The offensive line of the Los Angeles Chargers has historically been a weak point for the team. However, with the appointment of head coach Jim Harbaugh and the addition of offensive tackle Joe Alt, there’s a renewed sense of optimism that the Chargers will significantly improve their standing in the NFL offensive line rankings for the 2024 season.
At the conclusion of the 2023 season, the Chargers were ranked 16th in Pro Football Focus’ offensive line rankings. This ranking was based on the assumption of having the best lineup, including left tackle Rashawn Slater and center Corey Linsley. Unfortunately, due to injuries to both of these key starters, the team’s performance suffered considerably last season.
In the 2023 regular season, Los Angeles ranked 20th in PFF’s Pass Blocking Efficiency with a score of 83.9. They allowed the 10th-most pressures (204) and the sixth-most quarterback hits (39). With the arrival of Harbaugh and his coaching staff, expectations for the 2024 season were naturally heightened.
Although All-Pro center Linsley has retired, Slater will be back at left tackle, and Alt is set to join as the starting right tackle for the Chargers offensive line. Additionally, the team acquired Bradley Bozeman to step in immediately for Linsley at center. Competition for the right guard position in 2024 will likely involve Jamaree Salyer and potentially Trey Pipkins.
The adjustments within the unit suggest that players such as Bozeman and Alt will require time to establish chemistry with their new teammates on the line. Additionally, there might be a learning curve for Pipkins due to a potential position switch. Nevertheless, NFL analysts are expressing considerable optimism about the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line for the 2024 season.
In PFN’s NFL offensive line rankings for 2024, the Chargers secured the 14th spot. This ranking positions them as above-average in the NFL, fueling optimism that the combination of Slater and Alt could evolve into one of the premier tackle duos in the league.
Here are the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line statistics according to Pro Football Focus:
– 2023: 204 pressures allowed (10th most), 39 hits allowed (7th most), 27 sacks allowed (10th most)
– 2022: 201 pressures allowed (3rd most), 45 hits allowed (2nd most), 20 sacks allowed (18th most)
– 2021: 160 pressures allowed (13th fewest), 30 hits allowed (13th most), 21 sacks allowed (16th most)
These stats provide insights into the performance of the Chargers’ offensive line over the past three seasons, highlighting areas of improvement or concern in terms of pass protection.
Despite variations in rankings, there’s significant optimism surrounding the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line for the 2024 season. According to FTN Fantasy’s NFL offensive line rankings, the Chargers secured the 11th spot, with analyst Dan Fornek expressing considerable hope for the unit’s performance. Fornek even anticipates that the Chargers’ offensive line has the potential to emerge as a top-five unit as the season progresses.
Matt Bitonti of Football Guys is particularly bullish on the Chargers’ front, placing them eighth in his NFL offensive line rankings. This ranking positions them just behind the New York Jets and ahead of teams like the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers, reflecting a positive outlook for the Chargers heading into the summer.
It’s acknowledged that the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive line might not crack the top 10 in the NFL rankings right out of the gate in September. Alt will likely require several months to acclimate to his role at right tackle, particularly at the professional level, and the interior offensive line is expected to be closer to average than exceptional. However, the key factor is time.
With the guidance of offensive line coach Mike Devlin, assistant offensive line coach Nick Hardwick, and the support of a strong running game alongside an elite quarterback leading the charge, the Chargers’ offensive line should progressively improve as the season unfolds. By November, there’s confidence that a fully healthy front five will establish themselves among the top 10 in NFL offensive line rankings. This improvement will translate into better protection for Justin Herbert, resulting in a more consistent offensive performance.
