Entering the 2024 season, some people are very high on the Los Angeles Chargers, and for good reason. After all, the Bolts aren’t a team that lacks for talent – that’s for sure.
Justin Herbert has the potential to be a top-three quarterback in the league. And he’s just one piece of the puzzle that is already in place.
Of course, the biggest storyline is the arrival of new head coach Jim Harbaugh. You’d be hard-pressed to find too many people who don’t think Harbaugh will be a near-instant success in LA.
For most, it’s not a question of if, but when…
Don’t get me wrong. No one is handing the Lombardi Trophy over to Harbaugh and the Bolts just yet. After all, they play in a brutal division and are surely in for a few bumps in the road.
Following a disappointing 5-12 record last year, expectations for the Chargers have soared under Harbaugh’s leadership. The focus in training camp is on continual improvement, with Harbaugh emphasizing a day-by-day approach to the game.
“I have a keen awareness of the division we’re playing in and who we’re playing against,” Harbaugh said. “The expectation is to be better today than we were yesterday, and to be better tomorrow than we were today.
“If it goes good, it’s because of their willingness to put in the work. If it goes bad, then I’m a bad manager.”
Speaking of that tough AFC West, Harbaugh is relying on some old advice to keep him focused as he prepares the team to take on the mighty division which is led by Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Let’s put it in the words of Jackie Harbaugh … The best advice I’ve ever heard comes from my mother: One play at a time. One game at a time. One day at a time. And that’s up to all of us,” Harbaugh said.
“The challenges are daily, you know. That’s what all these guys are in the business of doing. Meeting challenges. What’s next? That’s the nature of this business.”
While the Chargers are not dwelling on high expectations, their focus is firmly on incremental progress. Harbaugh believes that by winning each day, the overarching goals will take care of themselves.
One of the critical factors for the Chargers’ success this season will be the health of Herbert. Currently recovering from a foot injury sustained during practice, Herbert is diligently working towards being ready for the regular season opener.
“Even with the preference that he was able to practice, he’s not,” Harbaugh said. “So, let’s not think about that. Let’s think about all the things we can do. And he’s into anything and everything to get himself ready for that opening day.”
“Not all work is being done on the practice field,” Harbaugh said. “That’s really a small part of the day. Significant. Very significant. But there’s much being done in terms of mental reps, film work, building a rapport.
“Justin’s really grown to a place in his career where he’s not just leading the offense. It’s team-wide. He’s been incredible at it the entire time. I can go back to mid-April. He’s got a tremendous grasp on the offense.”
All in all, it’s hard to ignore the fact that things are looking up for the Chargers – and Harbaugh is a major reason why.
What are your expectations for Big Jim and the Bolts this season???