The Chargers kick off training camp Wednesday morning, and let me tell you, there’s a buzz around El Segundo that hasn’t been there in a minute. Head coach Jim Harbaugh is about to drop his first insights, but everyone knows the real story unfolds on the field. With new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary stepping in, things are gonna look different, and fast. McDaniel’s set to revamp that offense with his creative run scheme, while O’Leary’s putting his stamp on a defense that’s still got some Jesse Minter roots. But the biggest questions? They’re all about the roster, and honestly, they’ve gotta get some answers before camp wraps.
The Ground Game Is Getting Real
This is where it all starts. For too long, Justin Herbert has been carrying that offense on his back, and frankly, it’s not sustainable. Last season, Kimani Vidal led the backfield with 643 rushing yards and four total touchdowns. Omarion Hampton, a first-round pick, battled injuries, only playing nine games, but still stacked up 545 yards and five total touchdowns. And get this: Herbert was the *third-leading rusher* with 498 yards and two scores. That’s just wild. McDaniel coming in changes the game for the ground attack. His offenses in Miami consistently put up numbers, no matter who was toting the rock. Plus, they snagged Keaton Mitchell in free agency, who was buried behind Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson in Baltimore but consistently exploded for big plays when he got a chance. Establishing that three-man rotation, Hampton as the lead back, with Vidal and Mitchell carving out meaningful roles, is gonna be priority number one. This is how Herbert finally gets some breathing room.
Linebackers, Wideouts, And Who Steps Up
Then there’s the defense, specifically at linebacker. Denzel Perryman has been the starter next to Daiyan Henley since Harbaugh got there, and when he’s healthy, he’s one of their best run defenders. But “when healthy” is the problem, right? He missed six games in 2024 and another seven in 2025. You just can’t have that kind of inconsistency at such a crucial spot. Troy Dye, Marlowe Wax, and Del’Shawn Phillips all contributed last season, but the big hope was Junior Colson, who starred under Harbaugh at Michigan. Injuries have totally slowed his development, and camp needs to show where he stands. Can anyone truly challenge Perryman for that starting gig? And don’t even get me started on wide receiver. With Keenan Allen out of the picture, it’s a huge question mark. Quentin Johnston is now the longest-tenured receiver in that room, which tells you everything about how young and unproven that group is. Someone’s gotta step up.
So yeah, the Chargers have their work cut out for them starting Wednesday. It’s not just about getting reps in, it’s about figuring out who these guys really are and if they can build a true identity. What happens on that practice field over the next few weeks is gonna tell us everything about whether this team can finally put the pieces together. Get ready, because the answers start coming in fast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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