The Los Angeles Chargers offense deserves their flowers. Below are some of the highlight-worthy players from the 2024 season.
To view our review of the 2024 defense go here.
Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Bright Spots
Ladd McConkey, Wide Receiver
I didn’t think I’d be talking as much about a rookie wide receiver this season, but McConkey was hard to ignore as he was just too darn good.
Taking into account the regular season and Wild Card game, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), McConkey led the team in targets (124), receptions (91), and receiving yards (1,346), and tied wide receiver Quentin Johnston for receiving touchdowns (eight).
I could go on and on about McConkey’s highlight reel but look no further than the touchdown from the Wild Card game, where he evaded cornerback Myles Bryant and kept going for 86 yards into the end zone, cementing a place in the record books for most receiving yards by a rookie in the postseason.
McConkey ended up being the deep threat, the reliable target, the pieces that quarterback Justin Herbert was missing without wide receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, and if the Los Angeles Chargers had had more McConkey’s, who knows what other feats they could’ve accomplished.
As McConkey develops even more chemistry with Herbert, and has an entire offseason to work on his skills, he’ll be well on his way to breaking more records this upcoming season.
Joe Alt, Right Tackle
Alt more than earned the first-round draft pick status as he got the second-best pass-blocking grade (78.1%) and third-best run-blocking grade (69.5%) of the Los Angeles Chargers, out of the regular season and postseason games combined.
He held his own against the likes of Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby during the season opener, allowing only one quarterback hurry and one pressure. And also showed off his versatility when he went back to his college roots and played left tackle during Week 18 when left tackle Rashawn Slater was out with an injury.
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Looking at the regular and postseason, he only allowed six sacks, one hit, 17 hurries, and 24 pressures. Though his run blocking needs a little work, he protected Herbert well, and I look forward to seeing him build off this stellar first season in September.
Will Dissly, Tight End
I’ve been singing Dissly’s praises all season and though he had two drops during the Wild Card matchup, including one that caused an interception, he was a reliable piece for Herbert.
In looking at the regular season and Wild Card game, Dissly had two receiving touchdowns and the second most yards after catch of all the pass-catchers on the team (317). He also had a career-high in receiving yards (497), targets (65), and receptions (52).
Dissly had so many great receiving moments, which is interesting as he originally was picked up as a blocking tight end. In particular, during Week 11 against the Bengals, he had a receiving touchdown on a go route during the first quarter and got another 20 yards on a catch during the second.
In terms of the hype on the blocking front that he was given by tight ends coach/run game coordinator Andy Bischoff, it was earned, as he had decent run blocking (62) and pass blocking (69.9) grades.
Dissly came in and made a bigger impact on the offense than intended, becoming that third receiver option when wide receiver D.J. Chark Jr. didn’t end up playing as much.
Dissly is signed until 2027 and it’s good to know the Los Angeles Chargers will have more time to see what other skills Dissly brings to the table.
J.K. Dobbins, Running Back
Dobbins should get Comeback Player of the Year at the NFL honors because, after seasons of injuries, he was thriving this past year. His stats, counting the Wild Card game, included career highs in areas like rushing yards (931), yards after contact (611), and missed tackles forced after a rush (39).
He was the actual spark for the Los Angeles Chargers running game, as it didn’t perform as well when he was on IR, and he became the go-to running back in every critical scenario. And best of all, he only missed four games due to injury in the 2024 season and played the most snaps (568) he’s ever played.
Dobbins has done more than enough to earn a contract extension and another season in LA. And if he can stay healthy, he’ll keep putting up more impressive numbers.
Rashawn Slater, Left Tackle
Slater put up another stellar season of protection with the highest PFF pass-blocking (89.9) and run-blocking (82.3) grades of the team when looking at stats from the combined regular and postseason games. He was also responsible for fewer quarterback hurries (16), and quarterback pressures (26) than in 2023.
Slater held up that left side, and though left guard Zion Johnson’s pass-blocking grade did improve from the previous season, Johnson struggled, allowing more sacks (seven), quarterback hits (14), and pressures (37) than in 2023.
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Slater earned another Pro Bowl selection this season and is up for a contract extension. And it’s a no-brainer that head coach Jim Harbaugh and company are going to make sure this man gets paid.
Honorable Mention: Justin Herbert, Quarterback
I cannot mention offense and not talk about Herbert. Though he didn’t put up the stats we’re used to seeing, and though he definitely choked a little during the Wild Card game, he still had a good season.
Before the Wild Card game, he only had three interceptions and beat Peyton Manning’s record for the most passing yards in his first five seasons. He also had the longest rush of his career during Week 18 against the Raiders for 41 yards.
He played through multiple ankle injuries and still led his team to victory. Herbert ultimately needs more weapons to throw to and even more protection, and he’ll be good to go for this upcoming season.