Is The Los Angeles Chargers Offense Trending Up Or Still A Bottom-Dweller?

The Los Angeles Chargers entered their bye week with a 2-2 record and an offense struggling to find consistency, particularly in the passing game. However, coming out of the break, the offense has shown signs of life, improving in both passing and total yards. bottom-dweller

Let’s break down how this Chargers offense has evolved over the last few weeks, and whether it’s enough to solidify them as a playoff threat in the second half of the season.

Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Yardage Overview

NFL: New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

In their first four games, the Los Angeles Chargers’ total offensive output was inconsistent, peaking in Week 2 with 349 yards and hitting a season-low of 210 yards in Week 3 against Pittsburgh.

Post-bye, the offense has averaged 391.3 total yards per game, a notable improvement from their pre-bye average of 278.25 yards per game.

WeekTotal YardsPassing YardsRushing Yards
1320144176
2349130219
321014961
423417955
6365237128
740834959
8401279122

Passing Game: Finding A Rhythm?

NFL: New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Before the bye, Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers’ aerial attack seemed to be limited, particularly against defenses like Carolina and Pittsburgh, where he passed for just 130 and 125 yards, respectively.

Post-bye, Herbert has stepped up significantly, throwing for a season-high 349 yards in a narrow loss to Arizona in Week 7 and 279 yards in the Chargers’ recent win over New Orleans.

This resurgence has been essential in keeping the offense balanced, especially when defenses have stacked the box against J.K. Dobbins.

Also Read: 3 Trades To Improve The Los Angeles Chargers

Herbert’s improved accuracy and ability to stretch the field have allowed receivers like Ladd McConkey and Will Dissly to make big plays, as seen with McConkey’s 111 yards in Week 8. McConkey in particular could be on an upward trend as the rookie continues to get more reps under his belt.

The more consistent passing attack has forced defenses to respect the pass, creating better opportunities in the run game.

Ground Game: J.K. Dobbins’ Mixed Output

NFL: New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

J.K. Dobbins has been a focal point of the Los Angeles Chargers’ offense, showing elite rushing performances in Weeks 1 and 2 with 135 and 131 yards, respectively. Yet, in Weeks 3 and 4, Dobbins was largely neutralized, rushing for just 44 and 32 yards.

His production has fluctuated post-bye as well, with notable performances like his 96-yard game against Denver, but a meager 40 yards in the loss to Arizona.

This inconsistency has been partly offset by Herbert’s passing, but for the Chargers to sustain offensive momentum, a more stable run game will be essential.

Points Per Game And Record

The Los Angeles Chargers have averaged 19.1 points per game across their first eight games. Post-bye, the Chargers’ points per game have increased slightly, with recent high-scoring performances like their 26-point outing against New Orleans in Week 8.

Pre-Bye Weeks (1-4):

  • Points per Game: 16.25
  • Record: 2-2

Post-Bye Weeks (6-8):

  • Points per Game: 21.67
  • Record: 2-1

Analysis: Has The Chargers Offense Improved?

Yes, the Chargers’ offense has shown tangible improvement since their Week 5 Bye, especially in total yardage and passing efficiency.

Herbert’s elevated play post-bye has redefined the Chargers’ offensive capabilities, making them more versatile and difficult to defend.

Dobbins’ occasional struggles remain a point of concern, but the team’s balanced approach and Herbert’s increased connection with his receivers have set a solid foundation for the latter half of the season.

The road ahead remains challenging for the Chargers, who will need continued consistency from both their passing and rushing attacks to maintain a winning record. If Herbert continues his upward trend, and if Dobbins can return to early-season form, the Chargers’ offense could become a formidable force in the AFC playoff race.