Why Quentin Johnston is the missing piece for the Chargers offense

Quentin Johnston was selected 21st overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2022 Draft. This pick was controversial among Charger fans and some analysts because of the other available options like Zay Flowers and Nolan Smith.

After the Chargers’ season ended abruptly, many questions arose about the future of the franchise. A major problem with the 2022 Chargers was inconsistent offense, even with Justin Herbert running the show.

2022 Chargers Offensive Struggles

There were major flaws going into the 2022 season for the Chargers, none more obvious than a lack of speed.

Hebert shined in his rookie season because of the deep-threat potential of wideouts Jalen Guyton and Tyron Johnson. The Bolts had one of the worst-ranked offensive lines that season, yet Herbert continued to shine.

Since then, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco has made it an emphasis to build the offensive line, with two 1st round picks in a row being linemen. While focusing on protecting the face of the franchise, their WR position depth took a backseat.

Pass blocking is very important for a young QB, but the lack of deep threats in the Chargers’ offense played into the offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi running similar plays every 3rd down as they could not run home run plays with the lack of speed.

Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are great wideouts, but their injury history is a real concern. As well as this, Joshua Palmer is still yet to break out as a young talent. Unfortunately, they all lack speed, Williams being the fastest.

It is very exciting to see the Chargers add multiple deep-threat weapons this offseason with the additions of Johnston, as well as 4th-round pick Derius Davis and two undrafted free agent WRs.

What Johnston and Cast Bring to the Table for the 2023 Bolts

Johnston would be one of the fastest WRs on the roster with 4.4 speed, and that is not his biggest strength. His run-after-the-catch ability is what makes him a 1st round talent.

He ranked 2nd in average yards after catch (YAC) in the FBS. This means he does not need to catch a ball 50-yards down the field to make explosive plays happen.

The Chargers needed this type of WR even with a healthy team last year as all of their wideouts specialize in possession catching with not much after the catch, adding to the one-dimensional passing game.

The addition of Johnston’s college teammate WR Davis adds special teams help which was lacked all of last year, ranking 30th in kickoff returns.

The 5-foot-8 speed machine Davis also adds the gadget play potential with jet sweeps and handoffs that the Chargers tried to force with specialist Deandre Carter last year that failed many times.

The fear with Johnston is a lack of aggressiveness when the ball is in the air at times, but as that is an important trait, the Bolts do not need that. They already have jump ball extraordinaire Mike Williams to take care of that. 

Johnston is more raw than some 1st round wideouts have been, but what he excels in already, the Chargers desperately needed last year and can implement to its fullest with new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. 

Stay tuned for more breaking NFL content, including midseason moves, contract updates and more news from every team.

Featured image courtesy of NFL.com

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• Source: https://thegamehaus.com/nfl/why-quentin-johnston-is-the-missing-piece-for-the-chargers-offense/2023/05/25/