The Los Angeles Chargers had a laundry list of issues last season. Despite having a roster that was viewed to be talented, with a star young quarterback, the team largely underachieved in 2023. That lack of production led the organization to move on from their head coach Brandon Staley in favor of Jim Harbaugh as they turned the page to a new chapter.
With Harbaugh now in the fold, it comes with a change in the offensive coordinator position as well. With Kellen Moore now in Philadelphia with the Eagles, Greg Roman is the man in charge of the offense in L.A., and his idea of adding real talent to the running back position to help Justin Herbert and Co. could help the Chargers reach new heights in 2024 and beyond.
Greg Roman Looks To Pair Herbert With Great Running Game
It’s been over 16 years since the last time the Chargers had a running game that was ranked within the top 10 in the NFL, and their new OC is hoping to change that, to the benefit of Herbert.
“Can you imagine Justin Herbert with a great running game?” Roman said on Thursday, via ESPN. “We don’t know, but I can imagine what it might look like. So that’s kind of the vision.”
In a league that seems to continue to progress further toward having an elite passing game as the reason for success, Roman still sees the value and importance of having a quality running game to help the offense as a whole.
“I think in this league, you can really, really help dictate the defenses if you have a strong running attack,” Roman said. “If you really talk to most defensive coordinators in this league and got ’em off to the side when they’re playing a really good running team, they’re sweating a little bit. They’re sleeping a little less that week.”
It’s a true change in philosophy for the Chargers as they never finished higher than 21st in rushing yards during Staley’s tenure.
If they do choose to be aggressive in acquiring running back talent, players such as Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs look to be available, in addition to the 2024 NFL Draft class.
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With Roman in charge, and a list of quality free agents becoming available when the new league year begins, the Chargers and Co. are focused on improving that facet of their game as they look to help Herbert and the offense reach new heights in 2024.
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