Kevin Szafraniec looks at the Chargers’ first season under Jim Harbaugh and outlines some hidden offensive trends that could lead to Justin Herbert and the passing game taking a step forward in 2025.
From 2011 to 2014, Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman created a powerhouse in San Francisco, compiling a 44-19-1 regular-season record and making one Super Bowl appearance. However, it is not just what the duo accomplished, but how they did it. In their 2012 Super Bowl season, Roman ushered in a new era of the rushing quarterback by unleashing Colin Kaepernick as the centerpiece of the 49ers’ offense.
Since his time in San Francisco, Roman has consistently designed some of the best rushing offenses in the league. He guided both Buffalo and Baltimore to multiple seasons as the top rushing offense in the league, with his offenses never falling out of the top three in rushing yards across his six seasons with the Ravens and Bills.
Once Harbaugh headed back to the NFL, he naturally reconnected with the offensive coordinator with whom he had found so much success in San Francisco. The return of Roman’s ground-and-pound attack was to be expected during their first year in Los Angeles, and the coaching duo made good on replicating their glory days with the 49ers. However, the presence of Justin Herbert also presented Roman with a QB the likes of which he has never had before. While Herbert can tuck the ball and run, his greatest strength is being one of the most gifted passers in the league.
Although the Chargers’ surface-level numbers largely resembled those of Roman’s past offenses, 2024 also introduced some trends that could lead to an uncharacteristic increase in passing volume. After Roman displayed some tendencies that suggest he is willing to lean into the passing game more, should fantasy managers be buying in to Herbert’s return to elite QB status, or will the trends turn out to be nothing more than an outlier for a coach who has made his reputation by designing dominant rushing attacks?
AFC North
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- Cleveland Browns: There are Gems to be Found on Kevin Stefanski’s Offense If You Know Where to Look
AFC South
- Houston Texans: Why New Weapons and a New Scheme Will Lead to a C.J. Stroud Bounceback
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 2025 Represents Trevor Lawrence’s Best Chance Yet to Reach His Ceiling
AFC East
- Miami Dolphins: Whose Fantasy Arrows Are Pointing Up on a Miami Offense Heading in the Opposite Direction?
- New York Jets: A Shift in Offensive Philosophy Could Result in Breece Hall and Isaiah Davis Forming the Best Backfield in the AFC
AFC West
NFC North
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- Green Bay Packers: Why The NFL’s Most Complete Roster is Finally About to Get the Attention It Deserves
NFC South
NFC East
- Philadelphia Eagles: Why Small Changes Could Lead to Even Bigger Fantasy Scoring in 2025
- Dallas Cowboys: A New Offensive Direction is Exactly What Dak Prescott Needs to Get Back on Track
NFC West
- San Francisco 49ers: Make Sure You Are Rostering The Next Wave of Stars in Kyle Shanahan’s Offense
- Arizona Cardinals: Why Kyler Murray Will Overcome His Doubters and Return to His Elite Ways
Jim Harbaugh Delivers in Year 1
Harbaugh ushered in quite a turnaround in his first season as Chargers’ head coach, taking a team that finished with the fifth-worst record in 2023 to the playoffs a year later. While the three additional points per game on offense were a welcome sight, the defense improved by nearly double that amount, surrendering almost a full touchdown less per game than they had the year prior.
