Jim Harbaugh's first win with the Chargers shows one big factor he brings to the table
When the Los Angeles Chargers decided to hire Jim Harbaugh as the team's head coach to replace Brandon Staley, the team bought the entire package. That includes leadership, eventually some type of controversy, but mostly a well-coached, motivated team. One of the main characteristics of Harbaugh's work is the offensive running game. In each of […]
When the Los Angeles Chargers decided to hire Jim Harbaugh as the team's head coach to replace Brandon Staley, the team bought the entire package. That includes leadership, eventually some type of controversy, but mostly a well-coached, motivated team.
One of the main characteristics of Harbaugh's work is the offensive running game. In each of his four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, they had a top 10 offense in rushing yards. And based on what the Chargers showed against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, they are on track to be effective running the ball once again.
J.K. Dobbins has barely played in the NFL because of multiple injuries. On Sunday, he had 135 yards and a touchdown in 10 carries. More than the volume numbers, it was an extremely efficient performance.
After that, Harbaugh showed another of his attributes: The ability to motivate and value what his players do.
"I didn't like J.K.'s performance. I loved it in all ways," Harbaugh said.
Dobbins' big game included two explosive plays for 46 and 61 yards. Just in these two players, the former Baltimore Ravens running back generated 99 rushing yards over expected, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
"The culture is already here," Harbaugh added. "Me and all the new guys, we stepped into it. We're the lucky ones. The culture here is work."
The Chargers finished week 1 as the ninth best team in the league in expected points added per run play. Now, the challenge is to be more consistent and rely less on big plays. In terms of success rate, the Chargers were only 24th.
Offensive Greg Roman called 23 run plays. Beyond the 10 with Dobbins, they had 11 with Gus Edwards and two with wide receiver/gadget offensive weapon Derius Davis. Quarterback Justin Herbert threw the ball 26 times, completing 17 passes for 144 yards, a touchdown, and no picks. Herbert also had four runs for six yards.
Next Sunday, the Chargers have another chance to put together a huge rushing performance. The Carolina Panthers are the opponent, and they gave up 180 rushing yards (4.86 per attempt) to the New Orleans Saints in week 1.
Chargers reveal priceless locker room reaction from Jim Harbaugh’s first win of the 2024 season
You need to watch his passion.
