Last year at this time, the Los Angeles Chargers had plenty of hope that they would be a legitimate contender for the Super Bowl after some key additions to their defense.
Instead, they suffered through an injury-riddled season and blew a 27-0 lead in the Wild Card round of the playoffs to the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars.
In addition to injuries, a big problem Los Angeles had in 2022 was the lack of a true speed threat that could stretch the field vertically.
But wide receiver Quentin Johnston, the No. 21 pick in this year’s draft, could be that speed threat they have needed.
A video posted by Dov Kleiman showed Johnston making a nice catch from quarterback Justin Herbert during a team practice.
Video: #Chargers QB Justin Herbert finds 1st round pick WR Quentin Johnston for a Toe-Drag catch.pic.twitter.com/uN7jzfcHqI
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 14, 2023
In his third and final season at Texas Christian University in 2022, Johnston posted 1,069 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 17.8 yards per catch.
If he pans out, he could even make life easier on Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers’ two main threats at wideout, by making defensive backs follow him deep downfield and giving the two more room on short and intermediate pass attempts.
The team also has a new offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore, who is expected to open up the field vertically for their players and take advantage of Herbert’s ultra-strong throwing arm.
Moore comes from the Dallas Cowboys, where he oversaw one of the NFL’s more productive offenses over the last four years.
Combined with good health, the Chargers are hoping this new approach on offense will result in, at a minimum, their most successful season in years.
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