The Los Angeles Chargers have yet to find continuity along their offensive line in 2025, and the consequences have been glaring. Injuries, constant shuffling, and inconsistent play have left the unit struggling to protect Justin Herbert and open running lanes, ultimately impacting the team’s offensive production.
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Harbaugh Explains Lineup Changes
Head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed the frequent rotation at tackle after Bobby Hart struggled at left tackle against the Houston Texans.
“Bobby has been playing really well at right tackle, but he was having trouble getting into a rhythm at left tackle. We put Austin in there as a swing tackle for the game,” Harbaugh said.
The decision reflects the ongoing challenge of finding stability along the Chargers’ offensive front. Hart, a veteran primarily at right tackle, has been inconsistent at left tackle, while Austin Deculus has been shuffled between positions to fill gaps caused by injuries and underperformance.
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Constant Shuffling and Snap Data
The Chargers have deployed multiple offensive line combinations this season. The most frequent lineups featuring Bobby Hart and Austin Deculus include:
- Zion Johnson, Austin Deculus, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Bobby Hart (178 snaps)
- Zion Johnson, Jamaree Salyer, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Bobby Hart (106 snaps)
- Zion Johnson, Joe Alt, Bradley Bozeman, Foster Sarell, Bobby Hart (69 snaps)
- Zion Johnson, Bobby Hart, Bradley Bozeman, Mekhi Becton, Trey Pipkins (35 snaps)
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Individual Performance Metrics
Bobby Hart
- Right Tackle: 392 snaps, 11 pressures, 11 hurries, 0 sacks
- Left Tackle: 35 snaps, 3 pressures, 1 hurry, 2 sacks
Austin Deculus
- Left Tackle: 389 snaps, 21 pressures, 9 hurries, 4 sacks
- Right Tackle: 22 snaps, 1 pressure, 1 hurry, 0 sacks
Hart performs best at right tackle, where his pass protection metrics are strongest, while Deculus shows slightly better efficiency at right tackle, albeit in far fewer snaps.
Week 17 Loss Highlights Issues
The Chargers’ 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 17 underscored the consequences of offensive line instability. Early miscues and a lack of protection contributed to Herbert being sacked five times and limited the team’s offensive rhythm. Mekhi Becton and Bobby Hart were both benched during the game, highlighting the ongoing struggles at tackle.
“The only surprising thing this season is how bad Becton has been. A year ago he was a major contributor on the Eagles’ Super Bowl line,” one observer noted.
The game also solidified the Broncos’ hold on the AFC West, leaving the Chargers with a steep uphill climb in the playoffs.
A Rare Glimpse of Cohesion
Despite a season defined by attrition, the Chargers saw a brief moment of stability in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys. Harbaugh praised the group for their performance:
“I thought those guys really stepped up. You’ve got to salute Austin Deculus for the effort he gave and the way he played — I thought he was really good. Zion Johnson just continues to be great. Bradley Bozeman was extremely good. Mekhi Becton was extremely good. Bobby Hart as well. Overall, I thought the group played really well.”
The line delivered strong pass protection, allowing minimal pressures and no sacks, while also paving the way for 152 rushing yards at 4.61 yards per carry. It was the kind of cohesive effort the Chargers have rarely seen this season.
Season-Long Challenges
Injuries have decimated the tackle position, with Rashawn Slater, Branson Taylor, and Savion Washington missing the entire season. Joe Alt, Foster Sarell, and Trevor Penning have missed multiple games, forcing constant reshuffling. Through 16 games, the Chargers have allowed 51 sacks and 277 pressures on 590 pass plays — nearly half of all dropbacks.
The instability has exposed the offense to consistent edge pressure and mismatches against top pass rushers, highlighting the urgent need for continuity along the line.
Looking Ahead
While Week 16 offered a glimpse of what the Chargers’ offensive line can achieve when healthy and aligned, the Week 17 loss reminds fans that consistency remains elusive. For the Chargers to make a meaningful playoff run, they will need more nights of cohesion like the one against Dallas — and far fewer struggles along the edges.