The Chargers embracing an reverse strategy in play-calling — transferring away from a run-heavy philosophy — left many bemused throughout their season-opening win over the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in Brazil.
Justin Herbert was given free rein to showcase his arm, firing go after go towards the defending AFC champions. This strategy hinged on belief; not essentially in Herbert’s skill, however in his receivers’ capabilities.
“It’s all about having a clear mind and trust,” Quentin Johnston mentioned. “Trusting the play call, and then trusting yourself to get open. Trusting Justin that the ball will be in the right place when you get open.”
A byproduct of studying a brand new system final 12 months, with younger receivers thrust into pivotal roles, Herbert and his wideouts appeared out of sync at occasions, whether or not from a scarcity of belief, chemistry or rhythm.
With Week 1 as a litmus check, the dynamic appeared a lot improved, thanks to a different 12 months of bonding with Johnston and Ladd McConkey and the added reliability of a returning Keenan Allen.
“We were all really close last year and bonded well, so this is just a continuation,” McConkey mentioned. “We know the offense. We have a year under our belt with it, and now we can play more freely, be ourselves.”
A gaggle of “regular guys,” as McConkey places it, the bond has solely grown stronger because the connection off the sector has grown by means of seaside volleyball units, informal board recreation periods and rounds of golf.
“Everybody comes in with a positive attitude,” Johnston mentioned. “Never a dull moment with us. Always in the meeting room, just bouncing ideas off each other. I’m having fun on the field, between plays, cracking jokes.”
Chargers large receiver Keenan Allen, proper, celebrates with Ladd McConkey, heart, and Quentin Johnston after making a landing catch towards the Chiefs on Sept. 5.
(Buda Mendes / Getty Photos)
That camaraderie has been most vivid in occasions of adversity.
As a rookie in 2023, Johnston was a lightning rod for ridicule on social media for his inconsistent performances — significantly drops — with many anticipating extra from a former first-round choose.
However after making two landing catches in one of the best prime-time efficiency of his three-year profession in Brazil, Johnston was showered with positivity.
Herbert referred to as Johnston a “special player” and would proceed to “find ways to get him the ball, because good things happen.” McConkey added that “there’s nobody better” when Johnston is enjoying with confidence.
“First thing that jumps into my mind is, ‘In your face,’” mentioned coach Jim Harbaugh, referring to Johnston’s critics. “If I were Quentin, that’s what I’d be saying, so allow me to say it for him.”
Chargers large receiver Quentin Johnston (1) celebrates with Ladd McConkey (15) and Omarion Hampton after scoring a landing towards the Chiefs on Sept. 5.
(Buda Mendes / Getty Photos)
For Johnston, assist from Harbaugh and his teammates means all the pieces to him.
“These are the guys I come to work with, and go to war with every day. So to have the main dude on the team just be there, always uplift me, it feels good.”
With Johnston, McConkey and Allen, Herbert has a formidable arsenal. The trio had been focused on 26 of his 34 go makes an attempt they usually mixed for 221 yards and three touchdowns on 20 receptions.
“Those guys, especially on third down, they came in clutch,” Herbert mentioned. “To have Q, Ladd, Keenan, those guys make plays on third down. It’s only going to help our offense.”
When the Chargers wanted an opening-drive rating, Johnston hauled in a go behind the tip zone. With the offense seeking to lengthen the lead earlier than the half, McConkey made an acrobatic first-down catch. And after they wanted to maintain an important fourth-quarter drive, Allen picked up simply sufficient yardage to maintain it alive after simply scoring considered one of his personal.
All on third down.
For Allen, clutch execution has change into anticipated, even at 33. All-Professional security Derwin James Jr. coined the phrase “Third and Keenan,” a standout soundbite from James’ mic’d-up audio through the recreation.
“I was trying to express to them [the young guys] what it means having a guy like that,” James mentioned.
From what James noticed through the opener, the phrase might lengthen past Allen: “It can be ‘Third and Ladd too.’ You want to double Keenan, Ladd’s gonna do the same thing.”
With a decade extra expertise than the next-longest-tenured wideout, Allen has been a properly of information.
“He’s made a big difference,” Johnston mentioned. “He’s a Chargers legend. So, having a guy like that to look up to and bounce ideas off is always good.”
Because the group continues to feed off one another, Allen gave excessive reward to what could possibly be his closing receiving corps.
“I’ve been in some solid receiver rooms — this one’s right up there,” Allen mentioned.
