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How Quentin Johnston could make Chargers' offense 'impossible' to defend | Sporting News

The Sporting News · Matt Sullivan · 2026-09-04T17:00:37+00:00 · nguồn gốc

The Los Angeles Chargers have not made many significant changes to the offensive personnel this offseason, though the additions of Keaton Mitchell and David Njoku should help round out the offense. With Mike McDaniel now calling the shots for the Chargers offense, this team could field one of the league's best offenses. But there are a few things that need to happen if the Chargers want to get there. One, according to ESPN's Ben Solak, is for Quentin Johnston to have a big 2026 season. Solak believes that if Johnston can thrive in McDaniel's offense, the Chargers could be a nearly impossible offense to defend against. Quentin Johnston can help make Chargers impossible to defend "The McDaniel offense is among the league's best at creating YAC for speedy athletes, and Johnston will benefit from those targets over the middle," Solak writes. "... If Johnston delivers this year, the Chargers will put secondaries in an impossible bind." While the Chargers receiver has had a shaky NFL career thus far, especially when it comes to his downfield receiving ability, this could be his big breakout season. Justin Herbert is one of the NFL's best passers, and McDaniel is one of the NFL's best play-callers and designers. This could be a match made in heaven for the Chargers, and Johnston could be key to unlocking the full potential of this offense. MORE: Raiders name Kirk Cousins as Week 1 starter over Fernando Mendoza Those downfield shots to Johnston are going to be important for the Chargers to hit more consistently in 2026, as if they do find more success, this offense is going to be an impossible one to defend. Ladd McConkey is a good No. 1 receiver, and the Chargers have a few other solid playmakers on offense that will dictate how the 2026 season goes. Even the offensive line, especially at left guard, will play a major role. But the most important player for the Chargers is Quentin Johnston. The ceiling of the 2026 Chargers offense is, in Solak's opinion, going to be decided by Johnston. He doesn't need to have a 1,000-yard season, but Johnston does need to put together a breakout year and give the Chargers the field-stretching ability in the WR room they've been eagerly awaiting for Johnston to finally turn into over the last three years. More NFL news: - Why Browns are making a massive mistake with Deshaun Watson as QB1 over Shedeur Sanders - Patriots and Christian Gonzalez are still far apart on contract extension talks - Packers ‘motivated’ to sign Tucker Kraft to long-term extension - Texans prepared to offer C.J. Stroud a $50M plus contract extension - Eagles sign former Cowboys RB draft pick Jaydon Blue to practice squad