2023 NFL Power Rankings: Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers' defense has been the Achilles' heel for three seasons under coach Brandon Staley, and those frustrations were apparent when he scolded a reporter a week ago for asking whether he would consider significant changes to the defense. The unit is allowing the most passing yards per game in the league (280). The offense led by QB Justin Herbert has been the bright spot, consistently among the league's highest-scoring units. Meanwhile, the Chargers' special teams got a boost this year from rookie Derius Davis, who is second in the league in average yards per punt return (16.3) and returned a punt for a score in Week 8. -- Kris Rhim

With WRs Mike Williams and Josh Palmer out, the opportunity has been there for first-round pick Quentin Johnston to grab a share of the offense. But outside of some brief flashes, Johnston has been a disappointment. After a drop and a visit to the medical tent against the Ravens on Sunday night, Johnston never reentered a close, winnable game. Likewise, Michael Davis has had a clear chance to show he was worth the $25 million extension the team signed him to a few years ago, with the J.C. Jackson disaster ending via Jackson's trade to the Patriots. But on Sunday, Davis sat in favor of Deane Leonard. We can talk about coaching until we're (Chargers) blue in the face, but we'd need to have an earnest conversation about personnel, too. The 4-7 record can't all be blamed on Brandon Staley.

They turned the ball over four times against the Ravens to pretty much seal their playoff fate. They aren't out of it, but it's close to the end.

Sunday night, OLB Khalil Mack joined late Hall of Famer Kevin Greene as the only players to record at least a dozen sacks in a season for three different teams.

Best case: Ben Johnson

The Chargers were flagged for having 12 men on the field on their first defensive snap Sunday night, which may be their only hope defensively. Los Angeles is last in the league in defense (390.6 ypg allowed), and Justin Herbert's talents are being wasted. Herbert is fifth in the league in EPA per attempt (.19) and ninth in passing yards (2,826). Herbert needs an offensive-minded head coach, and the Lions' offensive coordinator looks like the perfect match. The problem is the Panthers might outspend the Chargers for Johnson.

This is the second week in a row I wouldn't have been surprised to wake up to the news that Brandon Staley has been fired. Maybe the Chargers don't see the value in doing that with so many games left. But unless a miracle rally is on the horizon, you've got to assume that news is coming eventually.

In four games since the Chargers lost Josh Palmer to a knee injury, first-round draft pick Quentin Johnston's role increased and he responded with nine catches for 76 yards. This has been a lost season and he has been such a non-factor, it's fair to wonder if he can become a viable starter in the future.

At some point, it's fair to have the conversation as to whether Justin Herbert is a franchise quarterback.

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