling to separate. The Chargers need to look at the free agent and trade market to see if a more reliable pass-catching option is available to help them progress as an offense.
