The Los Angeles Chargers Will Not Be a Playoff Team Unless They Improve Their Offense

Can the Los Angeles Chargers' defense carry them to the playoffs despite a struggling offense? With a dominant defense but an offense that falters, the Chargers face a critical juncture in their season.
This episode breaks down the Chargers' performance, focusing on the impressive defensive lineup and the challenges faced by Justin Herbert and the offensive line. Key discussions include the impact of injuries, the potential culture shift under Jim Harbaugh, and the upcoming showdown against the Denver Broncos. Are Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt already among the franchise's best tackles? And how will the Chargers' offensive line adapt to improve their playoff chances?
Join us for an engaging analysis of the Chargers' season dynamics and the crucial factors that could define their path forward. Listen now for unique insights and expert opinions on the Chargers' journey.
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…
🎧 link.chtbl.com/LOChargers?sid=KZbin
Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft & More
🎧 linktr.ee/LockedOnNFL
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Hillsdale College
All of Hillsdale’s courses are self-paced so that you can start whenever, and tune in wherever. Plus, you can go deeper with readings, quizzes, discussions - or just enjoy the lectures. Go right now to hillsdale.edu/lockedon to enroll. There’s no cost, and it’s easy to get started.
Zbiotics
Go to zbiotics.com/LOCKEDONNFL to learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use LOCKEDONNFL at checkout.
PrizePicks
Download the app or click HERE and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
FanDuel
Place your first FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - guaranteed ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply.
BetterHelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON today to get 10% off your first month.
Robinhood
The new gold standard is here with Robinhood Gold. Sign up at robinhood.com/gold Terms apply, for product specific disclosures visit robinhood.com/gold. Investing involves risk. Rate may change. Gold membership is offered by Robinhood Gold, LLC.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

[@JoseLopez-on8tr]

I’m from Colorado, going to my first Chargers Game this weekend, I’m excited and can’t wait!!! BTFU⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@jeffbounds7025]

@@JoseLopez-on8tr Going into enemy territory, hell yeah stud!!! BTFU ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@codywirth8190]

This offense needs more deception, trickery, misdirection, eye candy, motion etc. We simply don't have the raw talent to just go push teams around in this vanilla ass system. And if the few talented players we have go down to injury, we're screwed.

[@jeffbounds7025]

We were warned about the lack of talent in the offseason

[@codywirth8190]

@@jeffbounds7025 Yeah, but that's something we couldn't really control. But our game plan is definitely something we CAN control.

[@jeffbounds7025]

@@codywirth8190 we can’t control the roster that we inherited, but it’s still real. I think a lot of fans came into this season with too high expectations. This is a true rebuild season for the Chargers.

[@joffyjoffa]

I was just telling a friend yesterday. We can't go where we need to go as a team if Herbert is being used as a game manager. Joe Hortiz said we need to be just as effective passing or running and need to have a BALANCED ATTACK and this is simply just not enough . Harbaugh needs to step in as well the offense needs to wake up WE NEED MORE OUT OF HERBERT as well.

[@kevinlee8935]

I agree 100% I almost feel like something's wrong with Herbert he hasn't been pushing the ball downfield ever since that rib injury almost like he's a little gun shy now he's missing open receivers

[@joffyjoffa]

@@kevinlee8935 Yeah Bro unfortunately I've been seeing that too. Even when the ball leaves his hand it doesn't look the way that it use to which is part of what made him special in his own regard. We know what he CAN do but we need to see him at least close to the old Herbert again. Before the injuries last year it was the same feeling like something just isn't right with MY BOY.

[@codywirth8190]

I want to see Herbert tee off as much as anyone, but that Josh Allen hero ball shit that Herbert did for the last 4 years is so unstable for so many reasons. Plus it's not a stretch to stay Herbert is injury prone at this point so protecting him by limiting passes until we get more weapons feels like the right thing to do. Run games also wear down defenses, control the clock, slow down pass rushes, open up the secondary etc. Look at what Shanahan built around Purdy in a "run first" regime. Purdy is top 5 every damn year in stats. Alls we really need right now is a truly elite Allen level WR that can consistently beat 1 on 1's and we'll be sitting just fine.

[@goldteethpoohproductions2707]

You guys have to stop that whining it's only 4 freaking games in Year 1 with a coach and new OC You guys play too much fantasy football and Madden give it some time you already seen the last 4 years doing it on Herbert's back and it gotten us one playoff appearance relax

[@TheRealYoungOz]

@@kevinlee8935it’s no downfield route lmao if we being honest we might have thrown 6 in 4 games lol all to Qj we have to throw it down field and make mf respect it that’s why we need chark and it’ll open things up but we need to be able to run the ball I think Herbert is trying but they just not winning routes or catching tough catches he needs a star te if we playing this style

[@CalebCollins-t4b]

The process is a real thing. Reid struggled a little bit when he first started with the Chiefs. Herbert IS making elite throws still. He also is missing guys down field. Every QB misses guys every game. But, Roman and his staff need to formulate better schemes to get guys open. 5-8 yard wide open routes are better than 50/50 bombs. Why? Because with an elite defense all you need to do is consistently move the ball 🏈. The point follow after that. That’s why the Chiefs are so good. They can consistently move the ball when they need to.

[@allsense8703]

The chiefs were good years before mahomes got there

[@CalebCollins-t4b]

@@allsense8703 I never said they weren’t …I’m talking about trusting the process and the coaching like the Chiefs did with Reid. No need to panic yet

[@allsense8703]

@@CalebCollins-t4b ofc I understand

[@Magooswaorld]

I disagree with you. It is a must win because every division game is a must win. Plus our record in Denver is bad we must improve it.

[@ianbalauro6739]

Rebuilding yo!! Dont get your hopes up

[@CarioCobain]

it’s clear Roman isn’t the guy that will get the most out of Herbert. No modern passing schemes. i have doubts Jim will fire his bestie within 2 maybe even 3 years. crazy how one bad coach might fold the season. we have needs but we’re a playoff team right now with a good OC. it’s too bad

[@kalvinknab5963]

If we can’t rattle Nix with blitz packages and coverages, then Denver has a chance.

[@ChonJoven]

Don’t be so doom and gloom, Harbaugh has been around a long time and will adapt. We have 4 winnable games in the next 5 weeks, even with a lackluster offense.

[@michaelbell75]

Which are the winnable games? We aren’t beating the Broncos or the Cardinals. We have only beat the two worst teams in the league, that’s it

[@ChonJoven]

Titans and Browns are some of the worst 2 teams which we play in the next 5 weeks. Broncos we are favored (+3) and Vegas doesn’t mess up too often . That leaves we need to either beat the saints or cardinals to get get 4 wins in the next 5 weeks.

[@michaelbell75]

@@ChonJoven Browns have a top 5 defense and the Chargers offense looked pathetic the last two weeks against top 5 defenses. I don’t even trust this team to beat the Titans.

[@kalvinknab5963]

This is the best offense they have put around Herbert. We haven’t seen much improvement due to injuries to key players on Offense. So far, we see that Gus isn’t what we were told. Palmer is going to be in and out due to his health. If Dobbins goes down we are really hurting. Perhaps it is too much pressure to feel this squad can be good right away. Another draft and next year’s FA will get us closer to success. We can only hope this year reaps any success.

[@kevinlee8935]

This isn't a must win not even close but it's definitely an indicator of where we're heading and I also believe this is going to be a big show of Herbert whether he's got it together yet or not at some point or another Herbert's going to have to start earning that money and quit looking to put the blame on other people like offensive lineman look every quarterback deals with their left tackle or right tackle going out at some point you design plays to get rid of the ball fast you move in the pocket you get the job done that's why you're Elite remember

[@martin9410]

When you only have 1 1/2 to 2 seconds to throw and you only have one quality target, there is no QB that can overcome that.

[@LaoiseDeBhruin]

Josh Allen has by far a better oline & better weapons than Herbert has, and he has been terrible the last 2 games. Neither have any great x outside WR to stretch the field atm. Herbert is in a new scheme too. Herbert needs to be better overall, he's been more reckless this year but they wouldn't have scored any TD's without him the last 2 games.

[@kalvinknab5963]

You guys are younger than my 34 year old son. At 69 I feel very old. Jim Lachey was good. He didn’t stay long. The guys blocking for Fouts could pass block but weren’t good at run blocking. Marcus McNeil probably the best T in our history.

[@JoseNajera-x1r]

You didn’t witness the Air Coriel Era check it out they had an all star game with most of the offensive team

[@kalvinknab5963]

Air Coryell had no running game or defense. It was an exciting offense to watch. It just wasn’t enough.

[@ryan_hayes]

In hindsight Joe Hortiz should have resigned Keenan and let go of Joey Bosa

[@martin9410]

I'm ok with us not being a playoff team this year. We're rebuilding, almost from scratch. I just hope that the fans stay patient as we rebuild. I think we'll get to 8 or 9 wins this year, and then next year, possibly playoffs, third year, maybe Super Bowl. I mean, the coaches won't tell us it's a rebuilding year because that's not good for the fanbase. But this year we secured the defense and by draft and trades next season, we could be quite threatening.

[@JT-wp3tq]

The problem with that is Jesse Minter is too good. We have a limited window with him. Other teams are going to try to get him. We will be lucky to have him next year. What happens to the defense then?

[@bartbutkis]

😂

[@christopherwilson5213]

Th two big issues have been the interior oline being the worst in the leage thus far impacting timing and an already injured Herbert and the horrible play calling Roman has had so far. He does not use motion or slide protections correctly. Sure these up and the team should be solid!!!

[@jeffbounds7025]

Great take Bud

[@codywirth8190]

I think Herbert is missing Allen. Those two had unbelievable chemistry. We just need a Keenan level WR for this offense and that will solve so many problems with this stagnation.

[@jeffbounds7025]

Agree

[@allsense8703]

All our recievers are baby's.

[@christopherorman5769]

Sure he does. He also misses a decent passing system. But give this time. McConkey and Johnston are young and are showing continued growth. This offense will look much different week 12 then it does now -- that is how it is when you are building a team and developing talent. Stuff doesn't happen overnight sometimes.

[@allsense8703]

@@christopherorman5769 I agree

[@timothymcqueen8881]

Olivea and McNeil had great interior lineman - Nick Hardwick and Chris Dielman come to mind.

[@guadalahonky4002]

Mike Goff was stellar. Said it before, Greg Roman's failing trait is his inability to self-scout. Chargers guards are ass. OG Sam Mustipher - 37.1 TE Hayden Hurst - 43.7 OG/T Jamaree Salyer - 50.0 OG/T Trey Pipkins - 53.7 C Bradley Bozeman - 61.8 OG Zion Johnson - 59.0 Grades v. Chiefs.

[@guadalahonky4002]

Without better play at BOTH guard positions, this team is 7-9. Pipkens should have been traded or released, and Zion Johnson isn't playing up to his draft status. It's the guards. OG Sam Mustipher - 37.1 TE Hayden Hurst - 43.7 OG/T Jamaree Salyer - 50.0 OG/T Trey Pipkins - 53.7 C Bradley Bozeman - 61.8 OG Zion Johnson - 59.0 Grade v Chiefs.

[@marshallnmoonshine]

Changing this team to a Run First offense is a mistake. I thought they were just gonna balance it. But everyone lining up for an obvious run down the middle hasn’t worked this year. Yeah, it wears down the defense, but it hammers our guys too. We just need the run game to open up the passing game. We need to change our offense to Pass/Run for this year. We can slowly morph into a Run First with a few more pieces on the O-Line, but then we might as well trade away Herbert for every pro-bowl O-line player in the league.

[@jessejames6519]

1. Herbert is gonna get beat up 2. The running game is gonna get worn out 3. The defense is gonna get tired. What offense? They don't have one..

[@olivi3339]

After this break, we'll see if they can improve. Denver game will be a good test. .

[@jeffbounds7025]

Once I got past the headline, it was a great show. Thank you gentlemen

[@christopherorman5769]

Four games in and you want to talk about playoffs? We're talking about playoffs? We're not talking about the next game? We aren't talking about what team improvement and growth would look? Nope. Talking about playoffs. The team is 2-2, and you want to talk about playoffs? Not Sunday's game. Not practice. Not the health of players. Not how the bye benefited the team. But playoffs. A team coming off of a 5-12 season, with a new staff and with a lack of talent due to past drafts, and you want to talk about playoffs? Playoffs?? Really, playoffs? You cannot be serious -- playoffs?? We aren't talking about the game, but about playoffs? Come on now....

[@timothymcqueen8881]

Where is DJ Chark in his recovery?

[@joffyjoffa]

@@timothymcqueen8881 Right? 👂🏾

[@PowderBlueThunder]

🦗

[@LaoiseDeBhruin]

Only positive of Payton was Herbert wouldn't have had to learn a new playbook if they fired Staley after '22. Totally disagree with David, Broncos are getting to the QB better than the Steelers and the Broncos DB's are way better than the Steelers. Do we remember how much they pressured Herbert last year & he broke his finger that game in SoFi? Interior of this oline is surprising worse now too.

[@TheRealYoungOz]

Honestly I know we got trauma but looking how all this playing out we 6 -7th in the afc rn we gon be browns or bengals one of them and then we could beat atl we still early I think we gonna be a playoff team watching how jags dolphins and bengals been playing they were the ones to battle for those spots i also think our defense gonna carry us

[@eddieb7001]

The chargers have got to score more points. They have to score more points than they have in order to even think about making the playoffs and something has got to change, either playcalling personnel or something because if they don’t beat Denver this week I will not have faith this year to make the playoffs.

[@ritchcarcass8624]

Love you guys and love this show Refs rigged the chiefs game Steelers game was also rigged with all the Steelers friendly penalties that ultimately let to a bogus DJ suspension Just win the game you’re suposssd to win Need to improve Herbert’s usage Just come up with some plays!!!!

[@chaneystcgstore4692]

DJ Chark wouldn't start over Palmer, Ladd or Quentin so that is a non factor. We need to air it out. We can try running but if we run on first and get 2 yards, we should be throwing down 2 and 3 for atleast screens, slants, and drag routes.

[@martin9410]

throw to who?

[@LaoiseDeBhruin]

Who do you trust to catch the ball on 3rd down? If they double Ladd & QJ who's the target? They have no receiving threat at TE or RB. Harbaugh wanted a run first offense but it's bottom of the league run game at the moment, then add all the penalties, it's been v sloppy.

[@jeffbounds7025]

All speculation. Just like life, the beauty is the journey you take to the destination. People get upset about the unknown future. Just like in life you analyze, make adjustments and keep your head down and work. We will see where they are at the end of the year, no sense in getting all worked up after four weeks.

[@tonykaiser9574]

I didn’t think it was a playoff team when the season started just not enough there

[@jeffbounds7025]

It’s the toughest test because of the elevation

[@frankbettencourt9098]

Wow. You guys finally woke up.

[@Tincan53]

The Chargers won’t be anywhere near a winning record in 2024 let alone playoff bound if they can’t fix that miserable offense. The running game is all but dead when the line has to go into their backup players. Then add to that, Herbert has zero receivers that know how to get open AND catch the damn ball. The defense is nasty but they can’t win the game when they spend more time on the field than the offense. It just won’t work.

[@kevinlee8935]

It may not have been in the past needing to get more out of our quarterback but it sure as heck is now so what kind of offense does Herbert need Daniel, wow we just make excuse after excuse after excuse for Herbert what's up

[@allsense8703]

Your another troll clearly

[@allsense8703]

I'm seeing your comments everywhere

[@vileproductions8511]

zions been an issue in pass blocking for a while .. How many games going back to last year does pressure come from the interior at CRITICAL moments at herbert gets sacked ? … TOO MANY… i’m over this jnterior , id let zion and tre both walk , bozeman was always a stop gap .

[@garyroberts2563]

The incredible shrinking offense.

[@vileproductions8511]

hearing storm norton and trent scott literally almost made me throw up . They were SO bad.

[@scottzundel3870]

I don't think they will make the playoffs and they won't have a winning record. I am thinking 6-10 to 8-9. I support Harbaugh. There is much less talent on this team than fans realize and they made a mistake in keeping Bosa and losing Williams or Allen. This is now two years in a row where Herbert is injured and ineffective for a significant number of games. His high ankle sprain will limit his effectivnesss all year. There 2024 draft was no better than Telesco's last 3-4 drafts.

[@xXkatchillaXx]

red chargers hat???

[@ianbalauro6739]

Were not a play off team right now..we're rebuilding!! Wake up people..just enjoy the ride.. dont be delusional

[@jaredharian-hodges2045]

Marcus McNeil, Parker, Oben

[@kalvinknab5963]

Williams is a load to stop, and the offense can’t turn the ball over. Denver is beatable.

[@ritchcarcass8624]

Daniel why don’t you ever wear a Chargers hat??????????

[@jasonpacific5661]

That thumbnail title sucked!! NO PLAYOFFS? Made me and friends not want to click at all. We are fans.

[@jeffbounds7025]

@@jasonpacific5661 fully agree! Get rid of those titles, I watched all the other pods before I watched that one because of the title

[@jamesf6850]

It’s very realistic that we miss the playoffs. Thumb and title are on point, this offense sucks and I am a fan too.

[@jeffbounds7025]

@@jamesf6850 it’s possible that any team misses the playoffs. If you want viewers, you shouldn’t put no playoffs as your heading

[@jamesf6850]

@@jeffbounds7025 Yet you still clicked on the video.

[@danielfernandez2799]

You do realize there has not been a playoff game at Sofi yet right?

[@joffyjoffa]

Imagaine if Herbert gets cooking and the run game and defense is constantly improving. We would be INSANELY dangerous. No matter what anyone says I KNOW Herbert want to get more into a rhythm out there 😄 n order to play more like himself injury aside ofcoure.

[@kevinlee8935]

That's true problem is is Herbert hasn't been cooking for over 2 years

[@joffyjoffa]

@@kevinlee8935 I have to agree with this sadly 🤷🏽‍♂️. It just doesn't look the same he played with a different edge and consistency years prior which is what brought out his TRUE talent. Even when he runs with the ball it doesn't look the same. He is much faster than Mahomes BTW. I'm just not seeing him do the things that made him ELITE like we know he is or can be.

[@allsense8703]

​@@kevinlee8935 he cooked last year before the injury. Our record just wasn't good.

[@joffyjoffa]

@@allsense8703 No he did NOT look it up. Our FIRST game with all of our guys and a healthy Herbert was getting destroyed by the dolphins. Look up the number sir. We already know how good he is but he has to get back to it 🤷🏽‍♂️. He is a top 5 QB in my opinion and can make ANY throw ANY QB can make Mahomes said it himself.

[@allsense8703]

@@joffyjoffa are you okay, in his third game he passed for over 400 yards 40 of 47 completed passes which has never been done before and still hasn't. You alright bud, winning isn't only on one person. Football is a team game

[@johncreel5048]

Herbert can't throw a touch pass, often can't hit the side of a barn, misses as much time as he plays, has to fake his passion, frequently never sees wide open receivers. Great QBs elevate WRs. Herbert elevates no one. Turns out it was Allen and Williams elevating him. Lose one, he struggled. Now that he's lost both, he's been exposed. Harbaugh has to already be looking to draft Herbert's replacement. He's too good of a coach not to.

[@allsense8703]

Troll

[@beezyru6055]

Herbert is elite he has proving that since his first start he needs a sec or two more in the pocket and the offense will be fine

[@kalvinknab5963]

Payton is overrated. Brees made Sean look better than he really was.

[@michaelbell75]

I said it after the draft and I’ll say it again, this is a 5-6 win team. You arent winning anything in the NFL in 2024 with a power run team offensive game plan from the 1970s. The ONLY reason it worked with Roman and Harbaugh in SF was Kap, a running QB. The ONLY reason it worked for Roman in Baltimore was Lamar, a running QB. This offense will not work with Justin Herbert, who needs a clean pocket and both feet planted to be effective. Not to mention that Herbert has regressed badly since 2022.

[@allsense8703]

Keep copy and pasting on every charger video troll

[@michaelbell75]

@@allsense8703 keep stalking me creeper

[@Jcota86]

⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@HOUSEOFHIXON]

🤘💙💪💙⚡️

[@jeffcandelaria3399]

😢😢

[@scalways]

F Spanos 😂 no one cares about this dumpster fire.