The Chargers have been superb on the defensive side of the ball, while the passing offense has been poor.
The Chargers enter the bye week with a 2-2 record.
There have been a lot of good things on both sides of the ball, but one thing has hindered them up to this point in the season.
Here are four notable numbers after four weeks of the regular season:
136.5
When Greg Roman was hired as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, everyone knew that Justin Herbert and the passing game would likely take a backseat while the running game would become more of a priority. However, we weren’t expecting that department to be as inefficient as it is. The Bolts are averaging 136.5 passing yards per game, which ranks 31st in the NFL. He’s had four consecutive games with fewer than 200 passing yards. It doesn’t help that Herbert has been dealing with his high ankle sprain and the team was without Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt in Week 4, but it’s concerning that they haven’t been playing to their best player’s strengths.
7
Even though there isn’t a lot to write home about the Chargers’ passing offense, Ladd McConkey’s rookie season has been very encouraging. According to CBS Sports’ Jacob Gibbs, McConkey is seventh among 102 qualified players in targets per route run. He is averaging more PPR points per route (0.53) than Marvin Harrison Jr. (0.52). A.J. Brown averaged 0.54 through his first four games as a rookie. McConkey had his most productive performance in the season in Week 4, finishing with five catches on seven targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. Don’t be surprised if he continues to grow as Herbert’s primary target moving forward. He has proven himself to be a slick separator with reliable hands.
6.1
Ahead of the season, J.K. Dobbins said he was ready to remove the “injury-prone” label and return to his old ways. Dobbins has stuck to his word, as he’s been one of the most productive running backs thus far. He is averaging 6.1 yards per carry, the most among backs with at least 30 rushes.
12.5
Jesse Minter’s defense is playing at a high level. They have only allowed 12.5 points per game, which ranks No. 1 in the league. Minter’s pressure packages have had a positive impact. Up front, they have been stout against the run, only allowing 94 yards per game (5th). The players in the middle and on the back end have done a great job of rallying to the football and making plays in the open field.
