The numbers for the Chargers’ 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston are not nearly as pretty as some of his draft-class contemporaries. He has 44 yards on six receptions for the season. Against the Cowboys, Johnston had just one official target on Los Angeles’ final drive. That resulted in an interception and Johnston getting pushed over on a debatable pass interference call, but the refs tend to let players play in end-game situations.
Dallas was Johnston’s worst game of the season from a yards-per-route run standpoint. He didn’t seem entirely confident in his routes and ability to separate. That being said, it wasn’t all bad. Johnston did blow by Cowboys cornerback Jordan Lewis for what could’ve been a big play if Justin Herbert wasn’t hit as he threw. And again, while not every route was crisp in the game, the former TCU product has shown the explosiveness the Chargers drafted on reps that didn’t result in receptions.
You can't teach this twitch and explosion off the line by Quentin Johnston. pic.twitter.com/povPt64HTw
— Fusue (@DevyEusuf) October 19, 2023
Again, Dallas was far from Johnston’s best game, but it’s not as though he hasn’t been getting open. Brandon Staley talked about Herbert developing trust, and it seems like that will take time. Herbert has longer and more established relationships with receivers like Keenan Allen and Joshua Palmer.
But for Herbert to build that relationship with Johnston, Kellen Moore and Los Angeles’ offense must make getting him targets a focal point. Palmer’s relationship and development with Herbert partially accelerated last season because Mike Williams and Allen were out for several games, which forced him to be the No. 1 wideout.
The Chargers drafted Johnston as their yards-after-catch threat but aren’t using him in that role. Johnston has just two of his 12 targets over the middle of the field this season. The few screen attempts he’s gotten were fairly predictable play designs that got blown up in the backfield. One of Johnston’s 12 targets was a shovel pass forward directly into Christian Wilkins in the season opener against the Dolphins.
Has Johnston played without blame in all of these instances? No. As mentioned, there are moments where the route running could be crisper. He could stand to be more physical. But those things will come with time as he adjusts to the intensity of playing NFL defenses. For him to get acclimated, the onus is on the Chargers to integrate their first-round selection better than they are. And there hasn’t been much to show that the offense wouldn’t have similar issues in trying to bring along alternative offensive first-round selections to Johnston.
Also, what is the Chargers’ confidence interval in Johnston right now? Practice squad receiver Keelan Doss was playing multiple third-down snaps over him against Dallas in 11 personnel formations. How is Johnston supposed to be able to grow when you’re intentionally taking him off the field for practice squad players who are even more unlikely to be targeted?
The opportunities have been there for Johnston. It’s on Johnston to make the most of them when he gets them. But it’s also on Moore and Herbert to make a decisive effort to include him in the offense. A 48% snap share and one target aren’t enough. The lack of integration is on all parties, but it’s hard to watch the Chargers’ offense and think Johnston is the primarily one at fault.