The Los Angeles Chargers are a team that many people are keeping an eye on this offseason. They underwent some major changes already this offseason, as a regime change occurred in Los Angeles. Jim Harbaugh was hired away from the University of Michigan to be the team’s new head coach and Joe Hortiz was named general manager.
They will have their work cut out for them when it comes to the roster. The team is projected to be way over the salary cap at more than $35.5 million. That will lead to some tough decisions being made, as some big names could be released or traded to save some money.
Another reason people are interested in the Chargers is because they want to see what the new coaching staff will do for star quarterback, Justin Herbert. Despite some record-breaking production during his first four seasons in the NFL, Herbert hasn’t helped Los Angeles win very often.
When taking a look at his stats, it is hard to blame him for the lack of success when it comes to the team’s record. He has played under some underwhelming coaching and injury luck has never been in their favor.
NFL News & Rumors: Greg Roman, Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers Updates
What will Harbaugh and his staff do to change that? New offensive coordinator Greg Roman spoke to reporters on Thursday and is confident that he has a plan to help Herbert elevate his performance; establishing the run.
“Can you imagine Justin Herbert with a great running game?” Roman said. “… We don’t know, but I can imagine what it might look like. So that’s kind of the vision.”
It has been a long time since the Chargers fielded a strong running game. Every season since 2007 they have been outside of the top-10 in rushing offense, putting a ton of pressure on their quarterbacks to perform at a high level.
That is something Roman is hoping to change. It could include some personnel changes in the backfield, as Austin Ekeler, coming off a career-low 3.5 yards per carry, is hitting free agency.
“I think in this league, you can really, really help dictate the defenses if you have a strong running attack,” Roman said. “If you really talk to most defensive coordinators in this league and got ’em off to the side when they’re playing a really good running team, they’re sweating a little bit. They’re sleeping a little less that week.”
Roman is known for building strong running games. Most recently he was the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, who dominated opponents on the ground with the help of league MVP, Lamar Jackson.
NFL News & Rumors: Greg Roman, Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers Updates
The offense won’t look the same as it did with Jackson under center, as Herbert isn’t that kind of runner. He isn’t unathletic, but he isn’t looking to beat opponents with his legs in the same fashion as Jackson. Roman is already scheming what that could look like.
“It’s going to be a little different,” Roman said. “I think you’re going to see probably a multiple running game. You’ll probably see the use of motions and shifting, and then you’ll see a pretty diverse passing game.
“… Right now, everybody’s got a blank slate of who we can be or what we can do. Could be anything right now, our principles and whatnot of what we do offensively won’t change, but how they come to life on the field will.”
Having a more consistent run game to rely on would certainly make his life easier. Herbert could play off of that with play action and keep opponents guessing with motion and shifting. Ultimately, that is Roman’s goal as offensive coordinator; to make life as easy as possible for Herbert.
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