The Los Angeles Chargers entered the 2024 season with high expectations, bolstered by the otherworldly talent of quarterback Justin Herbert. Through the first 12 weeks, they’ve showcased an offense capable of scoring at will—in the first half, at least. But as the games have worn on, the Chargers have consistently seen their offensive potency evaporate.
A Tale of Two Halves
The numbers paint a stark picture of the Chargers’ second-half struggles. In the first half of games this season, they rank second in the NFL in points per game and yard per game. Herbert has looked every bit the MVP candidate, slinging the ball all over the field and leading the charge on multiple scoring drives.
But something changes when the teams head to the locker room. In the second half, the Chargers plummet to 30th in points per game and 31st in yards. The offense that seemed unstoppable suddenly can’t sustain drives or find the end zone. It’s a troubling trend that has cost them in close games.
“It’s definitely something we need to figure out,” Herbert acknowledged after a recent loss. “We know we’re capable of putting up points and moving the ball. We just have to find a way to carry that over to the second half.”
Searching for Answers
Head coach Brandon Staley and offensive coordinator Greg Roman have faced increasing scrutiny as the second-half woes have mounted. Are opponents making successful halftime adjustments? Is the play-calling too conservative? Are the Chargers getting away from what works?
The coaching staff has been working overtime to diagnose and solve the issue. “Everything is on the table,” Staley told reporters. “We’re looking at the scheme, the personnel groupings, how we’re practicing, all of it. We have too much talent to be this stagnant in the second half.”
The Road Ahead
With the regular season entering its final stretch, the pressure is mounting on the Chargers to find a solution. They currently sit just outside the playoff picture, and continuing to collapse offensively in the second half could be the difference between playing into January or watching from home.
The schedule won’t do them any favors, with matchups against defensive stalwarts like the 49ers and Chiefs still to come. But if the Chargers can recapture some of their first-half magic—and sustain it for a full 60 minutes—they have the firepower to beat anyone.
Herbert remains confident that the offense will find its rhythm. “We have the talent, we have the scheme,” he said. “It’s just a matter of execution and maintaining that aggressive mentality no matter what the score is or what time is on the clock.”
The Chargers’ season hangs in the balance, and the clock is ticking. Can they solve the mystery of their disappearing offense before it’s too late? The next few weeks will tell the tale.
